Chapter 24 Disappointment
In the following days, I developed a fever, felt groggy, and my wounds hurt. My whole body was uncomfortable.
Lillian and the others visited daily, telling jokes to cheer me up. But I was too listless to respond, so they just stayed with me quietly from morning till night.
Since the Pitts left, my parents and I avoided talking about that night.
I didn't know if Emma had come to see me again; my parents didn't mention it, and I didn't want to think about it.
Helen and Ronan focused all their attention on me, as if the Pitt family no longer mattered.
I noticed Helen's sadness, especially when she turned Emma away the other day. I sighed, knowing my situation had strained their relationship.
Having a daughter like me must be more of a burden than a blessing for Helen.
Daniel and Zoe visited once. My parents were with the doctor, and when I woke up, they were by my bed.
Zoe leaned weakly against him, her big eyes watery.
I ignored her act and said nothing.
Daniel, for once in his life, didn't mind my coldness and sincerely apologized for leaving me alone, asking for forgiveness.
I felt nothing. He had said it before, and I didn't need it. I calmly told him it was my fault, not his.
If I hadn't been soft-hearted, I wouldn't have gone out with him and ended up in this mess.
Daniel kept apologizing, and I got annoyed. I told him I didn't blame him. If anyone was to blame, it was the city maintenance crew for not fixing the hazard. I said I'd file a complaint once I recovered.
I kept a calm smile, didn't blame him, and didn't talk to Zoe.
Daniel, who grew up with me, treated me like this; what could I expect from Zoe, who saw me as a rival?
I didn't blame Daniel. I knew my place in his heart. I was self-aware and didn't blame anyone.
'Daniel, this is it,' I thought.
When Daniel left, he looked unpleasant, whether from guilt or regret, I couldn't tell.
I ignored it. 'Daniel, I've let you go.'
The next morning, Helen came back from buying breakfast, looking upset.
I asked what was wrong.
Helen said she ran into Zoe and Daniel downstairs. Zoe wanted to see me, but Daniel wouldn't let her, and they argued in the lobby.
"What's there to see? Zoe isn't simple. She's very calculating. Jane, stay away from them."
I stayed silent, which was my way of agreeing.
Later, I found out by chance that Hugh and Emma had scolded Daniel and Zoe because of me. They said they always saw me as their daughter-in-law and that Zoe could never take that place.
I figured Zoe wanted to see me that day to confirm something.
Initially, I thought Zoe was weak and pitiful. If they truly loved each other, I could give them my blessing. After all, Daniel not liking me wasn't her fault.
But after several incidents, Zoe's behavior disappointed me.
I always believed that no matter your background or wealth, you should have a pure heart. Zoe, not even twenty, was already too scheming.
I wondered if Daniel would regret it once he saw her true colors and if their love would last.
While having oatmeal, I mentioned moving again. Ronan said he had found a house and paid the deposit.
It was a new community in the city center, a bit farther from here. But the house wouldn't be ready until next year.
I felt a bit disappointed. I wanted to leave immediately and never see Daniel again.
Reality didn't allow it, but at least we would move next year. It was something to look forward to.
After ten days in the hospital, my wounds had mostly healed, but there was a scar in my heart that wouldn't.
Back home, lying on my big bed without the IV drip, the smell of disinfectant, or doctors and nurses flipping me over for checks, I felt very comfortable.
Around five in the afternoon, Emma came to see me. She brought two big bags of fruits and snacks, then went back for two large plates of freshly cooked Polish dumplings.
I had just woken up from a nap, but Helen didn't know, so she told Emma I was still sleeping.
Emma said it was fine, but I could hear the regret in her voice. She probably wanted to see me in person.
Helen and Emma sat in the living room and talked. My bedroom door wasn't fully closed, so I could hear their conversation.
Emma first talked about Daniel, constantly apologizing to Helen.
Helen repeatedly said it wasn't his fault, but her tone was indifferent.
Then they talked about how we had found a house and would move next year when it was built.
Emma was silent for a while, then started crying. "Helen, whether you believe it or not, I truly care about Jane. It's our family's fault that Jane suffered so much and almost lost her life. If I had known Daniel would turn out to be such a jerk, I would never have mentioned that promise back then."
"Back then, it was just talk. Nowadays, kids have the freedom to choose their partners, and the older generation doesn't need to interfere," Helen replied.
"I want to interfere, but the kids are grown up and don't listen to me. Helen, Jane is a rare good child, so good to Daniel. Missing out on Jane is his lifelong loss. He will regret it in the future," Emma said, shedding silent tears.
Helen, being soft-hearted and having a deep friendship with Emma for decades, felt her sincerity and softened. She told Emma not to overthink it and that everything would pass.
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