The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 1952

Sheryl ensured Charles had fallen asleep. Without making any noise, she moved and wanted to get up and go downstairs. But before she could leave, he reached for her arm and, holding her, showed no signs of letting go.

"Sher, don't go. Please don't leave me..." Charles' eyes were closed. It seemed like he was talking in his sleep.

Sheryl didn't say anything, but instead, she sat near him and let him hold her arm.

Charles wasn't awake; however, he felt relieved in his sleep, knowing she was near him. He continued to sleep peacefully.

After quite a while, Sheryl moved a little and checked if Charles would be disturbed. Realizing he was deep in sleep, she moved her hand and quietly walked out of the bedroom.

She was under the impression she was alone when she stepped out. But it turned out Melissa was still waiting on the first floor.

"Mother, why are you up so late?" Sheryl couldn't bear to see Melissa waiting for her. Also, she was a bit afraid to hear what her mother-in-law had to say.

"Sher, is Charles sleeping?" Melissa glanced upstairs and waved her hand, gesturing for Sheryl to approach her.

"Yes, he is. You should go back to bed now. I am leaving." After speaking, Sheryl prepared to leave.

Melissa didn't plan to let Sheryl go; hence, she grabbed her hand. "Sher, I know it was my fault. Can you forgive me?" she questioned, honestly looking guilty.

Sheryl had never expected such an apology from Melissa. According to her, Melissa hated her and would never change her impression. This apology left her at loss of words.

When they had been in Australia, Charles had mentioned to Sheryl everything that had happened between Melissa and Leila. Sheryl had figured that Melissa would undoubtedly accuse Leila of pushing her down the stairs. However, she hadn't expected that such a realization would happen so soon.

"Mother, we are a family. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I don't hold you responsible for anything." Sheryl felt embarrassed having Melissa apologize to her.

"But you are unwilling to live in Dream Garden. Is it because of me?" Melissa's voice started to tremble. She couldn't even muster up the courage to meet Sheryl's eyes.

Sheryl waved her hand and explained quickly, "No, Mother. You misunderstood me. I am just afraid that Charles and I will have many more conflicts in the future. I don't want to leave any room for such fighting. Hence, I am going to sort things out perfectly before we proceed. Don't worry. It has nothing to do with you."

She didn't want Melissa to feel guilty anymore. If the old lady's state of mind would get disturbed because of this, then Sheryl wouldn't be able to forgive herself.

"Really?" Melissa looked at Sheryl in disbelief.

Sheryl nodded and smiled. "Yes, believe me. Now put your mind at ease."

"I am so glad that you don't blame me. Yet my heart pains to see you and the kids struggle. Can I please look after them?" Melissa stared at Sheryl, expectantly.

Sheryl knew that she couldn't deprive Melissa of the right to be a grandmother, nor did she have the power to prevent the kids from living with their grandma and their father.

"Hmm…During weekdays, they have kindergarten to attend; hence, it is better for them to live with me in the apartment. However, I will let them stay here on Saturdays and Sundays. How does that sound?" Sheryl still couldn't let go of the past. Memories of Leila haunted every corner of Dream Garden. There was no way she could return so easily.

"Okay, I will take what you can offer." Melissa knew Sheryl needed time. Hence, she thought it was best to let her do things her way.

"Mother, it's quite late now. I have to go back. Good night." After finishing her words, Sheryl once again got ready to leave.

"Sher, I am sorry," Melissa cried out all of a sudden.

Sheryl had never expected that Melissa would break down in front of her.

"Mother, don't feel guilty. What has happened has happened. You can't change the past," Sheryl said in a soothing voice. Going closer, Sheryl hugged Melissa gently and comforted her for a while before walking out of Dream Garden.