Chapter 242

Chapter 241 78% +13 Seeing Edward’s silence, Fabian continued, “It is better to endure short pain than to suffer long. Rather than allowing Mom to live daily in the agony wrought by Evelyn’s absence, it would be better to reveal the truth–that Evelyn has passed away.” Upon hearing this, Edward furrowed his brow and glanced at Fabian. While he too wished to speak candidly, he feared that Quinita would not withstand yet another blow. The loss of Evelyn had been devastating for Quinita; the day Evelyn died, she had fainted from the depth of her sorrow, enduring illness for months. Though she eventually improved, each day remained a blur where she was unable to discern whether Evelyn was alive or gone. An inexplicable rumor had emerged within the Evans family, suggesting that Evelyn was alive. Quinita was convinced of its truth, but she wouldn’t bear to learn that the daughter who had returned was not Evelyn but rather the other daughter Quinita had thought was dead for eighteen years.

Edward feared that Quinita might fall gravely ill from the revelation. Thus, he knew he must be faultless in his approach, mitigating any potential harm to her. Still, by hurting this daughter, he felt a sting of anguish gnawing at his conscience. Fabian said, “Dad, have you considered that perhaps this information was deliberately leaked?” Edward asked, “What do you mean?”

“Someone has intentionally spread this news with a singular, clear intent: to exploit Mom’s love for Evelyn to inflict pain upon Elysia. Last night, Elysia was attacked–she nearly escaped, and you would have lost your daughter.” Edward’s face turned pale upon hearing Fabian’s words. He hastily inquired, “What is her condition? Is she hurt?” Before Fabian could respond, Javier chimed in, “Fortunately, we happened to be near her during the incident. Fabian took a stab meant for her and was poisoned. If it weren’t for Elysia administering an antidote, Fabian might die. “You have no idea–the lengths she went to for Fabian; she made a deep cut in her palm just to save him, and it pains me to see that. “Dad, we have already burdened Elysia far too much; we cannot harm her any further. She is truly a wonderful person.” Javier recalled Jack’s account of Elysia’s past–a girl who would hide her own wounds and nurse them in solitude, never wishing to cause sorrow to those who loved her. They couldn’t bear to inflict pain upon her. Javier thought, ‘Elysia is my sister–why must she live under Evelyn’s identity, even if Evelyn is also my sister? ‘Evelyn is gone; if she were alive, she would never have wished for this situation. She is inherently good. If she can see that she has a sister still alive in this world, she will certainly rejoice.’ Elysia stood away, unable to discern their exact conversation but grasping some of the general sentiments. Edward–her biological father–wanted her to return as another person, all for the sake of the woman who hummed lullabies while patting a doll’s back, as she lay on the bed. The first moment she glimpsed Quinita, every action from Quinita was executed with such care. The gentle grasp of her hand, the caress of her mask, the softness of her voice–this was undoubtedly a mother’s touch. Holden regarded Elysia, noting her downcast gaze, and an uneasy feeling washed over him. He had overheard their discussion. “How could dad wish Elysia to play Evelyn? Although I feel for mom, we can’t hurt Elysia! 1/3 09:28 Mon, 10 Mar Chapter 241 Holden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, speaking earnestly, “Elysia, do not worry; I will not allow this to happen. You are your own self, not a substitute for anyone else, nor will you bear another’s identity.” At his words, Elysia met his gaze, her heart warming at the tenderness and resolve reflected in his eyes. Just moments ago, Fabian and Javier had also defended her so fiercely. They had all treated her with kindness. +13)

Reflecting on Quinita, the tenderest part of Elysia’s heart quivered. ‘Quinita has become who she is because of her fierce love for Evelyn. If I had grown up in the family, Quinita would have loved me in that same way too. Perhaps she should indeed fulfill Quinita’s wish–not because Quinita is her mother, but simply because Quinita is a mother. Elysia could not bear the thought of such a person suffering. Stepping firmly forward, Holden, unsure of her intent, hurried after her. Elysia said, “I will return as Evelyn.” The proclamation stunned them all into silence as they gaped at Elysia. ‘Did she truly understand the weight of her words?‘ Edward beheld this delicate girl for the first time, astounded by how much she resembled the memory of Evelyn. For a moment, he almost mistook her for Evelyn, though he could sense a chill surrounding her–so different from everything he remembered about Evelyn. This was not Evelyn; this was his other daughter, Elysia. He wouldn’t have imagined that many years later, he would reunite with this daughter. She was alive. To see her, whole and standing before him, flooded his heart with a joy he struggled to articulate. Eighteen years earlier, upon hearing news of his daughter’s stillbirth, he had languished in despair for an extended period, with the entire Evans family too afraid to utter even a word about it. But silence could not erase their memories. Each time they gazed upon Evelyn, they recalled the child who had departed this world mere moments after entering it. That was his daughter. The daughter he had yearned for long. He still vividly remembered the joyous atmosphere in the Evans family when they learned Quinita was expecting twin daughters. Watching Elysia, he softened his expression and his tone grew gentle, “Elysia, I am- Before Edward could finish, Elysia interjected, “Mr. Evans, I consent to return as Evelyn not due to any bond we may share, but out of respect for every mother who loves her child.” “I have one condition: this will be my only performance in this role; you must provide me with a suitable reason for my departure afterward. Do you think you can meet my condition?” Elysia asked, her eyes fixed on Edward, her tone tinged with detachment. For a moment, Edward felt dazed, only coming to himself to nod slowly. “Since Mr. Evans has agreed, I shall prepare to accompany you home,” she declared, about to turn away. Edward, eager to follow, lifted his foot, but as he did so, Elysia shot him a glance, her voice icy, “No outsiders are permitted.” Edward was taken aback. ‘Outsider? Am I an outsider to her?‘ Yet, in the moment he glimpsed Elysia’s disappearing figure, he experienced a peculiar familiarity, a sense of recognition. It was not because of Evelyn. Why do I feel this way?”

Fabian, sensing his confusion, stepped closer and stood beside him, gazing at Elysia’s silhouette. In a low voice, he murmured.

“Do you find her familiar?” 09:28 Mon, 10 Mar 76+ Chapter 212