It wasnât until that moment that I realized how hard and bitter the years in the Marrow family had been for her. When I found her, she was so fragile that a gust of wind could seemingly knock her over. Her complexion bore the marks of long-term malnutrition. Calluses adorned her hands, a testament to years of arduous, heavy labor. What pained me the most were the numerous bruises, both old and fresh, scattered across her body. It became evident that, despite enduring hunger, sleep deprivation, and being denied an education, she was still subjected to various forms of physical abuse by those two from the Marrow family under the flimsiest of pretexts!
All those years, the money I gave them was squandered by Nigel on gambling. Not a penny was spent on Neera! The reason they resisted letting me take her away was twofold: fear of their deeds being exposed, and a desire to continue using Neera as a tool for extortion! I also learned that the reason they didnât take her in, when she had nothing and nowhere to go, was due to the Garcia family. They anticipated her being driven out and, with ruthless intent, gave the Marrow family a large sum of money, forbidding them from sheltering her!
Of course, the Garcia family is no more, and there are no witnesses to this matter. But if you wish to verify the truth of my words, a simple examination of the Marrow familyâs accounts will reveal all.
Following that revelation, I took Neera away and left the country. I had contemplated revealing the entire truth to her, but it seemed excessively harsh. I didnât want her to endure more suffering, so Iâve maintained silence on the matter. However, Neera proved to be much stronger and more resilient than I had envisioned. I knew she harbored resentment towards the Marrow family, and understandably so.
Anyone treated in such a manner would find it hard to feel gratitude. Yet, even in the face of such mistreatment, Neera didnât completely sever ties with the Marrow family. Instead, as she became financially capable, she sent funds to them multiple times.
When I asked her why she chose to repay malice with kindness, to be a saint, her response was calm.
Regardless of how the Marrow family treated her, they provided her with sustenance, enabling her to survive. This undeniable fact couldnât be erased. In repaying them, she fulfilled her duty, finding inner peace, and no longer felt indebted to the Marrow family. Hearing this, my heart ached for her. I became even more hesitant to reveal the truth. I couldnât fathom the extent of her heartbreak upon learning the reality. But now, with the situation escalated, Nigel and Maggie, observing Neeraâs success, want to exploit her, persistently harassing her and concocting various excuses to extort money. Neera, vexed but unwilling to make a scene, endured their antics. However, she didnât anticipate these two to unveil their true, malevolent colors. They are simply undeserving of the title âhuman!â
Adriana concluded her written statement with unwavering resolve, stating: I simply canât stomach this indignity. With the Marrow family devoid of any sense of shame, thereâs nothing left for me to conceal. I will unravel the events of that year, step by step, in the hope that everyone will open their eyes and not succumb to illusions. I implore you to cease the online attacks on innocent individuals. Neera is a good-
hearted girl, my dearest niece, and I wonât stand to see her endure further harm. This is the truth, and I extend an invitation to any skeptics to scrutinize the facts. Letâs clear Neera name!
Accompanying this text was a photograph.
The accompanying photo captured a moment at the airport, when Adriana had just found Neera.
After two days of rest and recuperation, Neera had shed the disheveled appearance. She stood next to Adriana, looking pristine and rejuvenated, akin to an unsullied flower.
However, her slender frame and pale complexion betrayed the harsh treatment she had endured.
Anyone with discerning eyes could sense the ordeal she had faced.
Neera spared only a fleeting glance at the photo before refocusing on the extensive confession.
Her eyes grew warmer, and a sour sensation filled her nose. She took deep breaths, struggling to rein in her emotions.
Yet, an overwhelming swell of feelings consumed her heart.
Beside her, as Jean finished reading, his face darkened gradually. His expression turned solemn, and beyond the coldness in his eyes, a profound sense of heartache lingered.
When he found out about Neeraâs past, Jeanâs heart swelled with pity, and now, gazing at her expressionless but beautiful face, it seemed as if his heart had been shredded.
He couldnât fathom how this seemingly delicate woman endured the hardships of the past.
How resilient must one be to endure those days?
His lips twitched, as if trying to speak, but his voice remained trapped in his throat, unable to form words.
In Neeraâs heart, a surge of emotions welled up, finally finding resolution to the doubts that had lingered.
âBefore, I never understood why the Marrow family would take me in, despite their evident disdain.
They treated me as if I were a burden, wishing I had never entered their lives. Yet, they chose to keep me under their roof, providing me a place to live for so many years. Now, it turns out, it was because of thisâ¦â
With her doubts dispelled, a profound sense of relief flooded Neeraâs heart.
The source of her previous unease now became clear. She had struggled to understand why, despite Maggie and Nigelâs despicable actions, she still tolerated them, believing they had provided her with a means to survive. This justification had prompted her to endure their mistreatment and even find solace in supporting them financially.
However, the unexpected revelation that they had accepted money from Adriana years ago lifted the last burden from Neeraâs heart.
A sudden smile played on her lips, and a soft laughter escaped her. âSo thatâs how what happenedâ¦
Aunt Adriana is quite something, making me so anxious. In reality, these things mean nothing to me.
The truth, compared to the uncertainty, brings me much more joy.â
In stark contrast to Neeraâs composed reaction, Wrennâs response was profoundly different. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry. âMy dear girl, youâve endured so much hardship, yet you always keep silent. I knew your past was difficult, but I never imagined it was this painful. How can you always be so strong, handling everything on your own, never sharing your grievances with othersâ¦â
Her words came in bursts, and suddenly, she enveloped Neera in an embrace. âFrom now on, the Beauvort family is your family. We will never let you be wronged again. Anyone who dares to bully you, we wonât let them off!â
Neera, initially taken aback, laughed gently. She patted Wrennâs back, saying, âItâs all in the past;
everything is okay now.â
Standing to the side, lan also experienced a profound sense of relief, his emotions stirred. Excitement tinged his voice as he spoke, âMrs. Beauvort, compared to Mr. and Mrs. Marrowâs unfounded accusations, your auntâs statement is solid evidence. Public opinion has already shifted. There are people rallying behind you, questioning the Marrow couple, and openly criticizing them. The internet is abuzz right now.â
With a playful lift of her eyebrow, Neera clicked on the trending comments. As anticipated, as she casually scrolled through, a multitude of opinions caused a commotion, the thread extending remarkably long.
Geez, I warned you guys, didnât I? Donât pick sides too early. Now, youâre all being slapped in the face!
Whatâs the deal⦠Werenât the adoptive parents sticking to their guns? What went down? Howâd things flip all of a sudden?
I missed the buzz when it was sizzling. Can someone clue me in on what went down?
Why am I out of the loop just because I grabbed lunch? Werenât you guys throwing shade at Neera not too long ago? Whyâs everyone suddenly feeling for her now?
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