hapter 34
While everyone was still digesting the fact that I hadn’t returned to the Schultz residence, mber suddenly launched into a dramatic display.
Grandma, you’ve never liked me since the day I came back. You think I’ve stolen Ally’s potlight. No matter what I do, in your eyes, I’m always scheming.
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Everything that has happened to Ally and the Schultz family is all my fault. I shouldn’t have >me back. I’m sorry…”
With that, she darted toward the wall.
Amber!”
rcher, who had just entered the room, quickly stepped in her path. In the end, Amber’s head ›llided with his stomach instead of the hard surface
he Schultzes immediately rushed to her side and looked at her with worry. “Are you alright, bbie? What were you thinking?”
Dad, I just didn’t want Grandma to be upset because of me. I don’t want Ally to come back nd argue with Shane because of me. If I had known my return would cause this much chaos, d have stayed away forever.”
mber’s delicate features always lent her an air of innocence. Coupled with her tears, she oked utterly pitiful.
he focus of the room shifted from my absence to Grandma’s supposed mistreatment of mber. Even my usually reserved dad voiced his dissatisfaction.
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Mom, Abbie and Allison are both your granddaughters. How can you be so blatantly biased? llison’s stubbornness is what’s keeping this family on edge. Instead of holding her
countable, you’re hitting Abbie? That’s going too far!”
randma was already furious, and being scolded by Dad only made it worse. Her hands embled as she pointed at him. “Are you blind? She ”
mber tugged at Dad’s arm and interrupted, “Dad, please don’t argue with Grandma. This is
my fault. If you fall out with her because of me, I’ll be devastated. Grandma, blame me if
ou must. Don’t blame Dad.”
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randma was infuriated by her insidious remarks. For the first time, she truly understood hat I had endured all those years.
nber didn’t need to do much. With just a few words, she could effortlessly turn the family gainst me. Her subtle, cutting manipulation had left me emotionally scarred over the years.
Shut your mouth!” Grandma snapped.
I
Chapter 34
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“Grandma, today’s your birthday. Please don’t get upset. It’s not worth harming your health.”
“Mom, why are you arguing with Abbie? Rebecca, take care of my mom. Take her out for the party later,” Dad instructed.
With that, the family left the room, clustered protectively around Amber. Grandma, shaking with anger, tried to grab her cane to throw it at them. “Get out! All of you, get out!”
“Mrs. Schultz Senior, please don’t upset yourself further,” Rebecca said gently.
Having served Grandma for decades, she gently guided her back to the bed and handed her a cup of water to help her calm down.
I gazed at Grandma with a heavy heart. She had gray hair, and her face was full of wrinkles. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes as she clutched Rebecca’s hand. “Go check if Ally has come back yet.”
“I’ll go right now, Mrs. Schultz Senior. You stay here and rest. If Ms. Allison sees you like this, she’ll be heartbroken.”
“Alright. I won’t cry. She’s already struggling with depression. I can’t let her see me like this.”
Seeing Grandma frantically wiping away her tears, I wanted to rush to her side. Even if I couldn’t do anything, I just wanted to be there with her.
However, Shane wore the rosary bracelet, and I couldn’t stray too far from him. All I could do was distance myself more and more from Grandma and watch her wipe away her tears alone.
I had thought I’d already given up on my family and my love. I believed there was no one left in the world I truly cared for. But now, I realized there was still one person I couldn’t let go of
-Grandma.
Trailing after Shane, I murmured, “Grandma, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
The thought of her learning about my death one day filled me with dread. How would she handle such a blow in her fragile condition?
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Chapter 35
