Chapter of Contrition: 124

ISABEL

She looked like she had been caught off guard, and her eyes darted around the room to be sure we were alone.

"What do we do?" Mom asked reaching for my hand, "I'm worried, what if he tells your stepfather that I married him for his money?" she added, her worry deepening.

"He wouldn't," I replied. "After all, you married him through Mavis' arrangement. He made it happen. I've been wondering how you met Mr. Mulan, and now it's all clear." I smiled shaking my head. "It's a very small world," I muttered.

Mom looked torn as she worried about the outcome of Mavis' knowledge about the mentioned man. "Should I say that I owe Mavis or do I get upset and beat myself up over this?" Mom inquired, throwing herself into utter confusion.

I offered a suggestion, "I think we should give ourselves permission to be happy, Mom."

But Mom looked up with surprise, "Don't tell me you want to be with him? He's your step-brother for crying out loud! Are you not aware that Estelle is too wicked to be