âBut how did he know that my mother was in this hospital room?â
Ellinor harbored a deep animosity toward her father, especially on behalf of her mother, who had been deeply wounded by him.
âHe really has the audacity to show up in front of my mom again! Bertha, rest assured, there wonât be a next time!â
Absolutely not!
Once Baber was discharged, and things settled down here, she would confront McNeil and warn him.
Yet, Bertha sighed again, âEllinor, do you think your motherâs heartache will cease simply by not seeing your father? All these years, Marlinie has been wandering around, never truly happy!
One reason is the loss of you. She believes she failed to protect you and caused your death. The other is heartbreak!
She despises your father, thatâs certain. But if there had never been love, how could such profound hatred arise?
When your mother first fled the Howard family, she was barely in her thirties. With her charm, she had plenty of men courting her wherever she went. However, she never paid attention to any of them. Why do you think that is?â
Ellinor pondered Berthaâs words seriously, âMaybe because she was hurt too deeply, she lost faith in love.â
Bertha nodded, âThere is that factor, but I believe the main reason is that she never forgot your father.
In her eyes, no one could measure up to him. Thatâs why she never accepted anyoneâs affection, giving no chance to others.â
Ellinor faltered, âBertha, are you saying⦠my mom⦠still loves McNeil?â
Bertha replied, âThatâs what I believe. Otherwise, she wouldnât have been so agitated when McNeil appeared in front of her just now. No matter how traumatic the past was, almost two decades have passed, things should have calmed down. But your mother hasnât moved on. All these years, itâs as if sheâs been trapped in a cycle, unable to escape.â
Ding!
The elevator doors opened, and Bertha slowly walked out.
Ellinor followed Berthaâs steps thoughtfully, âBertha, what do you suggest we do to help my mother move on?â
Bertha said, âThe day your mother can see your father without becoming agitated, when she can face him calmly, thatâs when she will have truly moved on. Otherwise, even if you forbid your father from seeing your mother, she wonât get better. Sheâll just hide her pain and pretend to forgetâ
Ellinorâs eyes darkened slightly, as if she understood, âBut I believe that man is not worth another moment of my motherâs affection!â Bertha turned her head, looking gently at Ellinor, âEllinor, youâve deeply loved a man. You should understand that feeling. Often in matters of the heart, itâs not about what others think is worth it, but what the person involved thinks. Your mother has never let go of your father, and judging from how he acted when he saw your mother just now, I believe your father has never let go of her either. If thereâs a misunderstanding between them, helping them clear it will be beneficial, donât you think?â
Ellinor furrowed her brows in contemplation.
Yes, Bertha was right!
McNeil never let go of her mother, evident from the care he took of the flowers her mother once cherished.