Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 97

Hearing this, Hester froze. The next second, she walked over and slowly crouched down in front of Bella. "I'm sorry..."

Bella gently stroked Hester’s hair, tears falling freely. "Silly girl, it's me and Julian who should be apologizing to you. All these years... you've suffered so much."

Hester buried her face in the elderly woman’s embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

Bella held her, just like she always had. Only this time, she knew perfectly well that once Hester walked out that door, she would likely never return.

She wasn't so old and senile that she couldn't see the massive rift between the two young people.

She had also heard whispers of the scandals online. While rumors were hard to verify, a few of her close friends had gently pried for details. She knew Julian and Melody’s relationship was far from innocent.

Because of that, she realized with devastating clarity just how cruel her words had been when she pressured Hester about having a great-grandchild.

She had always claimed she loved Hester like her own flesh and blood, but in the end, her desire for an heir had deeply wounded and alienated the girl.

Bella closed her eyes, tears soaking her weathered face. "Hester, you are such a good girl. No matter where you go from now on, make sure you put yourself first. Stop worrying about everyone else. Take care of yourself. I’m so sorry..."

Hester shook her head, unable to find the words to speak. They both knew this goodbye was permanent.

The blood of two innocent lives stood between Hester and Julian. She hated him, and she could no longer pretend everything was fine just to appease Bella.

"Bella, take care of yourself." Hester looked up, her eyes filled with sorrow but her voice resolute. "I'm leaving now."

Bella gazed at her through blurry eyes. Her trembling, wrinkled hands reached out to wipe Hester's tears away one last time.

"Our Hester has the most beautiful eyes... you need to smile more from now on."

...

Hester left. Lena escorted her out personally, standing by the courtyard gates and watching for a long time before finally heading back inside.

"Ms. Quinn ran into Mrs. Weston outside. I watched them drive off before coming back in."

Bella let out a heavy sigh. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were still rimmed with red.

Lena glanced at Julian, who had been standing on the staircase landing the entire time. She turned back to the elderly woman. "I'll head to the back now. Call me if you need anything."

"Go ahead," Bella replied.

Once Lena left the living room, Julian slowly descended the stairs. He walked over to Bella, crouched down, and wrapped his large, defined hands around hers. He lowered his eyes. "Grandma, I'm sorry."

Bella looked at him. Her tear-reddened eyes were clouded with age, holding a trace of reproach, but mostly just deep sorrow and helplessness.

"I'm old. I can't help you young folks anymore. Julian, I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. You owe Hester an apology."

Julian kept his gaze lowered, his thick lashes hiding the storm of emotions in his eyes.

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