Michelle was stunned by what she learned.
It was no news that her parents encountered a great deal of challenge when their families didn't
approve of their relationship.
But little did she know that her maternal I and paternal grandparents were long-standing political rivals,
which definitely added more to the issue.
Back in the day, such marriage was definitely not allowed to exist, not to mention that her mother
Belinda was...a so-called the 'other woman.' In those times, being a mistress was akin to committing a
crime and society would tend to shut out a woman for being one.
Knowing this fact, Angie heaved a deep sigh as her thoughts lingered to that distant memory.
Her weighted words prompted everyone in the room to reminisce as well.
"At that time, we tried all means to separate your parents but their love was stronger than any other
force combined.It pained us deeply that they didn't even care about your grandfather's illness.Later..."
Angie stopped mid-sentence as she struggled to focus. She was having a hard time continuing the
story because of her exhaustion from crying non-stop.
Julie held her hand and patted her back to comfort her.
"I'll be the one to finish the story," Elliot offered.
Seeing her anguish, he couldn't bear letting Angie continue reliving the painful memories so he had to
take over.
"Later, your mother told us she was pregnant with you.Having a child with your father was even more
proof that nothing could come between them.This outraged your grandpa.Out of anger, he declared
that he would cut her off from the family.Actually, we all knew that he didn't truly mean it.You know how
it is when one is consumed by fury.They tend to blurt out words they don't mean, but your mother took
it to heart and disappeared all of a sudden.We never heard from her since then."
Elliot paused to take a breath.
Even he was being weighed down by this depressing past.
"Until your birth, we had no clue that your father left the Greenwoods as well.They had been living
away from the comfort of the two families and we didn't even know how they managed to do so."
He recounted some more.
Michelle kept quiet as she let the story sink in completely.
It dawned on her that grandfather's words were but empty threats, in an attempt not to let his daughter
go astray.
However, she also understood where her mother was coming from and why she felt the need to leave.
Both sides were valid only to be separated by high emotions and lack of clear communication.
Claire held Elliot's hand gently to show support and continued, "When you were born, your uncle and I
couldn't resist visiting you.You were tiny at that time, just like a little crumpled monkey.But it was clear
that your parents loved you very much.Your birth gave them joy but good times didn't last long.Your
father's first wife, Sherry Oscar, knew about your existence.She used some dirty means and convinced
your father to accompany her to visit her parents."
'Sherry Oscar...' Michelle repeated the name in her mind.
It was the first time she heard the name of her father's first wife.
She never saw her and no one in the Greenwoods even dared to mention her.
Michelle knew that Sherry Oscar had been living abroad and had no plans of returning, but it was
beside her not to feel curious about this woman.
'How was she as a person? What did my father saw in her?' Michelle's questions were left unsaid.
"Your mother was furious about it.However, she also knew her place and Sherry was your father's first
wife, so your mother didn't intervene no matter how much she wanted to.But then, your father suddenly
went missing with no trace at all.Your mother never heard from him even once.For two years, she tried
all means to find him but there were no reliable leads to track him down," her aunt Claire relayed as
she carried on with the story.
"What?! Were you able to find out where he went?" Michelle asked frantically.
She was dumbfounded knowing her father had disappeared for two years, yet no one in the
Greenwoods cared to bring it up.
Claire's eyes fixed on Michelle.
Recalling the past wasn't exactly a walk in the park but it had to be known.
"Your father had been abroad with Sherry and their son.It turned out that Sherry gave your father an
ultimatum.He would have to live with her for two years and only then would she agree to a divorce,"
she finished.
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