Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 74

Bonnie’s heart jumped. Without even thinking, she blurted out, "No."

Shirley didn’t give away whether she believed her or not. She set the celery on the cutting board, nudging Bonnie aside as she started chopping. "Let’s not talk about the past. I don’t care why you and Lawrence broke up. What matters is he made you lose hearing in your left ear, ruined your reputation, and pulled our family apart. Those are facts, aren’t they?"

Bonnie just nodded. Of course she knew.

"So, I don’t care why he’s back or what he wants. You’re not allowed to get tangled up with him again. If you do, don’t blame me for not recognizing you as my daughter." Shirley’s tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the seriousness in her voice.

She absolutely meant it. It was different from the harsh, angry words she’d thrown out three years ago. This time, Shirley was clear.

If you mess up again, you’re not welcome home.

Whenever Shirley thought about those photos and videos, about relatives, friends, and neighbors pointing at Bonnie behind her back, calling her a homewrecker, saying she was shameless, her heart twisted with pain.

Bonnie had always been her source of pride, the daughter who outshone everyone else from the time she was little. But Lawrence had ruined that.

How was Shirley supposed to forgive him? She couldn’t even say, “Let it go.”

Bonnie glanced at the streaks of white in her mother’s hair and suddenly remembered what Helen had told her.

Just act a little sweet, and she'll come around.

She hesitated, then gathered her courage and hugged her mom. Shirley, surprised, paused in the middle of chopping and stiffened.

"I won’t, Mom. I won’t make the same mistakes again."

Shirley made a sound of acknowledgment, patted Bonnie’s arm, and lowered her voice. "Go have tea with your dad. That tea Aiken brought looks good. Try it, and since we're taking things from him, be sure to invite him out for a meal. Don’t just accept things for nothing."

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