Chapter 362 Lillian's Frustration
Clara smiled nonchalantly, "I'll be staying in Rihegde for a while this time. Once things settle down, I'll get you a new house."
Lisa never expected Clara to be doing so well, offering $400,000 and a house right off the bat. Her previously angry expression softened considerably.
"Looks like you've done pretty well for yourself over the past twenty years," Lisa said, flicking the check with her finger. "I'll take this; after all, it's what I deserve."
Harry sat nearby, his brow furrowed tightly.
"Then can I go talk to Lillian and Oscar now?" Clara's voice was a bit tense.
Lisa pocketed the check and smiled at her. "You came at just the right time today. Lillian is married now, and her husband is the richest man in Rihegde! They just had two boys! She's very happy. Oscar had surgery not long ago and has recovered well. He's a sophomore in college this year. See, I've raised your kids so well."
Clara's eyes reddened as she thought Lillian was married and a mother now.
In the room, Lillian asked Oscar, "Do you want to talk to her?"
"I don't know; my mind is a mess right now," Oscar said, looking at Lillian. "What about you, Lillian? Do you want to talk to her?"
Lillian lowered her head and shook it. "I don't know what to say to her."
Alexander put his arm around her shoulders and said, "Honey, I know your feelings are very conflicted right now, and it's difficult for you to accept. If you truly don't want to see her, I will turn her down on your behalf. We can wait until you feel ready to converse with her."
Just then, Lisa knocked gently on the door from outside and asked, "Lillian, Oscar, can you come out for a moment? I have something to say."
Neither Lillian nor Oscar moved their emotions in turmoil.
Seeing this, Alexander stood up and left the room.
"Alexander, are the kids awake?" Lisa asked with a smile outside the door.
Alexander led her away from the door and back to the living room, glanced at Clara, and then said to Lisa, "Lisa, Lillian, and Oscar heard everything you just said. They're feeling very conflicted right now and haven't decided how to face Clara. Give them some time."
Clara studied Alexander. He had a towering physique, with striking and handsome features tinged with a hint of sternness. His measured speech and demeanor immediately revealed him to be a capable individual.
Clara knew that Lisa must have spoken ill of her in front of Lillian and Oscar, maybe even said she was dead. She also understood that this was not something that could be forced, so she resigned herself to agree. "Alright," she nodded, handing Alexander her business card. "I can wait. When they're ready to accept me, please give me a call. I'll be in Rihegde for the time being."
Alexander took the card. "Okay."
Clara didn't stay any longer. Before leaving, she said to Lisa, "You and Harry are getting older; you should enjoy your retirement and take good care of your health."
As she opened the door, Adam was just about to unlock it. Seeing Clara, he paused and asked, "Mom, who is she?"
"Just call me Clara," Clara said with a smile. "This must be Adam? I almost didn't recognize you!"
Adam was completely bewildered, gave a smile, and went inside, saying, "Clara, take care."
Hearing the door close, Lillian felt a sense of relief and exhaled.
Alexander came into the room and said, "She's gone. She left a business card. Here you are"
Lillian took it and saw "Clara Smith" printed on the simple card.
"Clara," Lillian murmured, "So my mother's name is Clara."
Seeing her forlorn expression, Alexander lovingly patted her head to comfort her.
Suddenly, Adam burst in, surprised. "Lillian, was that woman your mother?"
The kids on the bed were startled awake and began to cry loudly.
Furious, Alexander pushed him out and, along with Lillian, picked up a child each, gently soothing them.
At dinner, Lisa prepared a lavish meal. But because of Clara's visit, Lillian and Oscar had no appetite and were lost in thought.
"Lisa, why did she leave back then?" Lillian couldn't hold back and asked.
Lisa, eating her food, sneered and said, "Just like you heard. She couldn't stand your father, so she left."
"How could she bear it? Oscar had just been born—how could she abandon us so easily?" Lillian asked in disbelief.
"She was that heartless," Lisa said disdainfully. "If it were me, I could never do such a thing."
Lillian put down her fork and said, "I'm full; I'll head back to my room. Enjoy your meal."
The dinner ended in disarray.
That night, back home, Oscar listlessly went upstairs.
Seeing Lillian's poor state, Alexander didn't dare let her take care of the children. He called Melvin to help bathe, feed, diaper and put the children to sleep.
Lying in bed, Alexander held her hand tightly and spoke softly, "Honey, I can't give you any good advice on this matter; it's entirely up to you. If you can forgive her for abandoning you, then accept her. If you can't, don't force yourself. I don't want to see you unhappy; it makes me unhappy too. Do you understand?"
Lillian snuggled into his arms and said softly, "Honey, I'm a mother of two now. I love them and can't bear to be separated from them. No matter how difficult things get, I would never abandon them and leave. I don't understand how she could be so selfish towards her children. It breaks my heart for myself and Oscar."
"She was wrong to abandon you. But we weren't in her situation back then, so we can't understand her despair. I'm not defending her, just saying that when people are pushed to the brink, they only think of themselves," Alexander said, kissing her. "So, it's up to you and Oscar how you want to handle this. When faced with a desperate life and postpartum depression, the accumulated stress can make people do extreme things."
"How do you know she had postpartum depression?" Lillian asked, puzzled.
Alexander said, "You mentioned that Oscar was just a few months old when she left. She was beaten by your father every day, living in constant fear. So I guess she had postpartum depression. She was strong. Look at the news today; so many mothers with postpartum depression commit suicide, sometimes taking their children with them. Honestly, she had it tough too."
Lillian looked at him directly and asked, "Honey, do you want me to forgive and accept her?"
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