"Sophie, no matter what, let me apologize on her behalf first." Clarissa said apologetically.
Sophie saved her life, yet as a daughter, Ophelia helped others against Sophie, which was inexcusable.
"What you mentioned really took me by surprise. I need to go back and think it over thoroughly before I get back to you. Is that okay?" Clarissa tried to stay calm, even though she was already a bundle of nerves.
"Aunt Taylor, I was being presumptuous." Sophie said softly, seeking a resolution but also unwilling to keep guessing.
This lifetime, she wanted to live simply.
"No, I’m glad you told me directly." Clarissa forced a smile, her feelings were indeed complicated. However, if what Sophie said was true... She also wanted to know the truth.
After separating from Sophie, Clarissa returned home and heard cheerful laughter as soon as she entered.
"Mom, you’re back." Ophelia greeted Clarissa with a smile as she entered, "I brought local specialties for you and dad."
"Sister-in-law, with a daughter like Ophelia, you’re truly blessed. She always thinks of bringing gifts for you wherever she goes." Emerie said joyfully from the sofa.
"Aunt, I brought something for you and Uncle too." Ophelia turned around and snuggled into Emerie’s embrace, acting coy. "You can’t say I’m biased."
"How could I say you’re biased? I’m just envious of your mom for having such a wonderful daughter." Emerie shook her head with a mix of regret and admiration. Due to her health, she could never have children, so she had always doted on Ophelia as if she were her own.
"Aunt, aren’t I just like your daughter? Or do you dislike me and don’t want me?" Ophelia playfully swayed Emerie’s arm, her childish antics making Emerie burst into laughter, dispelling the gloom in her heart.
Watching the close interaction between Emerie and Ophelia, their intimacy seemed even stronger than hers as a mother.
Clarissa smiled and asked, "Ophelia, how long can you stay and rest this time? Stay home and rest well; don’t wear yourself out at such a young age."
"Mom, I can’t rest for too many days before I have to join a new production. This time it’s a police drama, the script by Benjamin Smith." Ophelia replied with a smile.
"Oh, a drama by Benjamin Smith? He’s quite amazing." Before Clarissa could speak, Emerie interjected.
"Aunt, you know Benjamin Smith!?" Ophelia asked excitedly.
"Of course, how could I not be familiar with people in my niece’s circles?" Emerie said proudly.
"Aunt, you’re just too good to me. Hardly anyone outside our circle knows about Benjamin Smith." Ophelia exclaimed emotionally, throwing herself onto Emerie, and they laughed and joked together.
The scene before her stung Clarissa’s eyes as she quietly went upstairs, not wanting to disturb the two happy people.
When Mason returned home in the evening, he greeted Clarissa with a hug and affectionately asked, "What’s wrong?"
He could clearly sense that something was off with Clarissa’s mood.
Clarissa sighed lightly and said, "Let’s go out for dinner tonight."
"Okay." Mason was utterly indulgent towards his wife, agreeing without hesitation.
After changing clothes and going downstairs, Emerie called out to him: "Brother, where are you going?"