Chapter 588
Chapter 588
Eli’s tears didn’t stop right away, but they gradually softened into quiet sniffles. The tension that had stiffened her body earlier gave way to exhaustion. She remained seated on the edge of the bed, the suitcase still open beside her, while Althea stayed close-never rushing her, never walking away, simply offering gentle touches now and then.
Each small gesture made Eli feel safe.
“Thank you… for staying with me,” Eli said softly. She wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks, managing a faint smile despite the lingering weight of disappointment and sorrow in her eyes.
“I’m glad you talked to me today.” Althea cupped Eli’s face and looked at her steadily. “Next time, talk to me sooner. Let me know what you’re feeling p>
Eli never imagined she would sit this close to Althea-not as an awkward guest, not as a girl who had to keep her distance, but as someone held and comforted without conditions.
She studied the woman beside her, something complicated stirring in her chest.
“Mrs. Althea…” Her voice was still hoarse from crying. “Are you always like this p>
“Like what?” Althea asked gently.
“Calm. Not emotional. Not… blaming p>
Althea smiled faintly. “I’m human too, Eli. I get angry. I get hurt. But I have to know where to place those feelings. And right now, they don’t belong to you p>
Eli lowered her gaze for a moment before looking up again. There was something shining in her eyes now-more than just leftover tears. It was admiration.
“Josh and Grace are very lucky,” she said quietly.
Althea stilled.
“They have a mother like you.” Eli’s small smile held no bitterness this time. “Someone who listens. Someone who gives them so much attention. Someone who’s there for them even when she’s tired p>
Althea hadn’t expected that.
“I notice things,” Eli continued softly. “When Grace gets clingy or Josh gets stubborn, you never really leave them alone. You might scold them… but you hug them afterward p>
She brushed away another tear,
“Sometimes I’m jealous,” she admitted honestly. “I want to know what it feels like to be hugged like that since I was little… without being afraid of making a mistake p>
The room fell quiet. Althea didn’t answer right away. She simply stroked Eli’s hair gently, letting the silence settle instead of rushing to fill it.
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“And now you know what it feels like, don’t you?” she asked softly.
Eli gave a faint nod. “Yes p>
A small pause lingered before she spoke again. “Back then… I used to think you were the reason my mother’s life was so hard.” Her words were careful, as if afraid of causing fresh wounds. “I even hated you for a while p>
Althea didn’t pull her hand away from Eli’s.
“But the longer I stayed here, the more I saw how you treat everyone. The staff. GrandMom. Even me.” Eli drew in a slow breath. “There’s no hatred in your eyes p>
Althea offered a gentle smile. “Hatred is exhausting p>
Eli let out a soft, uneven laugh despite her swollen eyes. “I’m lucky I got to see that side of you before it was too late,” she said. “Otherwise, I might still believe this family is cruel p>
“You’re not late,” Althea replied. “You just needed time p>
Eli was quiet for a few seconds, then spoke in a voice softer than before. “If I ever have a family one day … I want to be like you p>
Emotion flickered across Althea’s face. “You don’t have to,” she said quietly. “Just be the best version of yourself. That’s more than enough p>
Eli smiled again-this time more genuine, though still fragile. “Thank you for staying with me,” she whispered.
Althea hugged her once more, warm and steady.
And for the first time that day, Eli didn’t feel like a lost child.
She felt like someone slowly, carefully finding her way home.
“I don’t want to leave,” Eli admitted at last, her voice hoarse. “But I don’t know how to stay without feeling
ashamed p>
Althea rubbed her back gently. “You don’t have to decide anything today p>
Eli nodded weakly. Her eyes were heavy now. Too many tears had drained her. “Can I… sleep for a bit?” she asked, almost like a small child. “I don’t know why, but I’m so tired p>
“Of course,” Althea answered softly. How could she not be exhausted after crying for hours? Her eyes were swollen, her voice raw,
Althea helped her lie down and pulled the blanket up to her shoulders. Eli’s long hair was still slightly disheveled, her cheeks puffy from tears, but her breathing gradually steadied.
“You’re not going anywhere,” Althea murmured, more to herself than to the sleeping girl.
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Eli didn’t respond. Within minutes, she was asleep-worn out not only from crying, but from the collapse of the world she had believed in since childhood.
Althea stood slowly. She made sure the suitcase remained open where it was. She didn’t close it. Not yet. She would have the staff return everything to its place later. No one was leaving today.
Before stepping out, she called for the maid who had brought lunch earlier.
“Please keep an eye on Eli,” she said quietly. “If she develops a fever or wakes up in a panic, let me know immediately p>
“Yes, Mrs. Althea p>
“Prepare some porridge for her as well. And warm water with honey and lemon. I’m worried she might come down with a fever p>
“Of course, Mrs. Althea p>
Althea stepped out and closed the door gently behind her.
In the main sitting room, Riana was already waiting. She stood near the large window, staring out at the garden, her posture calm but her thoughts clearly restless.
“How is she?” Riana asked as soon as Althea approached.
“She almost left the house,” Althea admitted honestly. “Her suitcase was already half-packed p>
Riana closed her eyes for a moment. “Oh God p>
“But I managed to stop her,” Althea continued gently. “She feels like she doesn’t deserve to stay here p>
Riana nodded slowly. “That was exactly what I was afraid of. Not her anger-but her shame. And the loss of confidence after hearing the truth this morning p>
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