After being fussed over by John and the maid, Yvonne was feeling better. She cuddled up to John like a pitiful little kitten, snuffling a little.
I was by Hannah’s side and saw her watching emotionlessly as John waited on Yvonne hand and foot. She was calm, detached, and unfeeling.
Nothing is sadder than losing heart over someone. I suddenly realized why Hannah could take all these in her stride, unperturbed. She had given up all hopes and was prepared to leave.
Yvonne was lying in bed, giving John her woeful look. She whined to him, “Did I spoil everyone’s day? I’m so sorry. I only wanted to have a chat with Ms. Anne. I did not mean to enrage her. I was shocked she hated me so much, that she would push me into the pool. The water was so cold and I couldn’t swim. I was terrified!”
I was appalled. I used to think Rebecca was irritating, but her act was nothing compared to Yvonne’s. Yvonne was revolting. It was an eye-opening lesson for me.
Everyone in the room heard Yvonne’s accusation and turned to look at Hannah, who had paled and was biting her lips. She looked at Yvonne and muttered, “I am sorry, Ms. Wilde.” She had no intention of defending herself.
Yvonne was stunned by Hannah’s apology, but she shamelessly continued, “Ms. Anne, all I wanted was to have a chat with you. John and I are serious about one another. I also know you have a lover and would like to start a new chapter of your life. I only wanted to thank you for taking good care of John all these years.”
Hannah stared blankly at Yvonne as she continued her blabber.
Louis was stunned and puzzled. “Hannah, you…”
Hannah calmly looked Louis in the eye and said, “Uncle Louis, I had planned to confide in you this evening. John and I will be going our separate ways from now on and I would like to keep Kiki by my side. I am not trying to make use of him to milk the Stovall family, so you don’t have to worry. I just do not want him to part from his mother at such a young age. He doesn’t get any love from his father, so I would like to make up for that by loving him more. He is part of the Stovall family, so rest assured I will bring him to visit you often.”
“Look what you have done!” Louis glared at John. His tone was filled with regrets as he asked Hannah, “What are your plans for the future?”
Hannah gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Uncle Louis. I met a nice man. After I settle matters with the Stovall family, I will get married and start a new life with him. You have to come and visit us too, Uncle Louis.”
Louis put on a forced smile and nodded with a sigh; then, he kept quiet.
John’s face was ashen, and he seemed to be angry yet hurt. Yvonne could see his mixed emotions, so she spoke instead. “Since Ms. Anne found a good man, John and I will give you our blessings.”
“Thank you.” Hannah answered, composed as ever.
I could not take it anymore. Yvonne took advantage of Hannah and made her take all the blame.
I stared at Yvonne and asked coldly, “Ms. Wilde, did you say Hannah pushed you into the water?”
Yvonne was taken aback by my question. She resumed her pitiful act and nodded, “Yes. I know Ms. Anne did not do it on purpose, and I am fine now, so let’s not bring it up again.”
I nodded and turned to ask Hannah. “Did you really push her?”
Hannah did not answer my question. She just kept quiet.
I could not help but let out a sigh. “Now I understand why the bad guys become more atrocious and disgusting. Yvonne, it is not wrong to pursue finer things in life. Your mistake is you sacrifice others in your pursuit of a better life. Do you think you can continue with this pitiable act forever and not get exposed?”
“Ms. Stovall, what do you mean by that?” she asked woefully.
I did not bother to reply to her. I gave her a hard stare and warned, “I am not a goody-two-shoes, so I am capable of being nasty. You’d better make your confession now, or I will throw you out of our house. If I object to your marriage, even if John obliges you, you will not get anything from the family. You can verify with John if you don’t believe me.”
John saw her frightened look and groused at me. “What is that for?”
“You confess.” I raised my eyebrow and challenged Yvonne.
She started sobbing and fell into John’s arms. “John, it is my fault. I am sorry. I should not have offended Ms. Stovall by blabbering and coming to the dinner with you. I should not have barged in on your family gathering. It is all my fault!”
