Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 465

What on earth did this mean? She wasn’t the daughter of her dad and mom, but of her mom and another man? A swarm of questions buzzed in her mind, but she forced herself to focus on the conversation going on inside.

Cicely, now calmed down, and was overcome with guilt. She watched this man, whose eyes were filled with pain. Suddenly she broke down.

“It’s okay, Cicely. It’s all in the past now.”

“My love, I’m sorry for lashing out at you. I know Silvia is my daughter, and she is innocent. I tried to control my anger, but I couldn’t. I’ve been going crazy lately. I ran into that man again today, and he’s doing better than ever.

“Silvia’s temperament is just like his. She might come across as innocent, but she’s shrewd and cunning. She’s nothing like Leila, so I don’t like it.”

Nolan patted Cicely’s back. “Alright, let it all out today while the kids are at school, but you have to promise me. Don’t talk about this again. It’s not good for the girls to know. They are both my daughters, so we should treat them equally.”

“Thank you, my love. I feel guilty for causing you pain all these years, for making you accept me and raise another man’s child.”

Nolan felt a deep resentment too. At the time when everything happened, he was ready to end it all, and to fight with that man. No man could tolerate such insult. But looking at his daughter in school and his wife on the brink of collapse, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.

He didn’t expect his wife to get pregnant again with that man’s child. “Every woman meets a few bastards when she’s young. It’s my fault for not protecting you back then. That’s why you ran into that scumbag again. Don’t worry. You are my wife forever. I will accept everything about you, and I will never let you down in this life. We’re a family of four, and we’ll live a good life. Promise me, forget about the past.”

“I can’t forget. As long as I stay in this city, I can’t forget everything. Honey, can we move to another city? I can’t stand living in A City anymore. I feel like I’m going crazy.” Cicely, losing control, clutched her head. Every time she thought of the past, she felt like she was going insane.

“Alright, but we can’t just abandon our jobs all at once. We need to wait until the company hires replacements. And Leila is still a year and a half away from graduating from college. What will she do alone in A City? Let’s wait a bit longer, until Leila graduates and can support herself. Then we can leave, okay?”

“Okay, you promised, and you can’t back out.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep my promise. You’ve been under a lot of stress lately. Thanksgiving is coming up. Let’s take a break and go somewhere to relax. Leave all this mess behind for a bit.” Nolan comforted.

Cicely nodded. “Alright, you arrange it. Leila has been wanting to travel for a while. We’ll take her. The three of us can get away for a few days.”

Silvia shook her head, staring at her father with a complicated expression. She hadn’t misunderstood. They had been talking about her all along. It couldn’t be just gossip.

Her eyes were red and her lips trembled. “Dad, although I’m young, I understand what you were saying. Don’t lie to me. I heard you say that I’m not your real daughter. So whose daughter am I?”

Nolan looked at the little girl in front of him. He had always known she was mature for her age, but she was even more sensible than he had thought. After hearing the conversation once, she had figured out the relationships. “Sweetie, you’re still young. Some things are not easy for Daddy to explain, but you’re always my daughter. I’ve watched you grow up, and I’ll love you just like before. You don’t need to worry.”

Sensing that her dad was determined not to tell her the truth, Silvia turned to her mom, gently tugging at her sleeve. “Mom, is this why you’ve always been cold to me? Because I’m not Dad’s child?”

At her words, a surge of nameless fury welled up within Cicely. Just as she was about to speak, Nolan intervened, “Cicely, you’re emotionally unstable right now. Go back to your room. I’ll handle this and explain everything to Silvia.” But Cicely didn’t budge. Her gaze was riveted on Silvia. The sight of her daughter reminded her of all the pain she had endured.

“Why ask when you already knew, Silvia?” she growled menacingly. “You are the result of an assault, a living reminder of my shame. I never wanted you. The fact that I didn’t smother you when you were born is a mercy for you. And you expect me to treat you kindly? Silvia, you need to learn to be grateful. All these years, I’ve been feeding you the best food, clothing you in the finest brands. That is already the greatest act of mercy I could show to you.”