Chapter 416 A New Beginning, A Shadow from the Past
After leaving the hospital, Alice and Elliot returned to Hoverdale.
For the past ten years, Alice had worked nonstop. Only by keeping busy could she stop herself from spiraling into regret.
So, they still lived in the same villa, with no worries about food or clothing.
But illness strikes without mercy. Once she got home, Alice collapsed into bed and couldn’t get back up.
She left all her assets to Elliot.
Elliot hesitated. “Mom, aren’t you going to leave anything for Lauren?”
Alice’s eyes were full of pain. “Of course I want to, but I know Lauren won’t accept it. She can’t wait to cut all ties with us. Why would she ever take anything from me?”
“Elliot, I’m giving everything to you. If–someday–Lauren forgives you, then give her the share that should’ve been hers.”
“Alright.”
The days passed.
In a blink, half a year was gone.
Alice had been ravaged by stomach cancer. She was skin and bones now, looking like a skeleton as she lay in bed.
Elliot watched his mother deteriorate and couldn’t help but cry.
“Mom, I’ll go find Lauren now. Hang in there. I’ll bring her here.”
Alice summoned the last of her strength to hold him back, her voice barely audible. “Don’t go. I don’t want her to see me like this. I’ll scare her.”
She knew that even if Elliot went, Lauren still wouldn’t come!
All she wanted was to keep a shred of dignity before she died.
Alice’s eyes were cloudy.
Lauren, how hard your heart is. Your mother is dying, and you still won’t say you forgive me.
But… I don’t have the right to blame you.
Even if I die full of regret, I brought it on myself.
If there’s a next life, I hope I can be reborn earlier–so I won’t only remember everything after I’ve already lost you.
Alice closed her heavy eyelids and took her final breath.
Suddenly, Lauren’s heart clenched so hard she nearly fainted.
Felix immediately called for the family doctor.
After the examination, the doctor beamed. “Congratulations, sir. She’s pregnant.”
Lauren’s face lit up with joy.
So that’s why she suddenly felt so unwell–she was pregnant.
And just like that, all her discomfort vanished without a trace.
My name is Nancy.
I have a mom who’s a top–tier scientist and a dad who’s a powerhouse in the business world.
D
Chapter 416 A New Beginning. A Shadow from the Past
They be madly in the most affectionate couple I’ve ever NVM.
Born into a family like this, I’ve been showered with love since the moment I came into the world.
*8 Pearls
Not just from Mom and Dad and Great–Grandma, but also from my grandparents and my uncle. To them. I’m a priceless treasure.
But even though they spoil me they be also strict when it comes to raising me.
After I started preschool, the teacher taught us to be kind, united, loving, and generous.
When I told Mom what we learned, she gave me a serious look and said:
“Sweetheart, your teacher’s not wrong. But remember–if someone’s malicious toward you or tries to bully you, you absolutely don’t need to tolerate it. And you don’t owe kindness to those who hurt you. You light back.”
“And if there’s something you love and don’t want to share–you have the right not to share it.”
I looked at her and asked, “Mom, if I do that… does that mean I’m not a good kid?”
Mom gently stroked my head and said:
The first thing you need to do is protect yourself. Only then can you think about being a good kid.”
“Sweetheart, your dad and I work so hard and stand at the top so that no one can bully us—and so that no one can bully you. We’ve got your back. We don’t go looking for trouble, but we don’t fear it either. Understand?”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand, but I knew Mom would never lie to me so I trusted every word she said.
And it’s that trust that shaped me. Whenever I faced hardship, I never let myself feel small or defeated. At school, no one dared to bully me.
Maybe it was part of my personality, but I knew it also had a lot to do with the family I came from.
Still, I never abused my status to hurt others.
My days at preschool were mostly joyful and peaceful.
Except… lately I’ve noticed a strange man.
He looks to be about the same age as my dad–tall, handsome, and oddly, he kind of resembles Mom.
He’s been hanging around near my school a lot lately
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