Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 336

336.Chapter 336

“Edith continued, “Luckily, Maria survived, and it was your father who saved her. The slope she fell down was right by the Roth family’s mine in Riverdale.

“Your father was gentlemanly and cultured, kind and patient. After spending time with Maria, he fell head over heels for her. And Maria was moved by his talent and the way he treated people.

“But deep down, Maria always felt she wasn’t good enough. Maybe because of her rough past and humble beginnings, and all the pain she’d been through. She just couldn’t bring herself to accept your father.

“She thought your father deserved someone better. Besides, he was from a powerful family, probably had some rich heiress lined up for him back in Jenston.

“On the contrary, your mother thought she was just a woman with a scandalous past, who’d even had a child with another man. How could she ever be worthy of someone as amazing as your father?

“One day, she tried to slip away quietly, but your father noticed. He didn’t say a word, just trailed behind her the whole way, making sure she got on the train safe before finally turning away.

“Maria was torn up inside. The moment your father turned away, all the pain and longing she’d bottled up came pouring out, and she just started sobbing.

“Without thinking, she jumped off the train, ran straight to your father, and told him she wanted to stay by his side, no matter what.

“Your father didn’t waste any time. He brought Maria back to Jenston to meet his family, and they made it official and got married.

“Due to her insecurities, Maria never told him the truth about George. All she ever said was that an ex–boyfriend had hurt her in the past.

“When you turned 12, they moved their family from Riverdale back to Jenston and opened Elmwood Bistro together. Not long after, George bumped into Maria again at a party.

“Maria was scared out of her mind and confided everything to me. I tried to reassure her, saying the Roth family was influential in Jenston and she had nothing to fear from George.

“I also told her she should tell your father everything about her past with George. Your father loved her so much, and I was sure he’d understand.

“But before Maria could say anything to your father, George framed her. He was the one who orchestrated your father’s car accident.

“Then he threatened Maria, if she didn’t go back to him, he’d blame it all on her. By then, Maria was already suffering from severe depression.

“She couldn’t bear the loss of her husband, felt she’d failed both him and you, and was terrified the Roth family would find out and take it out on you.

“In the end, she took slow–acting poison to end her life, so everyone would think she died from depression.”

Edith gripped Sophia’s hand firmly. “Sophia, you might resent your mom for being weak, but never doubt how deeply she loved your father.

“And don’t let yourself believe those rumors that say she was the one who killed him.”

Sophia gazed out at the bleak, overcast sky, her eyes glazed over as tears poured down like an endless spring.

Her fingers shook, hatred boiling inside her. ‘George Weston, I’ll make you pay dearly, Sophia vowed to herself.

Edith embraced her close, her heart aching. “Sophia, forget what people online are saying. What really matters is that you know your mom wasn’t anything like those rumors.

“All her life, the only people she truly loved and cared about were you and your dad.”

Sophia turned to Edith, her voice steady and eyes full of resolve. “Edith, I need to set the record straight.

“I won’t let my mom be wronged, and I won’t let my dad’s death stay a mystery. Will you stand up in court and testify?” Edith nodded hard. “Absolutely. Whatever you decide, I’ll back you up all the way.”

Sophia knew that after so many years, Edith’s testimony alone wouldn’t be enough to clear her mother’s name and much less pin George as the one manipulating behind it all.

Sophia stood by the window, pulled out her phone, and called Derrick. “Derrick, I need your help with something important.”