The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 1106

Charles empathized with Melissa. For a woman, there is nothing more devastating than having to withstand the man of her life betraying her for another woman. At the same time, it was equally awkward for him as a son to confront this truth that had been a part of his parent's life.

"How did Dad and that woman …" Charles wanted to know more about his father's affair back then.

"As a wife, I always believed in your father. But at that time, I had a very strong intuition that something wasn't right between them. When I decided to look into the matter, I was shocked to find out that they had been staying with each other for more than a year. Then I decided to do whatever was needful to save my marriage. I tried my best to make the woman stay away from your father, but all my efforts fell flat on their faces. I could see my world falling apart. I had never felt so incredibly helpless in my life. At last, when all other attempts failed, I made a last yet bold choice. I asked for a divorce from your father. I gave him a clear choice. It was either her or me. And then, your father finally broke up with that woman and came back to me." Charles gazed at his mother's face as she spoke. Myriads of emotions played on her face as she went into each and every detail of that time as if the moments were still alive in her heart.

"However, that woman was not willing to end her relationship with your dad. To get your dad back, she rushed back to Dream Garden time and time again, and argued with your dad, accusing him of abandoning her so ruthlessly. Luckily, your dad realized that it was a mistake to get involved with that woman, so every time the woman came back to look for him, he showed himself to be absolutely over with her."

"Even then, she still didn't give up. To make the situation worse, that woman held me accountable for everything. She held a grudge against me. To punish me, she tried hard to set me up many times, even ruin my reputation. Though she could not make it, what she had done left a deep mark on my mind. And that's the reason why I can't bring myself to be nice to Sher no matter how much I try. I admit that I have been extremely unfair to her."

Melissa paused to watch Charles' reaction. Her face was filled with remorse as she continued, "Charles, Sher looks so much identical with that woman. Every time I look at her face, all those moments of despair come alive in front of my eyes. I find it really odd. In fact, at one point in time, I even felt…"

"You mean Sheryl may be related to that woman by blood? And that is why they look identical?" Charles interrupted his mother. He was rather dubious about the whole idea.

"Earlier, I thought so," Melissa explained. "So, after I came back to Dream Garden, I secretly investigated the woman involved with your dad before. I followed where the woman had gone. In the end, I found out that the woman has been married to another man, and they only have a son. Then I became assured that Sher has nothing to do with that woman. It is a mere coincidence that she looks like her!"

Charles let out a gasp of relief in silence. Then he nodded and commented, "So, they have nothing to do with each other, right?"

"Yes, it was my fault. I have thought too much into it. So much that I started to misbehave with Sher." Melissa admitted her fault in front of Charles. She looked extremely remorseful as she explained, "It was all because of a mistake. I regret how I have treated Sher." She looked at Charles' face to gauge his reaction.

Melissa further implied that she would never treat Sheryl in that way ever again.

Charles settled Melissa in her bedroom and walked back to his own. He believed in what Melissa told him and hoped that the relationship between his mother and his wife would improve for the better. When he entered the bedroom, Sheryl was lying in the bed, awake. She realized that he entered, but didn't look at him; instead, she stared blankly towards the ceiling. Charles was at a loss for words. He didn't know how to start the discussion. After a few moments of hesitation, he finally spoke to Sheryl.

"Sher," Charles called out to turn her attention towards him.

"Charles, if you are going to say something that I don't want to hear, please hold it back. I need to get a peaceful sleep. Tomorrow morning, I have to get up early and head for Cloud Advertising Company. I have a very important client to meet. I have to present the first draft for the case I have been working on lately." Sheryl interrupted him. She did not turn towards Charles even for once as she spoke.

"Sher, I am sorry," Charles said politely. Since Melissa came into Dream Garden, Sheryl had heard the same apology from Charles so many times that she didn't even want to reply to it anymore.

She ignored Charles' apology once again and just kept her eyes closed, trying to avoid a conversation.

"Sher, I know you don't want to hear my excuse. I know you are tired of it. But I still want you to hear me this one last time. Please, I beg you. Just give Mom another chance. She promises that she will not meddle in our affairs anymore. Please give her another chance." Charles' voice trembled as he spoke. Somehow he did not have enough confidence in what he had said.

He had no idea why he didn't feel confident enough when he said this to Sheryl. Clearly, he had some doubts deep down. However, he wanted to believe in what Melissa told him and earnestly wanted everything to be sorted between Sheryl and Melissa.

Sheryl did not reply. In fact, she did not have complete faith in his words. She knew that no matter how much ever Charles tried to make peace between her and his mother, it was a farfetched dream. Hence, she remained quiet.

"It's late. You should go to sleep now." Sheryl turned her back and then added, "To tell the truth, Dream Garden is our home. It doesn't matter whether we stay or leave. What really matters is what kind of life we are going to lead?"

Sheryl finally broke the silence and was willing to say something more. Charles seized this opportunity and understood what Sheryl meant by saying that. He fixed his eyes on her. The earnestness in his eyes melted Sheryl's heart. After all, how long could she be angry at him? He promised at once, "Sher, please rest assured. If Mom picks on you again, I will stand by your side and won't let her misbehave with you anymore!"

Sheryl gave him a meaningful smile. She was willing to trust him. However, she couldn't stop her doubt that Charles would still not be able to fulfill his promise. He would end up surrendering to Melissa again next time. She could feel the helplessness that Charles faced every time there was a discord between her and his mother.