Chapter 423
Amelia couldn’t answer this question.
The night before, Kieran had hurriedly summoned her and, with just a few brief sentences, stirred up a storm in her heart.
She had wondered, if it were her, what choice would she make? Would she force the Morgan family to reveal the truth and bring the murderer to justice?
But over the years, would Lila have been able to survive without the Morgan family?
No one could say for certain.
Back then, James had truly gone mad. No one could guarantee that to get what he wanted, he wouldn’t have harmed the child as well.
Seeing Amelia’s pursed lips and hesitant expression, Lila let out a faint chuckle. “Could you pour me a glass of water?”
Amelia hurried to get a cup. As steam rose from the hot water, she spoke. “Lila, last night, Uncle Kieran said something to me.”
Lila’s gaze drifted toward the window. It must have been snowing heavily the night before; the trees were covered in snow with some branches broken.
But come spring, new branches and leaves would grow again.
Their life was more exuberant than humans.
In a soft voice, she asked, “What did he say?”
“He said to give him some time.”
Lila nodded, but in her heart, she didn’t understand.
Time for what? To catch James? Or for them to divorce?
At this thought, Lila remembered how Amelie had held her hand, urging them to
hold their wedding next spring when the peach blossoms bloomed.
She also recalled the promise she’d made to Kieran to go stargazing on the mountain.
None of that seemed possible anymore.
“Your family home hasn’t been lived in for so long; cleaning it up will be a hassle. I have a small three-bedroom on Milton Street that I don’t use. Once you’re feeling better, you can move there for now.”
Lila didn’t refuse. After drinking the water, her voice was much clearer. “Thank you, Amelia.”
“Oh, by the way.” Amelia chuckled. “I had your box of pearls processed. I took the liberty of making a necklace for Jamie. I noticed you rarely wear necklaces, but you do wear
vet
bracelets, so I made a pearl bracelet for you.
“Teddy, being a man, couldn’t really do much with them, but he was impressed by the quality of the pearls and took a few. There are still some left inside, but I forgot to bring them back.”
“Here.” She opened her hand, revealing a pearl bracelet inside a sealed bag.
Lila glanced at it, but she didn’t take it.
Amelia didn’t know the origin of the pearls; she had only wanted to cheer Lila up.
Seeing her reluctance, Amelia was unsure what was wrong.
She added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t mention any of this to Jamie or Teddy. I know you want them to enjoy themselves during the New Year.”
Lila had almost forgotten that it was the New Year.
She accepted the pearl box and placed it on the table beside her.
In previous years, around this time, she would’ve been with the youngsters of the Morgan family, joking and laughing in the living room They’d wait for Nicole,
Jasmine, and the elders to hand out gifts, and look forward to a delicious home-cooked meal.
Noah would have dragged Kieran to play poker with Nathan so that he could win some money.
This year’s New Year felt extremely quiet.
“Amelia, I’m fine now. You should go home and spend time with Mr. and Mrs. Joyce,” Lila said as she leaned back, sitting straighter to appear more energetic.
Amelia, slouched in the chair like she had no bones, sprawled over the hospital bed.
“My mom’s sending some food over later,” she said with a smile. “I rarely get to hide here and enjoy a peaceful New Year.
“You wouldn’t believe it—our Joyce family only has one child in this generation, so every year, I’m the busiest one.”
Hearing this, Lila didn’t say more.
Her fever had been purely due to catching a cold. By afternoon, seeing that she was fine, she took her medicine and followed Amelia to the small three-bedroom apartment she had mentioned.
Milton Street wasn’t a cheap area. Amelia had called it a small three-bedroom, but when the door opened, Lila couldn’t help but chuckle.