Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Should Leanne blame her? She wasn’t even sure herself.

If Leanne blamed Mary, she had to acknowledge Mary’s good intentions and desire to shelter and love her.

But if Leanne didn’t blame Mary, maybe Leanne wouldn’t have needed to marry Curtis, compelled by the words of a so-called guru, talking about fate and karmic obstacles.

She had been on the verge of breaking free from the Richardson family, her path with Curtis slowly diverging.

He would’ve continued to be the golden boy, basking in the spotlight, while she, after graduation, would’ve become a humble family doctor, living separate lives in two unrelated worlds.

Over time, the shared childhood under one roof would fade into an insignificant chapter of

their lives.

There might have been a trace of regret. After all, Curtis had dramatically influenced her life, leaving bold marks of love and hate deeply etched into her.

The upside? She wouldn’t have endured this soul-crushing ordeal.

Leanne sat silently for a long time before she dabbed Mary’s tears with a tissue.

“Let it go,” she finally said. “It’s all in the past now.”

“You’re so soft-hearted, child. That’s how people take advantage of you!” Heartbroken, Mary collapsed onto her pillow. “If you won’t punish me, then I guess I’ll just have to do it

. I’ll fast. An old sinner like me doesn’t deserve the pleasures of good food. Whe Sarah? Don’t cook me any nutritious meals anymore. I’ll eat bread and water. There should be no more fried chicken for me. I don’t deserve it. I should just have plain toas

Leanne couldn’t help but laugh through her tears. “You’re not punishing yourself but punishing Sarah. People will accuse her of elder abuse.”

“Then I’ll make a pilgrimage to repent for my sins.”

“Can’t you just stay?” Leanne felt a pang of reluctance to let her go. “Stay with me a little. longer. With you here, nobody dares to bully me.”

Mary’s heart melted, and she reached to embrace Leanne. “Okay, okay. I won’t leave. I’ll stay with you.”

Returning with a bowl of fresh fruit, Sarah saw them talking and quietly stepped back, not wanting to intrude.

After finally soothing the temperamental Mary and tucking her into bed, Leanne stepped outside, closing the door gently behind her.

11:28

Chapter 145

Curtis was coming in, carrying a bag from the diner.

Leanne didn’t speak to him, and he asked, “Where are you off to?”

“Work.”

She tried to walk past him, but Curtis caught her arm. “I brought you lunch. Eat first, then

go.”

“I’m not hungry,” Leanne said, trying to pull away.

But Curtis held firm. “Skipping breakfast, missing lunch, and leaving dinner to chance? Are

you planning to starve yourself into a skeleton for a medical exhibit?”

“That’s none of your business,” Leanne snapped back. “I’m not hungry right now.”

“Then, at least keep me company while I eat.”

“I’m a doctor, not a paid escort. You can eat by yourself.”

Half-teasing, half-serious, Curtis retorted, “Which escort service has employees as feisty as you?” He softened his voice again. “Leanne, can’t you do as told for once?”

“And why should I listen to you?” she shot back. “You played dead when we got married, and now you’re playing the ghost of the husband, looking for relevance. Can’t you, for once, stand where you’re supposed to?”

“I am standing where I’m supposed to be. Don’t forget we’re still within the cooling-off period before divorce.” He looked at her with half-lidded eyes, a lazy smile on his lips. “You know what the cooling-off period means, don’t you? Or do you need me to explain it to you again?”

Leanne turned her face away. “No need.”

Undeterred, Curtis pulled her closer, insisting on clarifying, “It means that I, Curtis, am still legally your husband, Leanne. You can even call me ‘dear’ if you like.”

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