Chapter 277 It's Over
Susan was taken aback by Dorothy's pettiness as Henry recounted the situation. If Dorothy could treat her own supportive sister poorly, it was no wonder she showed unkindness to others.
Seeing Susan's stare, Henry revealed, "Dorothy went to the school and insulted a female student, making the girl drop out."
Susan's eyes widened. "How could this happen?"
She trusted Henry's character. There was no way he'd have an inappropriate relationship with a student. Dorothy had really crossed the line. The girl's future was at stake.
"The girl's parents didn't let it go. They came to the school and even our house to scold Dorothy. My life's a mess, and it's beginning to affect my teaching," Henry continued, distressed.
Susan was at a loss for words. The alarming nature of Dorothy's behavior left her unable to offer any comfort to Henry. If this destructive pattern continued, Susan wondered how Henry could ever hope to find peace in his life.
Henry went on, "Dorothy even threatened me. If I'm not home on time, she'll cause a scene at school."
With a bitter smile, he continued, "I've already submitted my resignation. How can I face my students? Once it's approved, Dorothy can't touch me."
Susan frowned again. She knew Henry loved his job as a professor. Giving it up to divorce Dorothy showed how far she'd pushed him.
"I respect your decision, but please don't hurt Dorothy and Amanda. Dorothy was your wife and is still Amanda's mother," Susan said after a long pause.
She knew Henry had thought it through, and her words wouldn't change his mind. An unhappy marriage wasn't good for anyone, especially Amanda, who was only two.
"I will." Henry nodded, sighing in relief. "Pouring my heart out has lightened the burden. Thanks for listening, Susan."
Susan realized Henry just needed to vent. She had misunderstood him earlier. Henry was also a victim; there were no winners in this marriage.
Reflecting on the past, Susan recalled how she had once urged Dorothy to hold Henry accountable. Perhaps she had been mistaken in pressuring them into marriage. However, she acknowledged that everyone must face the consequences of their choices, including herself.
"It's nothing." Susan forced a smile. "I hope you find happiness. I played a part in pushing for your marriage with Dorothy, so I bear some responsibility."
"Any sister would have done what you did back then. I don't blame you. Dorothy just doesn't see it that way now. She's got a knot in her heart. I hope she can untie it soon; otherwise, she'll never be happy," Henry said.
Susan nodded, made an excuse, and left.
Walking through Maple Valley, Susan thought about Henry's words. He hit the nail on the head; people with inner turmoil had a real tight knot in their hearts. Once they managed to unravel those knots, everything fell into place.
Back home, Susan started packing her and Spring's things and started making calls to scout out a new place to live.
Two days later, the packing was done, but she still hadn't found a suitable place.
Gazing out the window, Susan felt a pang of concern. She knew she didn't have the budget for a nice place, yet settling for a rundown spot wouldn't cut it for Spring. Being so young, Spring deserved a cozy, safe haven.
George hadn't come back for two days and nights. Susan had checked his house twice, and there were no signs of him returning.
Worried that George might take drastic actions, she discreetly reached out to Maria to inquire if George had been seen at the law firm in the past two days.
Maria, an employee at George's law firm, had attended the wedding and knew about its cancellation. Susan trusted Maria not to relay her inquiry to George, knowing that Maria understood the sensitive nature of the situation.
Maria said George had only come to the office once in the past two days, but his phone was always reachable for important matters.
Knowing George was safe, Susan felt relieved. She had overestimated his fragility. She laughed at herself for being too sensitive.
Despite the recent events, Susan didn't want anything bad to happen to George. He had been a benefactor to her and Spring and was also Spring's godfather.
After hanging up, Susan thought George might be avoiding her and Spring. It would be awkward for them to be around each other now.
Thinking of this, Susan started calling rental ads one by one, she resolved to secure a place swiftly, even if the cost was slightly higher than she had budgeted for.
Just as she was inquiring about a potential residence, another call came in.
Seeing it was Isabella, Susan knew she was probably calling to scold her, so she absentmindedly answered. "Hello, here to give me another lecture?"
Before she could finish, she heard Isabella crying. "What's wrong? I've been trying to call you, but the line was busy," Isabella exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Hearing Isabella cry, Susan got nervous. Isabella was usually carefree and wouldn't cry unless something serious had happened.
"Isabella, what's wrong?" Susan asked urgently.
"Susan, my mom's not doing well. I don't know what to do. Please come quickly." Isabella's voice was helpless and miserable.
Susan stood up abruptly. "Where are you now?"
"The hospital," Isabella sobbed.
"I'll be right there!" Susan hung up and ran out.