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Lina blinked and nodded, her smile light. “Of course.”
“So, you’re okay with having an extra set of parents who dote on you?” Zuko asked.
“What do you mean?” Lina blushed, grasping his arm and speaking softly. “I know your parents are kind, but I never
expected them to love me like their own daughter.”
“Lina, that’s not what I meant…” Zuko paused.
“I understand! Don’t worry,” she said mischievously. “I’ll respect and honor them as if they were my own parents,
no matter what!”
Zuko felt a bit helpless, realizing his hints had no effect.
Just then, the butler approached respectfully and invited them to the main building.
The atmosphere during dinner was relaxed. Initially unsure where to sit, Jesse and Melissa were nervous and
struggled to handle their cutlery.
But as Cordelia and Zephyr’s easy-going nature influenced them, they began to relax, speaking more freely, and
their tense expressions eased into smiles.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHowever, there was a mix of flattery and reverence in those smiles.
Melissa, in particular, continued to raise her glass for toasts despite her poor health. Unaccustomed to drinking red
wine, she was already feeling dizzy after three glasses.
Jesse worried, but he couldn’t stop her. He knew her attempts to please and toast were all to ensure a better life for
Lina in the Hamertons.
No mother wanted her daughter to suffer in her in-laws’ home, and every mother understood that no matter how
well a mother-in-law treated her daughter-in-law, she would never consider her as her own daughter.
Seeing Melissa struggling with alcohol, Cordelia immediately arranged for servants to assist her to the guest room.
As Melissa was supported out, she continued to smile and slurred, “I’m not drunk, I’m not drunk.”
Lina felt embarrassed and quickly followed her mother, but she heard her mumbling something in her sleep-like
state as she supported her.
“Maybe… Maybe her family still has relatives who can help… find her family… find her family, then I can die without
regrets…”
“Mom?” Lina was stunned. “What are you saying?”
“She didn’t say anything!” Jesse forcefully grabbed Melissa’s arm and pushed Lina away. “Lina, I’ll take care of your
mother. Go back and continue eating!”
“But—”
“Don’t keep Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton waiting!”
Lina felt it would be impolite to run out like this, especially since it was her first meeting with her future in-laws. She
nodded and reluctantly went back.
However, Melissa’s words haunted her thoughts, causing her mind to be troubled.
…
In the following days, Jesse and Melissa continued to stay with the Hamertons. They marveled at the numerous
houses within the manor, realizing that even if they stayed for a day in each, they would not be able to experience
them all.
During their leisure time, they took walks around the manor, appreciating the beautiful scenery and enjoying life. It
felt like time had slowed down.
In the past, they had been too focused on running their shop and earning money to support their children. They had
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmnever lived for themselves like this before.
With daily chores behind them, their minds began to wander. Jesse held his wife’s hand, his eyes slightly reddened
as he looked at her, wanting to say something, but it felt like something was blocking his throat, preventing him
from uttering a single word.
“Sweetheart, I’ve been thinking these days…”
“Don’t think about anything,” Jesse said softly. “Considering your health, you shouldn’t ponder too much.”
“I’m not overthinking!” Melissa said seriously. “I’ve thought it through… I was thinking, since our future in-laws are
so capable, maybe they can help Lina find her family?”
“What?” Jesse was shocked.
Was that not her greatest fear—the exposure of Lina’s birth?
Did she not hate it when others said Lina was not their biological daughter?
How could…
“Are you out of your mind? Why are you looking at me like that?” Melissa rolled her eyes. “Jesse, I don’t have much
time left, and while I’m still alive, I want to make the best arrangements for our daughter!”
“But she’s doing fine now, isn’t she?”
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