Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 393

I was at a loss for words, truly dumbfounded. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that Monique would have such an ordeal. No wonder she used to show that distaste and resistance towards me.

It was only now that I realized how wrong it was to send her off to that fancy private school in Goldenvale Town.

I should've never taken Jaylan's advice, which was, in turn, influenced by the high and mighty Dawson family.

Back then, I lost myself and became a yes-woman to everyone. The regret was eating me alive. What on earth had I done? Thank goodness I came to my senses.

Instinctively, I reached out and pulled her into my embrace, gently patting her back. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart! It was all my fault. I didn't take good care of you. But I won't be sick anymore. I'll get fit, healthy, and watch you and your siblings grow up happy and strong!"

She clung to me tightly, burying her little face in my chest, her small shoulders shaking.

My heart ached beyond words.

Fidelia watched the scene with wide eyes, silent, but I could tell she was filled with envy.

Out of the blue, Probert piped up with a question, "Mom, if Fidelia is going to study in Silverdale City, what about me? I don't want to go back to that snooty school in Goldenvale Town either. I don't like it there, and I don't like anything that Grandma Dawson chooses!"

The little rebel, at odds with Hazel. But frankly, I was relieved. Anything that distanced us from the Dawsons' dreadful deeds was good news. I prayed that when their wrongdoings would inevitably come to light it wouldn't impact us too harshly.

I turned to pinch his chubby cheek. "Well, if you want to stay with your grandparents here, I agree. It'll be good for you to stay in Silverdale City and keep your sister company. Help her achieve her dreams." Probert's face lit up, and he bounced on his feet excitedly. "Then it's decided! I'll study here in Silverdale City and help Fidelia with her dream."

I prodded him further, "And what about your dream?"

"What's the rush for me? There's plenty I can do. I'm going to be strong, like an oak tree, to protect Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, and my little brother!" Probert said with a casual confidence that gave me hope. "And what about me? Won't you protect me too?" Monique teased, tugging at his arm.

Probert looked serious for a moment, "Of course, I will. Didn't I say I'd help you with your dream? If that's not being supportive, I don't know what is. You can't get too greedy!"

We all laughed, and the sound even drew my mother in. She joined us, taking a seat beside our merry little group.

I caught Fidelia blinking enviously, standing off to the side, watching our tight-knit family with a touch of sadness in her eyes.

Quickly, I let go of Monique and pulled Fidelia into my arms, not wanting her to feel left out.

Lowering my voice into a soft murmur, I proposed, "Fidelia, if you'd want, you can join your cousin here. Maybe one day you could be part of managing Oldtown Avenue, but we'd have to talk it over with your parents first."

She snuggled into my arms, looking up at me and whispered, "Daddy said he'd come to pick me up in a few days. But I don't want to go back with him!"

Her words sent a jolt through me. Jerome had called her?

I tried to keep my composure as I asked her, "Your dad called you? When?"

"Just this afternoon," she replied innocently.

"And what did he say?" I pressed on.

"He asked if I was doing well here, if Oldtown Avenue was nice, if Grandpa's house was big, and then he asked about you, Auntie, if you were treating me well." Fidelia parroted her father's words. My heart raced with concern.