Chapter 270
Seeing how gentle and understanding her sweet girl was, Keira’s heart ached even more. “Oh, my darling, you’ve suffered so much, and yet you’re still thinking of your grandmother p>
She dabbed at her eyes, her voice trembling. “Darling, for nineteen years, I’ve searched for you every single day. I hoped and prayed I’d find you, but every time I left Silverhaven, I was disappointed. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you were here, in Silverhaven all along p>
Caitlin nodded and pulled a tissue from her pocket, gently wiping away Keira’s tears. “I know, Grandma. I know everything. You’ve worked so hard all these years p>
Keira shook her head, her tears shining under the porch light. “It wasn’t hard at all. I only regret not finding you sooner, Freya. You had to go through so much on your own p>
Caitlin squeezed her hand, her voice soft but steady. “Grandma, it’s cold out here. Why don’t we toss out the trash and talk at home p>
“Yes, yes, let’s go home. We can talk there,” Keira agreed quickly, almost as if afraid Caitlin would disappear if she let go.
On the walk to the bins, Keira held Caitlin’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go for even a second.
As they made their way back, Keira asked, “Darling, is your grandpa home p>
Stephanie had already messaged Keira on WhatsApp, filling her in on Caitlin’s situation—her background, her family, everything.
So Keira knew: Caitlin had grown up with her grandfather, the two of them relying on each other.
“He’s home,” Caitlin replied. “He knows you’re coming. He’s getting tea ready for us now p>
Keira smiled, her eyes still a little red. “Your grandfather must be a truly kind man. Does he have any other family p>
Caitlin shook her head. “He lost his wife when he was still young. He had a son, but after his son married, he cut ties with Grandpa completely. They haven’t spoken since. So really, it’s just been the two of us p>
Hearing this, Keira’s tears threatened to fall again. Her voice caught in her throat. “Oh, you two have had such a hard time. It’s all my fault if only I’d been stronger, maybe I could’ve found you sooner. All these years, you were right here in Silverhaven, and I just couldn’t find you. If it weren’t for your aunt and uncle, I might never have found you at all p>
Some things hurt less if you don’t dwell on them, but the more Keira thought, the more guilt she felt.
If it hadn’t been for the Richards family’s help, who knows how many more years she would’ve been searching for Freya?
“Grandma, please don’t say that. None of this is your fault. I’ve never blamed anyone,” Caitlin said quietly. Before meeting the Richards family and the Gonzales family, she had always thought-just like in her past life-that no matter how her status changed, she was destined to be abandoned.
But after meeting them, she realized the world wasn’t as cold as she’d believed. Not everyone preferred sons over daughters. She was a girl, but her family treasured her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. They would move mountains just to find her.
It was something Caitlin had never dared to hope for before.
Soon, the two of them stepped into the villa.
Fortune was in the kitchen, brewing tea and setting out some pastries. When she heard the door open, she turned and saw Caitlin guiding Keira inside.
“Grandpa,” Caitlin called, her voice warm. “This is my grandmother from The Capital p>
Then she turned to Keira. “Grandma, this is the man who raised me my grandpa p>
Keira didn’t hesitate. She walked straight up to Fortune, voice thick with emotion. “Thank you. Thank you for raising my darling so well, for teaching her to be so kind and thoughtful p>
And then, before anyone could stop her, Keira dropped to her knees in front of Fortune, tears flowing freely.
She had once made a vow before God: if anyone ever saved her Freya and raised her into adulthood, she would kneel and thank them in person.
Keira moved too quickly for Fortune to stop her. By the time he realized what was happening, she was already kneeling on the floor.
He hurried over to lift her up. “Please, ma’am, get up! You don’t have to do this for me-I can’t accept it p>