“Iris, you’re a sweet girl. I know you care about me.”
“But truly, I don’t need that anymore.”
“I’ve come to realize she’s doing wonderfully now. Much better than if she were with me.”
“She’s attending a top school. She has a bright future ahead.”
“Whether she acknowledges me as her mother doesn’t matter anymore.”
“After all, I failed her. I didn’t take good care of her.”
“Now, as long as she’s happy and healthy, that’s all I need.”
“Iris, but you never explained things to Grace. You never let her know you’ve always missed her, always loved her. That what happened wasn’t your fault. You were a victim too. Won’t you regret staying silent?”
“Grace might still believe she was abandoned by her parents. She might carry that resentment in her heart.”
“If you could just tell her the truth, she might not only accept you as her mother, but also find peace with the past. Wouldn’t that be better?” Evelyn said.
“Iris, I understand your intentions.”
“Some things, after so many years, are too painful to dig up.”
“Besides, I have no regrets. Not if it means she has a good life now.”
Evelyn didn’t know how to argue further. Everyone had their own beliefs. Only they knew what was truly best for themselves.
“Iris, please don’t tell Alexander about our conversation.”
“I don’t want him to worry.”
“Deep down, I truly wish Alexander could be with Grace.”
“But I also understand they can never be together.”
“So please forgive me. I wasn’t very kind to you at first. I just couldn’t accept it back then.”
“But now, I can honestly tell you this.”
“I’m truly happy seeing you and Alexander together. What happened between him and Grace is in the past. Don’t dwell on it.”
“Alexander will treat you well. He loves you so much. How could he ever let you down?” Iris said, smiling warmly at Evelyn.
Evelyn was speechless.
“Evelyn, listen to me.”
“There’s nothing that can’t be overcome.”
“As long as you and Alexander are united, no one can come between you.”
“Live a good life with him. Don’t think about divorce anymore.”
Evelyn didn’t nod. She didn’t shake her head either.
“Evelyn, please listen to me this once. Can you do that?” Iris looked at her with hopeful eyes.
Finally, Evelyn could only nod stiffly.
The look in Iris’s eyes left her no room to refuse.
After leaving Iris’s room, Evelyn’s heart was heavy.
It wasn’t because of her promise. It was because she felt sorry for Iris.
Iris had lived such a hard life. She had given up her family for love. Her husband had died young. She had lost her daughter. And now, even though she had found her, her daughter didn’t want to see her. She was still all alone.
Alexander saw Evelyn walk in with her head down. She looked upset. He thought she was still angry with him.
He walked over and tried to coax her.
“Baby, let’s take a break today. You can be angry again tomorrow.”
Evelyn looked up at him. She just stared quietly.
Alexander was confused.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Evelyn wanted to say more, but she held back. Her voice was flat.
“Baby, don’t be angry. Anger is bad for you. If you’re upset, hit me.” Alexander took her hand and guided it to his chest.
“I don’t want to. Hitting you would hurt my hand more. I’m not into self-harm.” Evelyn pushed him away and walked toward the sofa.
“How about we go on a picnic this weekend? We can take the baby. And Iris. We can all relax together.” Alexander sat down beside her and made the suggestion.
“Okay,” Evelyn agreed.
Alexander was surprised. He hadn’t expected her to agree so easily. He couldn’t believe what he heard.
“You agreed?”
“Were you just joking with me?” Evelyn asked, squinting at him.
“No, I really had this plan. I’m just following your lead.” Alexander replied with a smile.
“Iris needs this. We should take her out for some fresh air. It’ll do her good.” Evelyn said, then stood up and walked toward the bathroom.
“Where are you going?” Alexander asked.
“To take a shower. I haven’t bathed yet.” Evelyn didn’t look back.
Alexander watched her retreating back and smiled. He felt her attitude was softer today. She wasn’t pushing him away like before.
This discovery made him feel much better.
After her shower, Evelyn came out of the bathroom. The bedroom was dark. The only light came from flickering candles on the coffee table. Alexander was sitting there, smiling at her.
“What are you doing?” Evelyn asked, startled.
“Candlelight dinner.”
“...” Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Let’s just eat and get it over with.”
Alexander came over and pulled her to sit down.
“It’s a beautiful night. It would be a shame not to have a drink or two.”
“How do you know it’s a beautiful night when you’ve been in the room all this time?” Evelyn retorted.
“I saw it when I went out earlier. Besides, it’s a full moon tonight. Didn’t you notice how bright the moonlight is?”
“Not interested.” Evelyn said and started to get up.
“Wife, you have to celebrate with me.” Alexander grabbed her arm and begged.
“Celebrate what?” Evelyn looked at him, confused.
“Celebrate the company making money recently.”
“Was the company losing money before?”
“Well, we signed a big client today. It’s worth a third of our projected sales for next year. Isn’t that worth celebrating?”
“Oh,” Evelyn replied.
She thought about it. Alexander was in such a good mood. She didn’t want to ruin it.
So she picked up her glass and said to him, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, wife. Cheers.” Alexander picked up his glass and clinked it against hers.
Evelyn wasn’t a drinker. She just took a small sip and frowned.
She wasn’t used to alcohol. Any kind of alcohol.
She watched Alexander drink.
Evelyn looked at him and thought about Iris. A wave of melancholy washed over her. She couldn’t help but take another sip, even though it still tasted awful.
Alexander picked up a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks and held it to Evelyn’s mouth. She hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and ate it.
Alexander was in a great mood. He drank, ate, and chatted with Evelyn.
Evelyn saw how happy he was. She didn’t want to spoil it.
So she talked with him, keeping the conversation light.
“Evelyn, I think I’m really lucky,” Alexander said, his voice a little slurred.
“Hmm?” Evelyn replied after a long pause.
Not everyone was lucky enough to be born into the Sterling family. But then again, not everyone had faced the setbacks and pressures that Alexander had.