Chapter 1168



Kenia exhaled a weary sigh. “Belinda, I understand that you’re afraid for my well-being, that you fear the truth may be too much for me to bear. But do you realize that being kept in the dark, constantly second-guessing and tormenting myself over unanswered questions, is a pain of its own? Belinda, trust me. I am stronger than you think. I can handle the truth. Please, just tell me what happened.”

Belinda remained silent, but her rigid expression gradually softened. She knew the matter could not be concealed from her grandmother forever. Yet, with Kenia still in recovery, she dreaded burdening her further. However, if she continued to evade the truth, Kenia’s relentless worrying would only hinder her recovery.

After a long moment of hesitation, Belinda finally decided to tell Kenia the truth. Pressing her lips together for a moment, she met Kenia’s gaze with unwavering seriousness. “Alright, I’ll tell you everything. But Grandma, you must promise me something—you won’t let this upset you too much. You have to stay calm.”

Taking a deep breath, Kenia nodded. “I promise.”

“It all began the day Lucas visited you in your hospital room. At that time…”

Since she had resolved to speak, Belinda held nothing back, recounting every painful detail from beginning to end. By the time she finished speaking, she could see the color draining from Kenia’s face, her expression one of utter disbelief.

Although Kenia had suspected that Sarai might have wronged Belinda in some way, she had never imagined the reality to be like this. She had always known Sarai harbored feelings for Lucas, but she had never thought Sarai would act on them. After all, Sarai and Belinda had been close friends for years. She had never thought Sarai would try to steal Belinda’s boyfriend.

But now, the reality hit her like a ton of bricks.

And Holley…

She was Belinda’s mother! A mother who, in order to protect her own secrets, had resorted to such cruel measures against her own daughter. Now, Kenia understood why Belinda had hesitated to reveal the truth to her. Because the truth was unbearable.

A lump formed in Kenia’s throat. And the moment she tried to speak, her breathing turned erratic.

“Grandma, are you alright?” Belinda rushed to her side, gently rubbing her back in an attempt to steady her breath.

Kenia inhaled shallowly and waved a trembling hand. “I’ll be fine. It’s just… a lot to process. I just need a moment to gather myself.”

Belinda’s brows furrowed deeply with concern as she watched her grandmother struggle against the weight of the revelation.

Sensing Belinda’s worry, Kenia forced a faint smile. “Don’t worry about me, dear. Truly, I will be alright.”

“Grandma, please don’t get upset because of this,” Belinda said softly. At those words, tears welled up in Kenia’s eyes. Her voice trembled as she muttered, “Belinda, I know you’re the one who has suffered the most through all of this.”

The reality of the situation struck Belinda as the most unbearable truth she had ever faced. Especially since the person who had conspired with Sarai was none other than her own biological mother—a betrayal that deepened her anguish.

After hearing her grandmother’s words, Belinda cast her eyes downward. Even after time had passed, she couldn’t fully embrace the harsh truth, though she had reluctantly learned to live with it. Certain people, she realized, wouldn’t change.

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