Since Xandra had learned embroidery, she decided to help Linda with embroidering Rayna’s wedding dress. With similar hobbies, Xandra and Linda quickly became close friends.
Rayna had mixed feelings when she listened to the two chatting away. Xandra is helping Mom embroider my wedding dress, thinking that I’m going to marry Curtis, but he and I are no longer together. I wonder how she’ll feel when I wear it to marry another man.
When Linda saw that they had a guest, she decided to greet them herself since the other woman was busy with the chores, leaving Xandra alone with Rayna.
Xandra took Linda’s seat and hesitated for a while before finally asking, “I heard that you and Curtis broke up. Is that… true?”
“We broke up before Christmas,” replied Rayna with a nod.
“I thought you two were doing fine. Was Curtis not good to you?” asked Xandra somewhat anxiously.
Rayna tried her best to force a smile. “That’s not it. We broke up peacefully because we weren’t right for each other. Don’t blame him. If anything, I should be the one to take the blame.” My insistence on going my own way led to the ruin of our relationship. I tried my best to save it, but there wasn’t much I could do since Curtis wouldn’t have me.
Xandra sighed sadly after listening to Rayna. “Ms. Garland, I’m sure you know I’ve never been at Curtis’ side since he was young, but he grew up just fine. Like his father, he’s capable and dependable. I like you too, so I hope he can build a lovely family of his own.”
“Don’t worry. Curtis is an exceptional man. I’m sure he won’t have any problem getting a girlfriend.” Rayna then decided to change the topic because she did not feel good talking about Curtis. “Did you divorce Mr. Verlice?”
Xandra’s face immediately darkened. “No. I returned to Jetroina a month ago to tell him about my past and requested nothing but a divorce. However, he did not agree to it. He even threatened me with my daughter. I’m grateful that he saved me. However, whenever I think of how he could’ve restored my memory but chose to keep me by his side to marry him and give birth to our baby, I’d hate him for it. If he doesn’t agree to the divorce, I’ll just move to Norwal City. There’s no way I’d accept our daughter.”
Rayna was relieved when she heard Xandra say that. Naomi, who’s Jefferson’s step-sister since they share the same mother but have different fathers, stayed with Arnaud. There’d be trouble if Xandra decided to side with Naomi. Luckily, that’s not the case.
Rayna scrutinized Xandra’s face. Even though Xandra had had plastic surgery because of her disfigurement, her soft eyes and graceful demeanor remained attractive and unaffected by her age.
Rayna supposed Boniel would still be captivated by Xandra if he saw the woman.
When Rayna remembered how lifeless Jefferson seemed the day she went to Hallsbay in the rain, her heart broke. “I know you hate Boniel because he was responsible for ruining your life. However, that’s all on Boniel. Jefferson is innocent. You shouldn’t take your anger out on him.”
“He’s innocent?” Xandra chuckled bitterly. “What did I do to deserve this? If I hadn’t been pregnant with him, I could’ve escaped that place.”
A glint flashed across Rayna’s eyes as she spoke in a lowered voice. “If he had a choice, he wouldn’t want to be born into this world had he known that you didn’t want him. Besides, you’ve already punished him.”
After pausing for a while, she continued, “I didn’t go overseas for so long because of work; I was looking for a cure for him. He’s unwell and has only a few months left to live.”
Xandra’s expression remained unchanged as she responded somewhat indifferently, “Curtis is the only son I have.”
“I know.” Rayna reached out to hold Xandra’s hands. “I’m not asking you to forgive him; I just hope you can hate him less. If you meet him someday, don’t hurt him with your words.”
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