Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Chapter 264 The Harsh Truth

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This New Year has been busy but fulfilling for me. After spending three days at the Bolton residence, I finally returned to Philippa's house,

Without the Wilcher family's interference, Philippa seemed to be living more peacefully, her complexion glowing with vitality.

Bill had become surprisingly adept at peeling apples, skillfully cutting them into small pieces and handing them to Philippa.

She ignored him, her attention focused on crocheting an assortment of small toys with her yarn.

Over the years of her marriage to Bill, during long, lonely periods, Philippa had honed her craft skills to pass the time.

While she crocheted little bunnies, Bill sat beside her winding balls of yarn. The scene was oddly harmonious.

That harmony was quickly shattered by the ringing of a phone.

Bill's eyes darted nervously. "I need to step out for a bit he muttered.

Philippa didn't even glance at him. She simply turned and went upstairs.

We all knew why he was leaving.

Worried that Philippa might feel upset, I followed her upstairs. Just as I was about to speak, I saw her drop a coin into a glass jar. "Mom, what are you doing?" I asked.

Philippa gave me a faint smile. "It's an old habit I picked up years ago. Back when I was young and restless, I started this little game for myself. Every time your father disappointed me, I'd toss a coin into this jar. I told myself that once the jar was full, I'd leave him for good."

I glanced at the large glass jar and quipped, "You must've been pretty forgiving to give him so many chances. If it were me, even a medium-sized coffee cup would feel too big."

Philippa chuckled softly, cradling the jar. "You're right. Deep down, I never really wanted to leave. I knew the Wilchers couldn't do without him, and I didn't have the freedom to walk away either. It was just self-deception. But the habit stuck, even to this day." "And now, even with a jar this big, it's almost full."

The coins had nearly reached the rim. Just a few more and the jar would be filled.

It felt symbolic, a reflection of their relationship. If Bill turned things around now, there might still be hope for them, no matter how messy their past had been.

But if he kept going down this path, there could only be one ending.

Looking at the jar brimming with coins, I thought about how many times Bill had let Philippa down over

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264 The Harsh

the last 20 years.

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my mom. "This will all be over soon, Mom. You'll have the happiness and

murmured, "Happiness

of sadness in her voice and quickly asked, "Mom, what's

"I know this might sound abrupt. But, I

are

my daughter. Who you?"

hesitant so many times

ago.

"1..."

not as brave or clever as you are. I don't dislike you; in fact, I like you. But,

lips trembled as she finally gave in to the weight of her doubts and

to tell her the harsh truth. "Mom, you know me. I'm

shock. Just a short while ago,

"You're Chloe Sanders?"

during that time, I heard Zoey's voice. She desperately wanted to die. That's how our fates were exchanged." Tears streamed

this world. From her memories, I learned

could that foolish child

that dream was real dreamt of her. She was wearing a white dress, smiling at me so gently. She said she was finally

so I understand how Zoey felt. She was heartbroken. Don't worry-in this life, I'll treat you like my own mother and take care of you. When I found out

experiencing my rebirth,

this would give Philippa hope

her still flat stomach, a trace of cautious hope in her

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The Harsh

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her little brother or sister. I'm sure Zoey would want new

before Philippa, gently wiping her tears. "Mom, Ill

did all

always find ways to

truth was out, I felt relieved. If Philippa ever uncovered

she became even more gentle with me, trying to make up for the motherly

night, I stayed by Philippa's side, telling her stories from my childhood and making her laugh

be such a mischievous child! Zoey was so different-impossible to figure out and rarely smiled. It was my fault for hurting her." "From now on, make sure your little

"I will!"