Chapter 266 A Mother’s Cruelty
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“So it’s my fault you checked yourself out of the hospital and just disappeared?” Freya was furious. Raising this son felt like a total
waste.
“It’s no one’s fault. I just needed some peace and quiet, that’s all.” Staying in that house had been suffocating him.
“Did you run off to that girl, Arabella?” Freya couldn’t stop herself from lashing out. “How could you do this to your father and me?”
“Mom, if you have something to say, just say it.” Edward saw right through her. She wouldn’t have called unless she wanted something.
If she truly cared, she would have noticed he’d left the hospital more than a week ago.
“That girl has you completely brainwashed, talking to me like this!” Freya shouted. “Tell me where you are right now.”
“I have a place. I won’t be living at home anymore,” Edward stated simply.
“Are you cutting us off?” Freya demanded.
“I’m just not coming back to live there,” Edward corrected her wearily. He had no desire to return to that house, but they were still his family.
“Edward, you have no conscience!” Freya was so angry she could barely speak. “Don’t think I don’t know–that girl is hiding you. What can she possibly offer you? She can barely support herself.”
That whole family of deadbeats was just using Edward.
“Mom, the reason I’m better is because of Arabella. Please don’t talk about her like that,” Edward said, his voice tinged with displeasure.
“Don’t forget, she’s the reason I ended up in the hospital! I’m your mother!” Freya felt she was about to explode. How did she end up with a son like this?
Seeing Edward pale, his hand trembling as he held the phone, Arabella took it from him. “Stop with the guilt trip,” she said coldly. “If you cared about him, you’d respect his decisions.”
“Arabella, I knew it was you!” Hearing her voice, Freya’s anger skyrocketed. “His decisions? You mean the ones you’re manipulating him into! What’s your angle?”
“I’m helping him live in a way that supports his recovery. If you won’t prioritize his health, I will.”
“You got me injured and hospitalized, and now you’re trying to turn my son against me?” Freya shot back furiously.
“Do you really not remember how you got hurt?” Arabella’s tone was laced with sarcasm.
“Of course I do! It was your people!” Freya said through gritted teeth.
Arabella gave a short, derisive laugh. “Sounds like you didn’t learn your lesson. Jealous that only Carter got arrested? Do you want to go join him?”
Freya instantly fell silent, a thread of fear running through her.
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11:43 am DDD B
Chapter 266 A Mother’s Cruelty
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“Mom, if you just called to find out where I am, you have your answer. I’m hanging up now.” Edward couldn’t bear to listen to her irrationality any longer.
Sensing his resolve, Freya quickly switched tactics. “Your uncle is back. Don’t you even want to see him?”
“Uncle?” Edward paused, then relented. “I’ll go see him.”
Since his uncle was back, he should pay a visit. Maybe his uncle could talk some sense into his mother.
“Then come home right now. I don’t like the idea of Harper being here alone,” Freya demanded.
“I’m not coming back.” With that, Edward ended the call.
He set the phone down, his expression dark.
“Are you alright?” Arabella asked.
Edward shook his head. “I’m fine. Just… disappointed.
“She’s worried about Harper being alone, but it never crosses her mind how you’re managing out here on your own.” The thought made his heart ache. Even though Arabella wasn’t a biological Macdonald, she’d been raised in that house. There should have been some bond.
But Arabella just smiled. “Edward, I’m actually doing great–better than I ever was with the Macdonalds.”
It wasn’t just about being with the Hamiltons now. Even if she hadn’t found her birth family, she was perfectly capable of building a good life on her own.
“Ah, Arabella, it’s my fault for not being stronger back then,” Edward said, guilt washing over him. “If I’d been more aware, Harper never would’ve gotten involved with Dylan. That engagement was supposed to be yours.”
“Edward, that engagement belonged to the Macdonald family. It was never mine,” Arabella said calmly.
Seeing she seemed genuinely untroubled, Edward ventured, “You really don’t mind?”
“Not only do I not mind–I should thank Harper.” After all, rubbish belonged with its own kind.
Edward’s expression grew even more resolute. “Arabella, don’t worry. From now on, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. I won’t let you be mistreated again.”
“Okay.” Arabella smiled softly. She knew he meant every word.
Not wanting him to dwell on her troubles, Arabella changed the subject. “When are you planning to see your uncle?”
Edward shook his head. “Haven’t decided yet. I’ll figure it out.”
“Whenever you go, let me know. I’ll drive you,” Arabella reminded him.