Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 226

“Mom?” Brandon stared. “Why is she… why is she dressed like…”

“Like what?” Lillian challenged him. “Too vibrant? Too youthful? Or do you think that just because Mom is older, she shouldn’t dress so young?”

Brandon realized he had misspoken.

The last time he’d seen his mother, about a year or two ago at the psychiatric hospital, she had been wearing a patient’s gown, her hair a disheveled mess.

Seeing her like this now was a genuine shock.

“No, that’s not what I meant… Lillian, you’ve taken great care of her. It seems she’s getting better care here with you, and living a much happier life. I failed in my duties as a son. I thought the hospital would take good care of her.”

Lillian’s gaze remained on their mother, who was now chasing a butterfly. “Brandon, you never intended to take care of Mom, did you? She’s been sick for over a decade. I can’t count the times I asked you and Dad to bring her home, to hire someone to look after her.

I can understand Dad refusing. His heart flew to that other woman a long time ago. He couldn’t wait to leave Mom in that facility, to let her waste away, forgotten.

With Mom gone, he’d be free. No one would be around to remind him of his betrayal, his cruelty, his heartlessness.

For a long time, I didn’t understand why you, her son, wouldn’t agree either. Even when I begged you, saying I would take care of her, you refused.

Now I finally get it. Dad did it for his mistress, to escape the guilt of his actions.

And you did it for profit. You were still young, and with Mom sick, Dad was the one you were financially tied to.

To protect your interests, you unconditionally supported every decision he made.

Didn’t I always dote on you growing up?

Didn’t I always protect you?

When you went to prison, I fought to get you the best possible outcome from Dad and your husband. Wasn’t that all to ensure you’d have a better future?

I get it now. You probably blame us for the fact that you couldn't keep your husband from falling for someone else, don't you?

For the past two years, we saw that Sebastian had no feelings for you.

We thought it was better for you to get a solid financial settlement and find happiness elsewhere than to stay in a loveless marriage.”