The palace-like mansion was quiet that evening, the air heavy and unmoving, almost as if the walls themselves held their breath. Imelda sat alone on the sofa, her posture tense and shoulders trembling. Her husband, Scott, entered the room and stopped when he saw her expression—eyes swollen, cheeks streaked with tears.
She looked directly at him, the pain raw.
"I regret not stopping you from chasing my son away from me," she whispered, voice cracking. "I really regret it."
Scott stared at her, confused and already exhausted.
"Regret what?"
Her lips trembled. "That mistake claimed my son's life…and it has made my granddaughter refuse to acknowledge me. All because of that single decision."
Scott sighed sharply and sat opposite her. "Not this again."
But Imelda continued, as if her heart needed to empty itself.
"I will continue saying it—because that mistake cost us everything. Sean is gone…his wife is gone…and their family scattered. All that's left is one child. And the only surviving daughter refuses to accept us."
She struggled for breath, wiping tears with her palm.
"She lived sixteen whole years without any family—without us. She suffered alone…and when Penny found her, and I finally tried to reach her, she rejected me. But she's right. She lived her entire life without us. Barging into her world now…" Her voice faltered. "…it must feel cruel."
Scott looked away, jaw tightening. "Where did you even meet the girl?"
"At Yates International Hospital," Imelda said quietly. "Penny called me after sighting the bracelet I gave her mother back then."
Scott's eyes widened, then hardened. He shot to his feet.
"Tell me where she is."
"I just told you," Imelda whispered. "But please…don't force her. Respect her decision."
He didn't reply. He turned and walked out of the living room, chest tight with something he didn't want to name.