Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Don’t You Want Me Anymore?
Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
“I never disliked Elizabeth! Nor did I reject her! Everything I told my friends was true!” Linda said.
Her face was streaked with tears. She crouched down, burying her face in her hands, and sobbed.
“I was just scared. I feared that with Elizabeth’s return, you would no longer cherish me,” she continued. “I always held back, always kept myself in check because of this fear.”
“I might have made some mistakes, but it was out of concern that you would dislike me. I’m not a blood relative, but I’ve always considered this place my nome.’
She was heartbroken that Jack would even question her. Half of what she said was genuine.
Jack had never seen Linda this distressed. He had never known the depth of her fear.
A pang of guilt hit him. He blamed himself for not being more attentive to Linda’s feelings.
“Jack,” Linda started, her voice trembling, “I know I was wrong. It was supposed to be my coming-of-age celebration. Yet Mom bought such a fancy dress for Elizabeth. Out of jealousy, I mentioned moving out in front of my friends. I regretted it later.”
Linda raised her hand to show him something. “If I didn’t accept Elizabeth, why would I keep wearing this bracelet?”
Jack’s gaze landed on the two-dollar bracelet, softening a bit.
But he separated matters clearly.
Even though it pained him, he sternly said, “I hope such an incident doesn’t happen again. You’re all part of the Wilson family; you need to stick together when outside.”
“If such an incident happens again, I might have to send you to a boarding school to ensure peace at home. I hope it doesn’t come to that, Linda.” Linda looked up, shock evident in her eyes. “Don’t you want me anymore?”
Jack felt a twinge in his heart. “I just want you to tell me if something’s bothering you. That way, I can help resolve any issues. Elizabeth is your sister. I hope you both get along.”
He remembered the younger days when little Linda would rush to him, seeking a hug whenever he returned home.
Whenever there was a treat, she’d offer it to him first, sweetly saying, “You eat first, Jack.”
Recalling those memories made Jack’s resolve waver.
Linda nodded, her eyes pleading. “I understand. Just don’t abandon me.”
Jack frowned. He realized he needed to talk to his parents to ensure fairness between Linda and Elizabeth.
Even though Linda’s actions were wrong, he empathized with her and felt for her.
He blamed himself for not noticing her fear and anxiety.
Jack stayed in his study for a long time, reflecting on his recent actions.
He realized he had made many mistakes.
He always suspected Elizabeth might have inherited some bad traits from the countryside.
He often nitpicked her. No wonder Elizabeth hadn’t warmed up to him. He remembered the two times Elizabeth had told him the following words.
“You don’t trust me.”
Thinking about it, Jack felt at a loss.
Elizabeth still hadn’t called him “Jack”. Would she ever?
Filled with shame, Jack felt like he had almost fled from the house in disgrace.
He figured it would be a while before he dared to face Elizabeth again.
Linda stepped out of the study, finally exhaling the breath she’d been holding.
She glanced at the bracelet, grateful that Lily had given her a heads-up. Otherwise, her facade might have crumbled.
Thankfully, Jack’s genuine affection for her softened his stance.
It seemed Elizabeth’s apparent good behavior was just a facade. Now she even tattled.
Ever since Elizabeth’s return, Linda felt nothing had gone right for her. Whether it was being blackmailed, embarrassed in public, overshadowed on her birthday, or even Jack doubting her.
For now, she needed to refrain from any sneaky actions. Linda’s eyes darkened with undisclosed thoughts.
She picked up her phone and called Lily..