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 freedom you

murmured, "Happiness

a tinge of sadness in her voice and quickly

straight in the eye. "I know this might sound abrupt. But, I know you're

are

my daughter. Who you?"

No wonder Philippa had seemed hesitant

ago.

"1..."

clever as

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

the harsh truth. "Mom, you

with shock. Just a

"You're Chloe Sanders?"

wanted to live, and during that time, I heard Zoey's

she had nothing left to hold on to in this world. From her memories, I learned everything that had happened. As repayment, I'll fulfill

foolish child do

that dream was real dreamt of her. She was wearing a white dress, smiling

heartbroken. Don't worry-in this life, I'll treat you like my own mother and take care of you. When I found out you were pregnant, I couldn't bear to let you terminate it. I thought maybe Zoey couldn't let go of you, so she came back

experiencing my rebirth, I felt like anything

this would give Philippa hope

trace of cautious hope

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The Harsh

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child is Zoey or not, it's her little brother or sister. I'm sure Zoey would want new life to be with you, to keep you

gently wiping her tears. "Mom, Ill always

wonder you did

find

relieved. If Philippa ever uncovered more about me, at least it wouldn't come

I'd endured, she became even more gentle with me, trying to make up for

her stories from my

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 siblings are always

"I will!"