Chapter 252 A Lesson in the Making
"I need to make a journey to Houston tomorrow," declared Ebenezer.
Emma Woodhouse, intrigued, queried, "What draws you to Houston?"
Ebenezer took a moment before responding, "Aaron is there." He refrained from mentioning his intention to also visit Nora. Until the situation was clarified, he wished to avoid any unnecessary complications. After all, the sudden revelation of an illegitimate daughter was a reality he suspected his wife might struggle to accept.
"Ebenezer, it's high time you confronted Aaron," Emma insisted. "One should never forget their roots. Without Suzy's bone marrow donation, Aaron would have been lost to us long ago. Now that he's healthy and has secured a powerful position within the Gordon family, can he really dismiss Suzy over a woman? It's intolerable!"
Ebenezer, absorbing her words, remained silent before responding, "Emma, our children have their own destinies, and we cannot feel entitled due to past acts of kindness."
He empathized with his daughter's sentiments, but disagreed with the Hamilton family's attempt to use the bone marrow donation as leverage to force Aaron into marriage. This didn't even consider the potential existence of another daughter.
"Ebenezer, while we shouldn't feel entitled, should we also not be ungrateful?" Emma continued. "Suzy may not be my flesh and blood, but she's been my emotional rock for years and the pride of the Hamilton family. I will not stand by and let her be mistreated."
Ebenezer remained silent. Years prior, after Emma had given birth to two sons, they were blessed with a daughter. They celebrated her arrival, but within a month, they discovered she had leukemia. After a two-month battle, the child succumbed to the disease. Emma was left heartbroken, teetering on the edge of depression.
In an attempt to alleviate his own grief and provide solace for Emma, he adopted Suzy from a local shelter, Good Luck. From that point forward, Suzy became Emma's emotional anchor, and they treated her as their own. The bond between them was profound.
"Aaron's not a bad kid, perhaps he just doesn't have feelings for Suzy. Our daughter from the Hamilton family should know when to let go. If Aaron's not interested, she should move on," Ebenezer suggested.
Emma gave him a skeptical look. "Ebenezer, are you implying you're not going to Houston to confront Aaron?" Ebenezer' gaze briefly flickered towards the window. "I have some matters to attend to."
"What matters?"
"I'll inform you upon my return."
He needed to confirm if Nora was indeed his daughter before revealing any more.
In Houston, at the grand Willowbrook Estates mansion, Nora remained oblivious to this unfolding drama. After departing the clubhouse with Aaron, she sat in the car, silently observing the night scene passing by. Her heart was heavy with the memory of her mother, who had willingly gone to prison for her and ultimately lost her life.
On one hand, she had a mother whose love was immeasurable, and on the other, a father who was selfish and unspeakable; a stark contrast. With such a disappointing father, she felt a sense of shame. Her hand warmed as Aaron took hold of it.
"Lost in the past?" he asked.
Nora returned to the present, sighing softly, "The evidence is clear now. I have to inform Grandma. I don't know if she'll blame me."
Upon hearing this, Aaron squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
His voice was as gentle as a stream, steady and comforting. Nora looked at him, her expression softening. His presence brought her a sense of peace.
Back home, the three little ones were singing along with Mrs. Smith. Their youthful voices seemed to lift some of Nora's melancholy.
"Mommy's back."
Alex was the first to notice Nora, announcing her return. Billy and Samantha rushed towards her, shouting "Mommy." Nora's face lit up with a smile as she embraced them, planting a kiss on each. The sweet scent of her children seemed to wash away the day's fatigue.
"Mommy, come and listen to the song I'm singing with Grandma."
Samantha eagerly tugged at Nora's hand, her eyes sparkling with the anticipation of showing off her latest accomplishment.
Nora indulged the child, her eyes softening as she patiently listened to the performance that had been prepared with such enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the house, Aaron was engaged in a different kind of teaching. He was instructing the two brothers on the art of shooting, their young faces serious and focused.
The house was filled with a joyous cacophony, a testament to the happiness that filled the family's hearts.
After a sufficient amount of playtime, Nora gently told the children that it was time to wash up. The three little ones obediently followed her instructions, scampering upstairs with the energy only children possess.
As the children disappeared from sight, Nora's smile faded slightly. She turned to Mrs. Smith, her eyes serious. "Grandma, there's something I need to discuss with you," she said, her voice steady.
"What is it?" Mrs. Smith asked, her warm smile never wavering.
Nora took out her phone and played a recording. "Grandma, please listen to this first," she requested.
The recording was one Nora had obtained from Allen. As Mrs. Smith listened to the content of the recording, the smile on her face gradually faded. When it ended, she remained silent, her face unreadable.
Nora felt a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. She reached out and took Mrs. Smith's hand. "Grandma, I'm sorry, but I have to hand this recording over to the police. Will you be upset with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mrs. Smith looked at her granddaughter, her eyes filled with understanding. She sighed softly and patted Nora's hand. "Nora, you don't need to apologize to me. Your grandma can still distinguish right from wrong when it comes down to it. People must face the consequences of their mistakes. You're doing the right thing, and I support you."
Upon hearing these words, Nora embraced her grandmother tightly, whispering, "Grandma, thank you."
Mrs. Smith chuckled and patted her back. "Silly child, if anyone should be thankful, it's me. Without you, how could I have such a comfortable and joyful life in my old age? You don't know how happy I've been these past months; I feel years younger."
Nora felt a warmth spread through her heart. She knew that her grandmother couldn't be completely indifferent about her own son being sent to prison. However, her grandmother was generous and fair-minded. She didn't make Nora feel conflicted.
Nora straightened up and said earnestly, "Grandma, don't worry, I will take care of you for the rest of your life."
Tears shimmered in Mrs. Smith's eyes. "My dear child, I know. Now, I'm tired and need to rest. You should also get some sleep soon."
"Alright."
As Nora watched Mrs. Smith's figure disappear into her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that her grandmother was sad. She sighed deeply, a sense of heaviness settling in her heart.
Aaron wrapped his arms around her waist and spoke softly, "Let's go."
"Okay."
Nora cast one more glance at Mrs. Smith's room door before heading upstairs with Aaron.
Inside her room, Mrs. Smith closed the door and allowed the tears to flow freely. Eventually, she sighed and muttered to herself, "One reaps what they sow; he has no one to blame but himself."
It was a night where sleep seemed elusive for many. Nora herself was restless, tossing and turning. But with Aaron by her side, soothing her, she managed to sleep soundly during the latter part of the night. Perhaps it was because a heavy burden had been lifted.
The next day at work, she received a call from Aaron, informing her that Charles had been taken away by the police. She simply acknowledged the news, feeling little turmoil inside.
At noon, a colleague mentioned to her that a visitor had arrived.
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