Chapter 587
Chapter 587
Eli gave a small, fragile smile.
“Because I shouldn’t be here p>
The words were quiet-but they hit like a blow.
“Who told you that p>
“I did.” Tears began spilling down her cheeks again. “I’m not part of this family. I’m not Daddy Chase’s daughter. I’m not Grand Dad and GrandMom’s biological granddaughter p>
Althea stepped closer, but Eli instinctively took half a step back.
“I came into this house with a lie,” she continued, her words stumbling over each other. “I introduced myself with an identity that wasn’t mine. I’ve been living inside a false story p>
“That wasn’t your fault p>
“But I was still part of it!” Eli’s voice rose, trembling, her sorrow laid bare in her eyes. “I defended everything my mother said. I believed all of her stories. I even… felt proud. I felt like I deserved to belong
here p>
She wiped her tears roughly with the back of her hand.
“I’m like a fraud who didn’t even realize she was committing fraud p>
Althea stopped directly in front of her. “Eli p>
But the girl kept talking, as if she were afraid that if she paused, she would completely fall apart.
“I don’t have a father. I don’t have a biological mother. I don’t have anyone. I’m just a child from an orphanage who was taken and used as a tool.” Her breathing hitched. “I don’t deserve to live in a house this big. I don’t deserve to be in the middle of all of you. I’m nobody p>
“That’s enough, Eli p>
Althea’s voice wasn’t loud-but it was firm.
Eli froze at once.
“Look at me p>
She shook her head, turning her face away.
“Eli. Look at me p>
Slowly, reluctantly, the girl lifted her tear-streaked face.
“Now take a breath p>
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Chapter 587
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Eli tried, but her breathing was still uneven.
“Slowly. In… and out p>
Althea waited until her breaths began to steady, even just a little.
“You’re allowed to cry,” she said gently. “But don’t speak while tearing yourself apart. What you’re saying right now-that’s you hurting yourself p>
Eli bit her lip to stop another sob. “I’m nobody,” she whispered again.
Althea shook her head. “You are Eli p>
“That’s not enough p>
“It’s more than enough p>
Eli’s gaze drifted to the suitcase on the bed. It was nearly packed-just a few textbooks left to move. “I don’t want to burden anyone. If I leave now… maybe everything will be easier p>
“Easier for whom p>
Eli didn’t answer.
“Grace would lose her new friend,” Althea continued softly. “Josh would lose his study partner. And I…” She paused. “I would lose the child who offers to help me every morning p>
Tears slid down Eli’s cheeks again. “I’m not your child. I’m not part of this family.” 1
“I know,” Althea said, taking another step forward this time, not giving Eli room to retreat.
“And I feel so guilty toward you, Mrs. Althea.” Her voice broke. “How could I believe my mother was the pitiful one because of you? I even hated you for a while. I was jealous of Josh. Of Grace too. But you…” She covered her face, overwhelmed by shame and tears that wouldn’t stop falling.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Althea. I truly am p>
“You did nothing wrong, Eli.” Althea gently stroked the top of her head.
“I’m ashamed to even stand in front of you. I feel like a master liar. My whole life has been fake p>
Althea lifted both hands and cupped Eli’s face tenderly, guiding her to look up.
“Listen to me carefully p>
Eli went still.
“The lie was never yours p>
Althea’s voice was steady-clear, unwavering. “You never meant to deceive anyone. You were just a child
who trusted her mother. That isn’t a crime p>
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Eli squeezed her eyes shut, and her sobs broke free again. “I’m scared,” she whispered.
“What are you afraid of p>
“So many things, Mrs. Althea.” Her voice trembled. “I’m sure you all don’t trust me anymore. Sometimes I even feel like you see me as an extension of my mother… like I deserve to be punished too p>
Althea pulled her into an embrace without hesitation. “Why would you think that p>
Eli clutched the fabric of Althea’s blouse like a frightened child afraid of being left behind. Her crying grew more desperate. She had no idea how many times today she’d soaked someone else’s shoulder
with her tears.
When Eli’s sobs began to ease, Althea gently loosened her hold and guided her to look up.
“Tell me what you want right now p>
Eli blinked, confused. “I… I don’t want anything, Mrs. Althea. Just being allowed to stay in this house is already a blessing. I know my place. Before I’m asked to leave, I’ll go on my own. I’m not p>
“Are you happy here p>
Eli stared at her.
“Answer me with your heart, Eli p>
She swallowed and nodded slowly. “I am. Very happy. It feels like… having a family,” she admitted in a
small voice.
“Then why are you trying to leave p>
Eli faltered, unable to respond.
“Stay here for as long as you want,” Althea continued softly. “My husband has already found the best school for you. He’s making sure your needs are met. You’ll have protection. You have nothing to do with what your mother did p>
“B-but, Mrs. Althea…” Eli’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected this-especially not from her.
“GrandMom and Grand Dad spoke to you because you deserved the truth. Not because they wanted you out of this house. They’re thinking about your future, Eli p>
Eli’s crying gradually subsided, though her body still trembled.
“And you already know Selena isn’t your biological mother, don’t you?” Althea added gently. “So what difference does it make if you stay here? Family isn’t always defined by blood p>
Eli’s hands twisted together nervously.
“I know you have the freedom to choose,” Althea said, her tone firm but kind. “But if you’ll allow me to give you advice-right now, the protection this family can offer you is the best place to stand. We’re not
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pushing you away
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