Chapter 248
“Rather than resisting loneliness, it’s better to accept it and learn to live with it
a companion.
I continued softly, my hands methodically chopping vegetables, “When I first moved out of Maple Grove, I’d often lie awake at night with this terrible pain in my chest. It hurt so much I couldn’t sleep. With nothing else to do, I’d read whatever bonks I could find.”
The knife paused as I recalled those endless nights.
That’s when I came across this passage about dying twice–when you stop loving and when you stop expecting to be loved. It resonated with me so deeply My voice remained steady, hiding the tremors I felt inside.
I tried to follow that advice–to let go of Henry, to accept that I wasn’t loved. I repeated those words like a mantra, training myself to be comfortable with solitude.”
1 resumed chopping with renewed vigor.
“Now, I’ve finally adjusted to this life. The last thing I need is someone barging in and disrupting everything I’ve worked so hard to build. Especially Henry
That first night after leaving Maple Grove had been excruciating. I’d barely slept a wink.
The pain in my chest had been so intense, so persistent, refusing to subside no matter what position I tried. As a healthcare professional, I knew there was nothing physically wrong with me.
i
This was purely psychological–heartache in its most literal form, born from years of unrequited love and the deep–seated reluctance to accept reality, because I knew Henry would never return my feelings.
Yet my rational mind kept insisting that leaving Henry was the only path to reclaiming my life.
So I began the painful process of learning to embrace solitude, to neither love nor expect love in return.
Though I spoke of all this with practiced detachment, Betty could clearly sense the raw pain behind my words. She came over and wrapped her arms around me, the simple gesture nearly breaking my composure.
“Listen,” she said firmly, “I’m not trying to defend Henry. I just want you to know that whatever you decide, I’m behind you one hundred percent. If you want to fight the whole world, I’ll be standing right there with you.”
Her friendship brought a genuine smile to my face. “I owe you so much,” I said, leaning into her embrace. “If you hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t have made it this far. When everything was falling apart, you took in both me and Billy, always trying to cheer me up. Finding a friend like you–that’s the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Betty gave me a final squeeze before pulling away, her expression turning hesitant.
“There’s something else you should probably know,” she said carefully. “It’s just rumors, but… Isabella isn’t at the hospital anymore. Her room is empty, and nobody knows where she’s gone. That caretaker of hers has been frantically looking for her whereabouts.”
She lowered her voice: ‘I asked someone on the inside. The word is that Isabella somehow angered Henry, and Harding security took her away somewhere. Nobody knows where they’re keeping her.”
She studied my face closely. “Do you think… could Henry locking Isabella away have anything to do with you?*
Betty had gotten this information from Benjamin, though she clearly lacked some details.
But honestly, I couldn’t bring myself to care about Isabella’s whereabouts.
“Oh, I replied flatly, continuing to stir the pot on the stove.
Seeing my complete lack of interest, Betty dropped the subject and instead turned to Billy’s upcoming school event.
“Sophia!” she said brightly, “why don’t I go with you to that weekend event? When have we ever not attended school parent–child activities together? You
1/2
Chapter 248
can be the mom, and I’ll be the dad–just like we’ve always done.”
The suggestion was perfect. I wouldn’t have to see Henry, and the problem would be solved..
“That sounds good,” I agreed readily. “I’ll text Billy’s teacher later to let them know it’ll be us
Betty grabbed my phone from the counter. “No way! I’m doing it right now!”
At the hospital, Nancy had found another patient to care for after being fired from Isabella’s service. With Isabella missing, she’d placed all her hopes on Grace Harding.
A
That evening, as had been her practice, Nancy messaged Grace with updates, including everything she knew about Sophia’s mother Scarlett.
After reading Nancy’s messages, Grace considered for a moment before responding: Since Isabella thinks this Scarlett could be useful, we should put her to work. She’s Sophia’s mother, isn’t she? Go find her and tell her that Sophia is using her position as Mrs. Harding to reject her own mother, and tell her to make a scene at the hospital looking for Sophia.
Nancy read the message and quickly replied: Miss Harding, this approach might not be effective. Last time Scarlett stormed into Sophia’s office, it didn’t cause any significant commotion, and instead attracted attention from some meddlers. If she tries to cause trouble at the hospital again, she might not even get to see Sophia.
a
scene. She can do it right at the main entrance–the bigger, the Grace’s reply came almost instantly: She doesn’t need to go inside the hospital to make better. And it would be best to bring along some media reporters too. Also, I’ll ask my mother about Isabella’s whereabouts, so stop searching blindly and wait for my information.
Nancy found the plan promising. Alright, I’ll do as Miss Harding says. Thank you for helping with Isabella’s situation.
The next day, after finishing her duties, Nancy dialed the number Scarlett had given her. The call was answered after just three rings.
“Who is this? What do you want?” Scarlett’s voice was abrupt and suspicious.
Nancy laughed coldly. “What? You don’t even recognize my voice? Were those fifty thousand dollars Isabella gave you for nothing?”
At the mention of money, Scarlett immediately recognized who was calling. Her tone instantly changed to fawning flattery.
“Oh, it’s Miss Nancy! Is Miss Isabella needing my help again? Whatever she wants, I promise I’ll get it done.”
