After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 167

“Didn’t I tell you belone? May said, not showing even a hint of guilt, sounding completely convincing “Your mom lived in an orphanage until she turned eighteen, and after that, she worked part–time jobs through college

“Who could possibly save up that much money from part–time gigs? Rebecca shot back.

May answered without missing a beat, propping her chin in her hand. “Your mom, my bestie, obviously.”

Rebecca felt speechless.

“Don’t doubt it.” May said sincerely. “Your mom was seriously impressive. If she and Jeffrey were the same age. even your husband might not be able to hold a candle to her.”

“So why did she pick my dad?” Rebecca pressed, her tone unusually serious. With such great instincts and skills, there was no way Amelia couldn’t see through a guy. Rebecca knew that something definitely didn’t add

up.

“Well… May pursed her lips, not expecting Rebecca to ask so sharply. “No one can have everything. She was so successful in her career that her judgment of guys was bound to be a bit off.”

“If Mom was really as amazing as you say, she wouldn’t have married Dad.” Rebecca was sharper than ever. “Grandma and Grandpa weren’t exactly her biggest fans, either.”

Amelia was smart, successful, and had a good heart. It didn’t make sense that she would marry someone like Richard.

May was at a loss for words.

Rebecca pressed on, “Their marriage felt more like a business arrangement.” She knew that her parents had signed a prenup ahead of time and kept all their finances completely separate. She thought even the way they interacted day to day was strange.

Back then, Rebecca believed her parents got along perfectly and loved each other. But now, it felt too flawless, like a carefully staged act..

“What are you rambling on about, kid?” May was starting to sweat.

“So, is it that Mom asked you to keep quiet about this, or did she share the story with some other close friend and leave you out?” Rebecca asked smoothly.

“If it’s the latter, I won’t press you. I know bringing it up makes you feel upset every time.”

May couldn’t handle the thought, “She didn’t have any other close friends. Her ride–or–die is just me.”

Rebecca replied dismissively. “Oh.”

May asked, “You don’t believe me, do you?”

10:32 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 167

answered,

said Memories rushed back. “Your mom was amazing

the only

are you talking

people in her circle,

on her phone and handed it

was Ryan, her expression flickered briefly before she masked it. “Why do you still have his photo? Didn’t I warn you

Rebecca admitted honestly. “He even

perked up. “You actually

I took it,”

tone turned anxious. “How could you accept it? That guy is

shot back,

stopped short.

it. I threw it away,” Rebecca said, trusting May wouldn’t let her down. “You’re usually chill, but you lose it whenever his name comes

hung open. For once, she had

me

The only way

and he made off with the cash, May said, genuinely surprised by how

upfront about it,” Rebecca replied, sharp as ever. “No need

forehead, thinking, ‘Alright, this kid’s gotten too smart to brush

ever had,” May finally admitted after a long pause. “They dated

wonder he always has that sad look in his eyes whenever he

weren’t for him, Amelia wouldn’t have had to move

10:32 Mon, Sep 20

Chapter 167

AD

the type, Guess you can’t judge

thought

disgust practically dripping through every wordt, “Guys like him don’t even deserve to be

Rebecca nodded. “Alright”

that, the talk tuned lighter. May steered Rebecca away from Amelia’s past, and Rebecca avoided bringing up Jeffrey. They simply caught up and talked

their way to the hospital to visit Amelia Amelia was supposed to wake up soon, and Reberca couldn’t wait to finally see her mom