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

murmured, "Happiness

a tinge of sadness in her

straight in the eye. "I

are

my daughter. Who you?"

Philippa had seemed hesitant so many times before. She'd figured it out

ago.

"1..."

I gave birth to and raised-I know her temperament inside and out. She's not as brave or clever as you are.

she finally gave in to the weight of

but to tell her the harsh truth. "Mom,

pale with shock. Just a short while ago, she

"You're Chloe Sanders?"

for a month. I desperately wanted to live, and during that time, I heard Zoey's voice. She desperately wanted to die. That's how our fates were exchanged." Tears streamed down Philippa's

this world. From her memories, I

that foolish child

dreamt of her. She was wearing a white dress, smiling at me

depression too, 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 you were pregnant, I couldn't bear to let you terminate it. I thought maybe Zoey couldn't let go of you, so she

might sound absurd, but after experiencing my rebirth, I felt like anything was

give Philippa hope to keep

her still flat stomach, a trace of

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Whether the 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

her tears. "Mom, Ill always

and hugged me fiercely. "No wonder you did all those things

find

ever uncovered more about me, at least it wouldn't come as

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

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

be such a mischievous child! Zoey was so different-impossible to figure out and rarely smiled. It was my fault for hurting her."

"I will!"