Chapter 105 Felt Safe for Now
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Leah could barely hold back her tears as her voice cracked. “Milo, if I’ve done something wrong, will you forgive me?”
Milo gritted his teeth, his tone sharp. “It depends. What exactly are you talking about?”
Leah’s sobs grew louder. “I didn’t know, Milo … I really didn’t know…”
“Didn’t know what?” he pressed.
“Milo, do you remember when we were younger, and I came home from school one day, and another parent took me with them?” Leah’s voice trembled.
Milo’s voice was soft but clear. “I remember. You were losing your baby teeth. We told you not to eat candy, but you went to a classmate’s house, hoping to get some.”
“That was the first time I met Bennett …” Leah whispered, a sudden heaviness in her words.
Milo’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in a flash of icy realization.
Leah, now shaking in fear, clutched his arm, her sobs intensifying. “I didn’t know who he was back then. He said he had a daughter about my age, a girl who was sweet like me. But he didn’t get along with his daughter, and he liked me more. He promised me anything I wanted, and he gave me so many gifts, including the ones you found. He said I should keep them, so it would feel like his daughter was with him.”
Leah’s voice faltered as she recalled the moment. “At that time, I thought he was so sad, and since he gave me candy, I just … I just agreed to it. I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want to upset Mom and Dad.”
Milo’s jaw tightened, his anger simmering just below the surface. “So you didn’t only reconnect with Bennett two years ago?”
“No, I only found out I wasn’t really Mom and Dad’s daughter, that I wasn’t your sister, two years ago!” Leah quickly shook her head, trying to explain.
Milo let out a deep breath, his anger still present, though his voice softened slightly. “No matter what, those things were Charmaine’s. You shouldn’t have kept them.”
“I didn’t know at first,” Leah said, her voice full of hurt. “I only realized later, but I was too scared Charmaine would be upset, and I didn’t want to tell Mom and Dad or you guys. I didn’t want anyone to think I was a bad person, someone who stole from someone else. I didn’t want you all to hate me.
“Milo, do you know? Since you’ve been angry with me, it’s been hurting so much …” Leah placed a hand over her chest, her tears falling freely.
“I used to think I was so lucky. That God had been so good to me, giving me so much love and protection from my family. I was so happy. But now I realize … I’ve been the worst child. I’ve stolen Charmaine’s happiness.”
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Her breathing became ragged, and her sobs turned into gasps. “I’ve hurt Charmaine. I would do anything to make it up to her, but I can’t leave you all. I’m too afraid … I’m terrified. I don’t want to lose Mom and Dad, or you all…
“Milo, am I being selfish? Sob … Selfish enough to know you and everyone else aren’t really my family, and
still refuse to leave?
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14:26 Fri, 21 Feb
Chapter 105 Felt Safe for Now
55%
Finished
“But then… I think … no one likes Charmaine. She doesn’t want to stay here. Does that mean I can stay here? I’m not replacing Charmaine. I just want to do what I want… Be with everyone and be happy, like a real family…”
Milo watched Leah, the little sister he had always protected and cherished, now sobbing uncontrollably. He wanted to be hard on her, to push her away, but he found he couldn’t.
After a long silence, Milo finally took her hand, his voice low and heavy. “I know… It’s not your fault.”
Leah was on the verge of relief when Milo’s tone turned icy again. “But the one with the most to explain is Bennett. Don’t worry. I’ll find out the truth. I’ll make sure we know exactly who’s been messing with the Nelsons.”
Leah shivered, but since Milo wasn’t suspicious of her, she felt safe … for now.
As for what would come next…
A dark gleam flashed in her eyes.
Charmaine had asked the butler for an iron bucket and, following Mia’s instructions, she took the small wooden box. One by one, she threw its contents into the flames, watching as they ignited.
The light from the fire flickered across her face, casting a cold, detached glow.
Half an hour later, Charmaine brought a bowl of chicken noodle soup into the study.
Emyr’s tired gaze flicked from his computer to Charmaine and then quickly returned to his screen, showing no interest.
Charmaine puffed her cheeks in frustration.
Who in the world upset Emyr tonight? He’s impossible to deal with.
She walked over and slid the bowl of soup across the desk toward him.
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