“Liar!” Jolene fiercely glared at Esther before revving her car’s engine and speeding away.
Esther rubbed her temples, watching Jolene’s disappearing figure.
“Esther, everyone has their own path in life, and we should respect their choices,” Agatha said, her tone carrying
deep meaning. “Just as I do, as your mentor, respect yours.”
Esther’s face filled with shame.
Agatha continued. “I can’t shield you forever, Esther. Make the most of the time you have with me. Learn as much
as you can. You never know when that knowledge might be your lifeline.”
“I understand.”
Esther cherished her days at the clinic. She faced none of Chadwick’s veiled threats, Bradley’s relentless pressure,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtor Selene’s unconventional teaching methods. She was just a student, enjoying the peaceful countryside alongside
three children.
Jacob, the eldest among them, naturally became the responsible older brother. Sunshine and Felix listened to him,
and while Esther delved into her medical studies, the young trio quietly stayed to themselves.
In a little over ten days, Esther regained the weight lost due to her miscarriage and liver donation, her complexion
now glowing with renewed vitality.
Running away never solved anything.
–
Sadie personally came to pick up Esther.
Checking her calendar, Esther noticed the fateful day had indeed arrived.
“Grandma Foster,” Sadie said with a forced smile, “I’ll take Esther now and bring her back the day after tomorrow.”
“Be careful,” Agatha cautioned, well aware of the Quills’ plans.
“Grandma Agatha, I’m leaving now. Please take care of the children.”
“Don’t worry about them.”
Felix, Jacob, and Sunshine wore sad expressions as Esther got ready to leave.
Getting into the car, Esther found it hard to hold back tears. Jacob held Felix and Sunshine’s hands tightly as if afraid
they would burst into tears at Esther’s departure.
“Bye, Mommy,” they said in unison.
Sadie noticed Sunshine gripping Jacob’s hand in the rearview mirror. She couldn’t resist teasing, “So, Sunshine’s
calling you ‘Mommy’ too, huh? Is she a young bride-in-waiting for Felix?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“No,” Esther replied.
Sadie chuckled. “They do make a cute couple. Maybe you should consider it.”
During the ride, Sadie briefed Esther on the Quill family’s plans.
“I understand,” Esther acknowledged briefly.
“Don’t worry. You won’t actually marry that idiot Chadwick,” Sadie reassured her.
“I understand.”
Upon reaching their destination, Sadie led Esther into a luxurious hot spring villa prepared especially by the Quills.
Traditionally, as a Quill member, Esther was expected to marry from their family estate. However, to deter the
Pendletons, the Quills arranged for Esther and Mandy to stay in the hot spring villa, with wedding ceremonies
scheduled for the following day.
“I’ll keep you company tonight, Esther,” Sadie said.
“That sounds great.”
Upon spotting them from the nearby garden, Mandy’s face lit up with joy.
“Why don’t we all relax in the hot spring?” she suggested.