Dorothy pursed her lips, feeling helpless.
She knew her mom well; the moment she opened her mouth, she'd be spewing venom. That's how it's always been for years.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe had been constantly threatening to cut ties or refusing medical treatment.
"Don’t | even get a choice?" Dorothy's voice trembled with desperation, "Just because you made a bad choice when you were young, you assume all men are like my dad?" Though she didn't know how her dad had won her mom's heart or what their relationship was like, Dorothy believed Everett wouldn't be so irresponsible! Everett wouldn't abandon his wife and daughter without a second thought! She trusted him.
"Are you questioning me?" Bella was taken aback. She hadn't expected so much to change overnight, "Do you think I'll harm you?" "I don't think you'll harm me. | just wish you wouldn't let past experiences cloud your judgement. And...” Dorothy paused, then continued, "This is my life; no matter what the outcome, | don't want any regrets.” The worst-case scenario would be misjudging someone.
Even without Everett, she could survive.
She refused to live under the shadow of a past relationship just like her mother! "Of course you'd say that. You don't have kids! Imagine you are tricked if you have kids now. Won't you stop your kid from making the same dumb mistake?!" "No, | wouldn't." Dorothy answered firmly, "It's her life! Also, | wouldn't end my life over a man. If Everett ever changes and stops loving me, I'll forget him and live my life to the fullest.” She definitely wouldn't become like her mother, clinging to the title of a legal wife, rejecting any advances, and locking away her heart.
She decided that if she were to be wronged, she’d bounce back as quickly as possible. She could immerse herself in work, travel, or even start a new relationship. She wouldn't sink for a man.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBella remained silent.
"Mom, after all these years, it's time to let go." Dorothy knew her mother's hang-up. She was holding a grudge. That's why she was refusing to divorce and surrender to that woman.
At first, she didn’t object to her mother’s choice. After all, she wanted to save her dignity and that's a normal thing.
But as the years passed, she grew up and found the only person stuck in this whole mess was Bella herself! After being hurt, Bella refused to socialize or any man’s advances, and was even contemplating ending her own life. That was the dumbest thing to do. Even dumber than trusting that man in the first place! Dorothy believed the best revenge was to live better than those who hurt you.
"How can | let go? Those two lowlifes are still alive and they keep provoking me!" Bella sneered, quickly getting back on track, "Don't think I'll compromise, including you and this Everett!" "Mom... How about | bring Everett to meet you and then you can decide." "I won't meet! Men never speak the truth! You think I'd believe his promises? His assurances that he'll be good to you are just empty words! If he really can't live without you, fine, let him transfer the entire Lopez Corporation under your name, then I'll believe him!"