Looking back, Zelda had been the compromising and accommodating sister ever since Mary, or more accurately, Henry was born.The Stiggs' business was booming when Zelda was young. She learned to do chores and take care of Henry like an adult. Henry grew up under her care, even though there wasn't much of an age difference between them.James took over most of the responsibilities while Angela stayed home after the Stiggs' business stabilized. That was when they welcomed Mary into the family.Angela devoted herself to Mary. She often gave Mary things that belonged to Zelda rather than Henry because she didn't want to mistreat Henry. Besides, Angela felt that Zelda had grown up and that Mary deserved to be cherished.Perhaps due to her upbringing, Zelda didn't feel that anything seemed wrong. Despite her inner turmoil, she fulfilled her duties as a sister and continued to manage various affairs at home.The most rebellious thing Zelda did in her life was marry Kenneth. Some warned he
Perhaps Zelda's words had affected Angela, for her tone was not as firm as earlier. Emotions rose in Angela. She also felt a hint of regret for Zelda. Zelda seemed uninterested. She wasn't going to let go of past grievances just for that."I don't have to tell you where I'm going, do I? Why are you asking now when you never cared about me before?" Zelda glowered at Angela before she left with Rebecca and Penny.Angela seemed defeated and angry. She wanted to say something to Zelda but ended up remaining silent. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked deflated. She was exhausted and didn't know where to go next.The housekeeper noticed that something was wrong and quickly came over to support Angela. With a wave of her hand, Angela pulled her arm away from the housekeeper and walked out of the villa. She seemed to be looking for Cerys and Oliver, who were in the garden.Everyone loved Cerys. She was docile, sensible, and as beautiful as Penny, who had once been a star. Angela sat in a
Cerys was enjoying herself immensely. Oliver didn't want to spoil her fun by taking her away. He knew she wouldn't make a scene even if she was taken away, but he didn't want to be that selfish.As Angela approached the two of them, Oliver suppressed his disgust at her and greeted, "Great-grandma."The elegance in Oliver's youthful face caught Angela's eye. He would surely grow up to be a handsome man in just a few more years.Angela sighed as she thought about how lucky the Johnsons had been. She couldn't wait to call Henry and ask him when Jimmy was getting married. But she knew that Jimmy was always the decisive one, so asking would be in vain."Let me ask you something. Has Rebecca caused any trouble since she came back?" Angela asked as she looked straight into Oliver's eyes.Oliver looked at Angela in a confused way."I can see that Zelda is especially fond of Rebecca as if she wants to give her everything she has. With so many people in the Johnson family, isn't there some
Cerys was standing beside Oliver. She didn't have a clue what was being said. When she heard that Aunt Rebecca had been given some gifts, she held up the flower she had just picked and mumbled that she wanted to give it to Rebecca. "For Aunt Rebecca! I want to give this to Aunt Rebecca!"Oliver lowered his head and touched Cerys' head affectionately. "How about we wait until Aunt Rebecca comes back and give it to her then?"Cerys nodded earnestly before counting with her fingers. "Okay! I want to give one to Mommy and one to Grandma as well. Would you like one?"She hadn't forgotten Oliver. Oliver smiled and replied, "Guys don't need flowers. I can pick some for you if you want.""Sure." Cerys smiled sweetly and happily searched the garden for the most beautiful flowers. She didn't notice the grave atmosphere between Oliver and Angela. Cerys was the youngest Johnson. She just needed to grow up safe and happy.Oliver's gaze followed Cerys. He was afraid she might fall as he watched
Worried that Angela would bother Oliver with all the adult stuff, the housekeeper suggested, "Mrs. Stigg Senior, if you're bored here in the garden, you can return to the house for a book or watch television."There are also several entertainment options in your room. Madam Zelda will be back shortly. After lunch, she will arrange for you to tour the Fairport area."Angela had just had a big fight with Zelda right after she had come back from the hospital, and she had just been criticized by Oliver. Also, there hadn't been a message from James yet. She was too annoyed to answer the housekeeper.She sauntered through the garden. The Johnsons had hired a gardener to maintain the beautiful grounds. Also, Fairport had been blessed with nice weather throughout the year, so the temperature was pleasant.As she bathed in the fragrance of flowers in the air, Angela's irritation began to ease. Her mood finally settled after a walk on the stone path in the garden. Her tone was noticeably sof
Angela was well aware that she had acted unreasonably, but she knew that Zelda was gentle and sensible, so she assumed that Zelda would do her bidding.Back then, Zelda had been on the outs with the Stiggs because she had insisted on marrying Kenneth. Zelda never asked the Stiggs for a penny, even when she couldn't afford to eat. It was after Kenneth became successful in his career that Zelda took the initiative to make peace with the Stiggs.Zelda forgave Mary for everything, even though she tried to steal Kenneth from her. After Mary got married far away, Zelda cared for her and even went out of her way to support her. After an unexpected earthquake and the loss of Rebecca, Zelda still forgave Mary.However, everything was different now. As Angela looked at the countless vibrant flowers in front of her, she suddenly remembered that she hadn't been against Zelda in the first place.She remembered how she had prayed for Rebecca to come back safe and sound. She was delighted when Re
Zelda frowned and looked at Angela in confusion. "Mom, I don't think what I said earlier is disrespectful. I've already made my point. What else do you want from me?""You!" Angela was too angry to find the right words. She knew Zelda was right. She just couldn't stand that Zelda was treating her like a guest.A whirlwind of emotions washed over Angela as she saw Rebecca clinging to Zelda's arm. All Angela wanted was a close relationship with Zelda. Even if it couldn't be as close as it had been with Mary, it shouldn't have to be so distant.Angela felt devastated. Her anger seemed absurd as she looked into Zelda's indifferent eyes. She knew she had no right to get mad. Her demands for Zelda were endless, yet she still hoped for forgiveness."Mom, it's getting late. I'm not hungry, but the children must eat. Let's talk after dinner," Zelda said. Anger and guilt were written on Angela's face. Yet, Zelda ignored her and went to comfort Cerys, who was still in Penny's arms. "Cerys,
After lunch, Zelda headed upstairs to rest. She was emotionally drained from the recent events. She probably wouldn't have any appetite if Rebecca wasn't by her side.Everyone seemed to eat peacefully. Only Zelda felt how unbearable it was. She never thought there would be a time when she couldn't stand to hear Angela talk. As soon as she finished eating, she went straight back to her room. Everyone knew Zelda's health was not great, so no one found it strange that she had excused herself.Rebecca had cooked the food herself, and it tasted good. Everyone except Zelda seemed to enjoy it. Even the not-so-happy Angela ate quite a bit.Rebecca was very much aware of her culinary skills. She ate her food at a slow pace. She was just beginning to feel full by the time everyone else had finished.Penny went for a walk with Oliver and Cerys. The only person left at the table was Angela, who seemed to be quite satisfied with her meal. She reluctantly put down her utensils when everyone le