Chapter 44
Hearing Benjamin’s confident assertion, Rebekah let out a silent, bitter laugh.
When she had loved him, she had trusted him completely and never imagined a life without him. But now that she saw her supposed husband for what he was-a hand manipulating her-her resolve to divorce him was absolute.
Leaving was inevitable.
Old Mr. Forrester seemed about to say more, but then he caught sight of Rebekah on the staircase. His stern expression instantly softened into a warm, grandfatherly smile. “Rebekah, you’re awake. Come, come sit with us p>
She had only intended to get a glass of water, but she couldn’t refuse Old Mr. Forrester’s invitation. As she walked from the stairs to the sofa, she deliberately avoided looking at Benjamin.
He frowned, a strange knot of unease tightening in his chest. He could feel her coldness, a chilling distance that made him wonder if she had truly made up her mind to leave.
“Rebekah, how are you feeling? Any better?” Old Mr. Forrester asked.
The cooling patch had been removed from her forehead. She touched her head and smiled reassuringly at him. “I’m fine now, Grandpa. Don’t worry p>
“Good, that’s good.” He patted her shoulder, his wrinkled face breaking into a wide grin. “‘d like you to stay here at the estate for a while. Please, accompany me on this last journey p>
“Grandpa, don’t say things like that,” Rebekah chided gently. “As long as you follow the doctor’s treatment, there’s always hope. And don’t you worry, I’ll stay right here at the estate. I won’t go anywhere. I’ll take good care of you p>
Old Mr. Forrester looked at her, his heart filled with relief. This was the granddaughter-in-law he had chosen-so filial and sensible.
Benjamin, hearing Rebekah’s words, felt that flicker of unease vanish. A smirk touched his lips. This woman was a master manipulator. She claimed she was staying for Grandpa, but all she really wanted was to remain at the Forrester estate she couldn’t bear to give up the money and status the family name provided, and more importantly, she couldn’t bear to leave him.
Since she was trying so desperately to stay, he could turn a blind eye this time. She was still his wife, after all. But if she ever dared to pull another stunt against Candice, he wouldn’t be so forgiving.
Over the next few days, life at the
estate was a quiet battle. Benjamin’s mother never missed an opportunity to make a sarcastic comment or? create difficulties for her. But
Rebekah ignored it all, focusing her energy on Old Mr. Forrester. She memorized the doctor’s instructions and, despite the pain in her hand and leg, cared for him tirelessly. Under her care, Old Mr. Forrester began to look less haggard.
One day, Old Mr. Forrester had plans to meet an old friend. Figuring the two of them would have much to talk about, Rebekah didn’t tag along. Just then, her phone buzzed. It was another message from Jensen, just checking in.
A small smile touched her lips. Life at the Forrester estate was far from easy. Between her mother-in-law’s constant nagging and the painfu sight of Benjamin and Shawn-who looked at her with nothing but contempt her days were filled with a suffocating tension. The only moments of peace she found were in these brief exchanges with Jensen, who had messaged her every day since her return.
She replied to his message, her thoughts turning to the designer friend he had mentioned. After a moment of consideration, she went to her room and took out a pencil and a sheet of paper.
If even Jensen was helping her build a future, she couldn’t afford to give up on herself. Her careers as a doctor and a dancer were over.