Chapter CHAPTER 182
Chapter 182
Margaret glanced at me, her expression a mix of resignation and urgency. “It would be a good time. My mom has been looking forward to seeing you. However, it’s probably best if Jane stays out for now. The doctor mentioned that my mom’s been out for a long time, and her memory’s messy. It’s best if she only sees familiar faces at first to avoid any undue stress on her recovery.”
Her words made it sound like my stepping in there would be akin to committing a cardinal sin.
I wasn’t going to push it.
I turned to Bryant, saying, “You go ahead. I’ll make my exit.“>
“If that’s how it is,” Bryant said, his tone cold as he shot Margaret a look. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Then we’ll give Teresa a few days to recuperate before we drop by again.“>
Surprised, I glanced at him, tempted to shrug off his arm, but he seemed oblivious to my discomfort, unmoving.
“Bry…” Margaret’s face flushed with embarrassment and frustration, her eyes welling up. “You had me leave yesterday, and now, at a time like this, you still…”
“Margaret, enough.” A frail voice echoed from the room, “Let Bry and Ms. Webster in.”
With no other choice, Margaret unwillingly stepped aside. “Come in, then.”
Despite her years–long coma, Teresa looked relatively well, thanks to top–notch medical care.
Upon seeing Bryant, she clasped his hand, tears streaming down her face.”
I might have been moved to tears by the display of maternal affection if I hadn’t known the truth.
“I’m just glad you’re okay. If you’re safe, then all these years were worth it.
“Bry, I heard from Margaret about your marriage. Timothy wouldn’t let you marry Margaret.
“Oh, look at me, dredging up the past. Ms. Webster, please don’t mind me. They were so close back then. It’s just a shame. That is all.”E
I couldn’t help but smirk, “Why would I mind? Thanks to your daughter, Bryant and I are on the verge of divorce.“>
Margaret must have filled her in before our arrival.
Yet, Teresa’s response was an award–worthy performance of shock, anger, and apologetic glances., “Ms. Webster, please don’t hold it against Margaret. She’s a bit immature, stubbornly sticking to what she believes in. And Bry, well, he’s always indulged her…”
The whole act was rich with layers. But through it all, Teresa never admitted Margaret was in the wrong.
I replied with a light–hearted tone, “Well, temperament can be hereditary. I wonder if your daughter’s relentless nature comes from you?”
To secure her place in the Ferguson family, she didn’t hesitate to push a pregnant woman down the stairs. Margaret’s tactics were as ruthless, if not more, than hers.
After hearing my words, Teresa’s expression darkened with a mix of hurt and confusion in her eyes, “Ms. Webster, have you misunderstood something?”
She then turned to Bryant, pleading, “Bry, did I say something wrong? Please explain this to Ms. Webster. I’ve been out of it for so long. I hope she won’t take it to heart if I’ve spoken out of turn.”
Thinking I was venting my frustration about Margaret causing my miscarriage, Bryant gave me a look, softly saying, “Teresa wasn’t aware of those issues. Don’t take it out on her.“@
Teresa was puzzled. “What issues?“N
She then earnestly added, “Whatever the case, I hope you can look past it for my daughter’s sake. She’s all I have.”
“Mom!” Margaret seemed genuinely aggrieved, “They’re planning to send me away!”
Teresa’s shock turned to Bryant. “Bry, you can’t seriously be considering sending Margaret to…”