Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 467

“Silvia, don’t worry about a thing. Just rest, sweetie. Your mom will come to visit you,” Nolan assured his daughter.

Silvia, unsure of what to respond, touched her tummy and turned to Nolan. “Dad, I’m hungry. I didn’t eat dinner tonight.”

Nolan’s heart swelled with joy at his daughter’s appetite. “Alright, you stay put. No wandering off. I’ll go get you something to eat. What would you like?”

“I want fried chicken and a coke. Is that okay?”

“Sure thing, darling. You’ve had quite a scare today. I’ll get you anything you want.” Nolan affectionately pinched Silvia’s nose.

“Thank you, dad.” A light smile appeared on Silvia’s face.

Soon after Nolan left, Silvia heard footsteps approaching. Frightened, she quickly closed her eyes. Cicely, her mother, was filled with guilt as she gazed at her sleeping daughter. She knew Silvia didn’t deserve any of this, but she just couldn’t control the harsh words that had slipped out earlier. Cicely gently touched Silvia’s face. “Don’t blame me, sweetheart. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s your father. Seeing you reminds me of him and the pain he’s caused me. That’s why I can’t face you with a smile.”

Cicely continued, “I still stand by what I said. I’d rather not have had you at all. Look at you, at 12, you’re showing signs of being a little sociopath, just like your dad. After a few harsh words from me, you ran off, and even went as far as to get hit by a car. Are you trying to torment me? Make me feel guilty for the rest of my life? Is that your plan?” Cicely had been standing outside the door all along, hearing every word spoken inside.

When Cicely heard about her 12-year-old daughter’s near-fatal stunt, she was first terrified, then shocked. She was shocked that Silvia, at such a young age, would resort to such extreme measures.

Cicely’s words were soft, but they pierced Silvia’s heart like a needle. She never thought her own mother would call her a sociopath. All she felt was pain. She had no intention of tormenting anyone. Why would her mother accuse her of such things? The comfort she had felt from her father’s reassurances was quickly fading and a lonely tear trickled down her cheek. But Cicely didn’t notice and continued, “Grow up quickly, and move into a dormitory when you go to college. Don’t come home unless it’s necessary. Maybe then, I can finally move on from the past.”

When Nolan returned with the fried chicken, he was startled to find Cicely standing by Silvia’s bed. “Cicely, you didn’t say anything harsh to Silvia, did you?”

“Don’t worry. She’s been exhausted from all the drama tonight and is sound asleep,” Cicely responded, unaware that Silvia was merely pretending to sleep. She had always chosen to ignore her daughter and thus, didn’t understand her actions or emotions.

Nolan patted Cicely’s shoulder gently. “Cicely, let’s not let this happen again. Silvia is only 12. She’s old enough to understand everything. You’ve always been distant with her and she’s already sensitive as it is. We can’t keep hurting her like this. She might not be able to handle it.”

“Fine, I’ll be more careful. I don’t want her to do something drastic again if I say a few harsh words.”

“That’s good to hear. Let’s live peacefully from now on, without the shadows of the past haunting us.”

After Nolan said his piece, he turned to wake Silvia. “Sweetie, I’ve got your fried chicken and coke. Get up and eat something. You can sleep after you’re full.”

Silvia slowly opened her eyes and accepted the food from Nolan. She began to eat, bite by bite. “Thank you, dad.”