Helena sighed and walked to Phelia. Then she said weakly, "Ophelia, I knew what Savannah did had
hurt your feelings, but I chose to hide it, thinking that she's my daughter. She wouldn't understand me,
but I think you will, will you?"
Ophelia could understand, but she just couldn't forgive her.
"Helena, I'm not blaming you."
"Then don't leave us. Tommy was still young and was very fussy at night. You wouldn't be able to take
care of him alone without the help. Madeleine hasn't been married yet, and she hadn't taken care of
any kids, either. He will exhaust you two!"
Madeleine interrupted at proper timing, "Don't worry, I've already hired a nanny. We can trust her
because a friend introduced her to us."
Helena took a look at Madeleine and said, "I like you, Madeleine, for standing with Ophelia no matter
what happened. I'm begging you this time... help me to persuade Ophelia."
Madeleine was torn.
Helena was someone Madeleine respected. She was graceful, wise, gentle, generous, and
considerate. Helena almost had all the best qualified that a woman could have. Madeleine felt it hard
not to like her.
Ophelia opened his mouth and helped Madeleine out. She said, "I'm just going to stay there for a few
days. I'll come back with Tommy when I come around."
Seeing how determined Ophelia was, Helena became rarely firmer, "No, I disagree. You're still
recovering, and Tommy is only one-month-old. You are too young to take care of the kid alone. So I
have to say no."
"Mom, let me go if you really treat me as your daughter. I promise you I'll come back as soon as I come
around. I know you treat me with sincerity, but I just can't see you right now. The more I respect you,
the harder I feel to accept that you've covered for the murderer who tried to kill Tommy and me.
Helena fell in silence.
In the end, she agreed that Ophelia could stay in Madeleine's place for a few days.
The maid helped Ophelia pack her things. Helena was still a bit anxious and told Ophelia, "I knew
you're in a bad mood. It's OK if you want to take a few days to relax. Just don't leave for too long, or I'd
be sad."
Ophelia nodded.
Helena hugged Tommy and walked Ophelia to the car door. The two maids helped them to put the
luggage in the trunk.
Helena felt worried and told them a few more things. Then she added, "I'll just pretend that you're on
vacation, but don't let yourself and Tommy get starved. Come back when you come through, or I'd be
very sad."
Ophelia nodded.
Helena said to Zach, standing behind her, "Say something to Ophelia."
Helena thoughtfully pulled Madeleine and the others back a few steps, trying to make room for the
couple.
"Are you sure about this, honey?"
Ophelia blinked and lowered her head. "I just need to be alone now."
Zach stared at her and said, "We can go back to the apartment if you don't want to live here.
Mrs.Miriam will help us take care of Tommy. There's no need to go to Madeleine's place."
Ophelia sighed and raised her head. She looked at Zach directly into his eyes and said, "Zach, why
don't you understand? That's not what our issues are about! I felt so undervalued every time I thought
other people meant a lot more to you than Tommy and me. Give me a break; I don't want to hide my
feelings anymore. That's wearing me out."
Zach raised his hand to touch Ophelia's face, only to be avoided.
Zach's hands stopped there awkwardly. Ophelia couldn't bear to watch his eyes. She said, "I should go
now."
"You can live there for a few days, but don't you overthink about this. I've opened my mind to you and
let you in, which was a lifetime commitment. You, I, and Tommy... we're family, and no one's going to
leave anybody, understand?"
Zach confessed his feelings aggressively.
Ophelia's eyes turned red. She wondered if she was doing the right thing; however, upon thinking of
what Savannah had done, and how the Chambers chose to be blind to cover for her, she felt those kind
faces so terrifying and resentful. The family relationship she had cherished suddenly became so
vulnerable.
Ophelia avoided eye contact and said, "I'm leaving now."
After that, he opened the door and got in the car. She rolled down the window and said to Madeleine,
"Let go."
Madeleine took Tommy over from Tommy. Then she hopped in.
Ophelia rolled the window up and said to the driver, "Please, let's go."
The driver started the car deftly. Seeing the car driving away, Zack stood there with a grim face. No one
knew what he had in his mind.
Steffan patted Zach on the shoulder and said, "Give her some time."
Zach didn't react.
Helena said, "Let's get in. We'll go to see her in days. After all, we've crossed the line this time. I
understand she made that decision."
Steffan nodded.
Helena said to Zach, "Just get in, son. You can go to see her days later when she quiets down. Humble
yourself and sweet talk her. She'll come around."
Seeing the car disappearing in his sight, Zach suddenly said, "Mom, I've got things to do in the
company. I got to go now." After that, he got in a car and drove away momentarily.
Helena watched the car leave and sighed, "Why are we having so many troubles recently? Savannah
is getting more and more unreasonable, and Ophelia was almost alienated from us because of Anne's
accident. I seriously had no idea what was in Zach's mind now. They've grown up, and I felt I'm losing
control of them."
Steffan put his arms around her shoulder and said, "Don't overthink about it. They'll have their own
blessings. Ophelia would finally understand your love for her."
"I hope so."
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