Regina was taken aback, a faint smile unconsciously appearing on her face. Her gaze seemed to be unfocused, perhaps pondering the meaning behind Grace's words.
Not hearing a response, Grace couldn't help but ask, "Auntie, why aren't you speaking?"
Regina then came back to her senses and said, "I wasn't not speaking, just wondering if your mother had mentioned anything to me."
"What are you thinking about?"
"To be honest, I don't recall her ever mentioning something similar. Our relationship is good, but matters between spouses are not something I typically involve myself in. As you probably know, I'm not one to meddle, and some things are best left to the parties involved. So, I don't know if there really is an issue between them."
Looking at Grace, Regina hesitated and said, "Grace, could you have misremembered? Such matters should not be casually mentioned, especially at this sensitive time. If word gets out, it may take on a different meaning in the ears of those with ill intentions."
"I see. I won't say anything. I plan to go check on my mother's things at the Armstrong family in the next few days. Auntie, do you have time? Would you like to accompany me?"
"In the next few days?"
"Yes, these two days. Can we go? It's not the weekend, right? Vere should be at home, and you've hired a cook. Could you spare a day for me?" Grace seized the opportunity to plan ahead.
Regina fell silent, looking at Grace with a troubled expression. Since she didn't speak, Grace couldn't help but ask, "Auntie, what's wrong? Do you have something on your mind? Or do you not want to accompany me?"
As Grace spoke, she began to feel distressed. She lightly bit her lip, speaking softly, "I know you're busy, but I haven't been home for a long time. You probably know more about where my mother kept her things than I do."
Grace's eyes started to well up, hoping Regina would see her genuine need for help. She knew her gentle demeanor, coupled with tears, would evoke pity.
Grace wanted Regina to think she was pitiable and hoped to evoke a sliver of compassion from her. If Regina relented, then half her objective would be achieved.
Regina, of course, was conflicted. If she agreed to accompany Grace, she would miss her flight the next day. But declining would mean facing Grace head-on.
Thinking quickly, Regina said, "Grace, can I accompany you tomorrow morning? I have other commitments in the afternoon. I know this is important, not for any other reason but for your mother's sake. I should set aside everything to help you. However, I have to go see Vere's teacher at school in the afternoon, as their schedule doesn't align with mine. Can you accept this?"
Grace smiled faintly and said, "Of course, Auntie. I'm already very happy that you're helping me. I'll come over tomorrow morning, and I'll stay at the hotel tonight."
Regina nodded, but then remembered something. She quickly said, "Grace, why don't you stay at my place tonight? Stay with me. How about that?"
While it sounded like an invitation, Regina's face showed no expectation. Grace sensed it.
Grace replied, "Thank you, Auntie. I know you care for me, but I'll stay at the hotel. My things are there, and if I decide to stay with you, I'll bring them over tomorrow. I won't be polite; now that my mother is gone, you're like a mother to me."
"It's necessary, Grace. Don't be polite with me, okay?"
"Okay, got it."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Ex-husband Begs Me Back (Ayan and Camille)
Update pls thanks,!...
Thank you so much for the prompt update. More pls....