Chapter 235

No daughter ever wanted to cut ties with her mother. If Rowena had been even a little kinder, a little less extreme, Elvira would have forgiven her. But Rowena crossed too many lines. Forgiveness was off the table.

Elvira thought that maybe she just wasn't meant to have a loving family. Her parents had always been selfish and detached. For years, Elvira had convinced herself that her father just didn't know how to love. But watching how he treated Judy made the truth painfully clear. He had love to give-just not to her or Marsh. The harsh reality was unavoidable. And somehow, she had to live with it.

Zach, watching his wife carefully, felt a pang of frustration. She was brilliant and capable. But he could tell when her mind wandered back to her parents. It always darkened her mood. Only they had the power to make her feel this way. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her gently on the forehead. "You've got me. You've got us. Don't let them ruin your peace."

"I know it's not my fault, and I know they're the ones lacking compassion, but every time I think about it, it stings... it really does," Elvira said, feeling helpless. No matter how heartless her parents were, she couldn't help but feel that twinge of sadness every time they crossed her mind.

"You've done everything right. You've been kind, strong, and decisive. You've got nothing to feel guilty about." Zach admired how Elvira always tackled things head-on, with decisive action and no unnecessary delays. That quality, in particular, drew his respect. Elvira nodded, her resolve hardening. "When we have kids, I'm going to drown them in love. They'll grow up in a home filled with warmth and kindness, and they'll never feel the way I did."

"You love kids, and I love you." Zach wasn't sure he could give a child all his love-because his heart was already entirely Elvira's.

"You have to love them too. I want my child to grow up surrounded by love, so much love. Everyone in this house will love them," Elvira insisted. She had grown up in a world starved of affection and knew too well the emptiness it brought. She'd never let her child feel that void.

"Alright, whatever you say." Zach'd always give her whatever she needed.

After dinner, the couple took a leisurely walk, hand in hand. It had become their little ritual, a quiet escape from the world They relished the tranquility, the simplicity of being together.

Later, they showered together, enjoyed each other's company, and drifted off to sleep. Their life was simple, peaceful, and filled with quiet joy.

Meanwhile, things were far less serene for Cheryl and Morris.

felt like lead, and sleep wás a distant dream. When she did manage to fall

back in that dark place, trapped by that man who wanted to control her. This time, she had fought back and paid the ultimate

a.m. She knew she couldn't disturb Cheryl, not now. Instead, she set the phone aside and got out of bed for something to

was even worse than Cheryl's. The online harassment had hit him harder, and when Cheryl came out, she found him drinking, his

onto the couch. "I

lying there." During their time filming together, Morris and

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reservations. They had a camaraderie born from shared struggles. "I

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I don't have that choice. I've got someone depending on me." Morris knew too well that if he had gone

already planned a way out. If things didn't turn around soon, he'd take Vivian somewhere safe, somewhere no one could find them. He wouldn't

got to believe in Miss Willis. She'll handle it." Cheryl believed in Elvira, but it was hard

took another drink, hoping that getting drunk would help her sleep more soundly. Tomorrow was

all.

mood was still heavy. "I miss Vivian," he said softly. "I really miss her... I just want to see her, I

the pain on his face. Though he hadn't shared the details of his relationship with Vivian, Cheryl had experience and could guess what was going on. "Why don't you call her?" she suggested. "She's probably awake too, worrying about you. It might help to talk to each other right

sleep but still couldn't rest. She was

picked up the phone almost immediately. "Are you on

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