Chapter 14
The group exchanged glances but noticed that Esme was focused on cutting her steak and had on interest in continuing the conversation.
In the end, they dropped the tople…
Thatening, Esine bid farewell to the friend who had driven her home. She then slowly climbed the stairs back to her house.
After finishing her evening routine and changing clothes, she stepped out of the bathroom to find that the housekeeper had already placed a late–night snack on the table.
The housekeeper bowed slightly as Esme emerged, then quietly lett the room.
Esme sat in her chair, sipping coffee while scrolling through her phone. The bitterness of the coffee filled her throat, and her phone suddenly vibrated before her brow could
harrow
Esme’s expression changed after answering the call. The call was from the village chief of her uncle’s hometownL
The chief hesitantly explained that since Ruby leamed about what Isalah did, she had fallen IL Nolan had been juggling caregiving for Ruby while continuing to teach the village children. He simply asked if Esme could visit them when she had time.
Esme felt a pang of sadness after hanging up. Other than her parents, no one had treated her better than her uncle and his wife. Even during her months abroad, they frequently
called to remind her to take care of herself
They would always choose to share good news and hide the bad. If not for the village chief’s call, she might never have known how much they had been keeping from her
Thinking of this, she lost her appetite for the snack
She immediately asked the housekeeper to book the earliest flight back home for the next day while heading to her walk–in closet to pack her bags.
When Nolan and Ruby saw Esme unexpectedly appear before them in their countryside home, they were both shocked and delighted. They hurriedly pulled her inside and seated her on the couch in the main room.
“Arm’t you doing well in Meliana? Why did you suddenly come back? Ruby asked as she placed the gifts Esme brought on the table.
“I just wanted to visit you both,” Esme replied with a smile.
Ruby sighed. “Silly, making a trip back must have cost you so much money! ‘
Seeing the concern on Ruby’s face, Esme felt warmth in her heart and clasped Ruby’s hands.
“Aunt Ruby, Theard you haven’t been well these past months. Let me take you to a hospital in Jonesville tomorrow.
Ruby waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine! Don’t waste money on such things.”
Then, Ruby’s eyes reddened with guilt as they talked about the past, and she apologized to Esme. She said if she had known Isaiah would turn out this way, they would never have agreed to the marriage.
Esme no longer harbored anger or blamed Nolan and Ruby. She had known for a long time that Audrey didn’t like her
