Chapter 279
Alex’s red eyes overflowed with tears as he looked at Aaron. Aaron replied, “Mom, I will do as you say.”
Joanna then pulled Ellie closer. “Ellie, gather your things; it to go home.”
is time for us
Ellie held back her tears, her eyes red as she nodded emphatically. “Mom, I will do as you say.”
Ellie walked toward the stairs. Her good intentions in saving a life led to her dad’s loss of a leg and Harold’s life becoming one of suffering until the end.
For seven long years, she had secretly loved the very person she saved, giving up her dreams of motherhood for a life that had cruelly twisted her fate.
She didn’t know how to face her father’s death or live with what had happened. The weight of it all left her heartbroken.
Alex, watching Ellie turn away, felt like his heart was about to break. He stepped forward and grabbed her wrist desperately, his eyes filled with pain as he begged in a humble tone, “Ellie, don’t go.”
Ellie, keeping her gaze down, refused to acknowledge the suffering on Alex’s face. She pulled her hand free and headed up the stairs. Alex tried to follow but was stopped by Aaron on the staircase.
Aaron looked at Alex coldly. “She’s been with your family for many years. You had plenty of chances to keep her here, yet you didn’t.”
Aaron’s harsh words were clear to everyone; Alex knew it well. Whether it was Ellie’s struggle to have children or Harold’s lost leg leading their family to hardship, they couldn’t hold the moral high ground against Alex.
Even though Harold’s death was sparked by Haley, the malice that led to Haley’s actions was caused by Alex. Though Alex was not the direct cause, he was far from innocent. Joanna might not have known many truths, but Aaron did.
For Haley’s sake, Alex had caused deep harm to his only sister, inflicting painful wounds.
Even though Aaron had never questioned Ellie, he had seen her silent struggles; Alex’s actions repeatedly hurt her, even making fun of his own parents–this was his true sin, unforgivable.
With Ellie upstairs packing her things, silence fell over the living room. The heavy stillness made the large room feel stifling. Only the sound of Nancy’s quiet sobs broke the silence.
Evan offered to carry Ellie’s suitcase down, but Alex grabbed it away from him. Ellie came down quietly and stood before Alex, reaching for her luggage.
Holding tightly to the suitcase handle, Alex’s red, pained eyes met Ellie’s pale face. In a choked whisper, he pleaded, “Ellie, don’t go.”
Aaron grabbed Alex’s wrist, forcefully took the suitcase back, and asked, “Do you need to open it and check if we’ve stolen anything from you?”
Alex’s strength crumbled under Aaron’s words; he swayed unsteadily, mouth open, but no more words came out. Minutes later, Joanna, holding Ellie’s hand with Aaron by her side, left the Warren Manor.
Alex stood at the staircase, watching his parents run after them, continually apologizing and begging them to stay. He saw Ellie, who walked determinedly without looking back. Alex felt like his heart was hollowed out, collapsing weakly on the staircase.
