Ch. 111..120
Chapter 111
Wendy turned around and said sarcastically to Lindsey, “Aunt Lindsey,
is it so difficult to admit that Suzanne is better than your darling Elyse?”
“I…” Lindsey was at a loss for words.
Nathan slowly stood up and went to hold Suzanne’s hand. “Come on.
Let’s head back to our room.”
Suzanne felt uneasy but she still let Nathan lead her away.
Wendy began arguing with Lindsey again.
Layla was fuming. She went over to the couch, feeling angry, and kicked Duke. “Had your fill yet? What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”
Duke returned to his senses and hurriedly followed Layla out.
Tobias and Cheryl shared a look of disbelief. They found it hard to believe that it was Suzanne, someone they looked down on the most, who had played the piano just now.
Meanwhile, Gary was quietly talking to Florence.
“Who knew Suzanne would be so talented, darling! My mother really has a good eye!” Gary exclaimed.
Florence nodded. “She really does. I was shocked too. Not only is Suzanne a famous artist, but she’s a wonderful pianist too!”
Gary shook his head in wonder. “I don’t think that’s all to it. Florence’s musical and artistic talents are exceptional, especially the latter.
“She’s the famous Inkwell after all, yet she never uses her talents for personal gain. I think these are just Suzanne’s hobbies and interests.”
Florence asked, “Does she have any other profession?”
“I’m not sure, but I do think those ugly rumors about her past are untrue. Someone must’ve made them up!”
Florence agreed to this as well. She said angrily, “They were definitely made up. Suzanne is such a beautiful and talented young woman. She’d never use a man for money.”
Gary said sternly, “Yes. If I catch anyone speaking ill of Suzanne from now on, I’ll be sure to teach them a hard lesson.”
Nathan shut the door behind him while Suzanne stood in the room, still shocked. She wasn’t sure how to explain herself to Nathan.
Nathan then faced Suzanne, hands on his waist. He took a deep breath to calm himself, but awe still filled his being.
He then looked up at the ceiling and sighed. Suzanne had astounded him yet again.
Nathan couldn’t imagine how talented and mysterious she re was. If Suzanne regained her memories and personality, her conce might just shock everyone.
“Nathan…” Suzanne was worried. She kept on fiddling with he feeling insecure.
Nathan gazed deeply at her before pressing a finger against his forehead. He wasn’t sure how to begin this conversation.
Suzanne said weakly, “This is the first time I’ve played the piano in three years since I woke up. I didn’t know I could in the first pla
Nathan set his hand down and said solemnly, “Talent can help y with painting. Some talented artists can produce phenomenal work within a year or two of learning the craft.”
Suzanne nodded in agreement.
Nathan then said, “But piano is different. It requires long-term
practice until you gain muscle memory. The song you played just now
was a highly technical one, yet you still mastered it. It seems the
piano is something you’ve learned to play since young.”
Suzanne was shocked. “Me? Since young?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think Mom and Dad would’ve bought me a piano?”
“They don’t have the money nor the foresight to do so.”
“How could I have learned piano since I was young then? I grew up poor.”
Nathan held Suzanne by the shoulders and leaned in, saying
solemnly, “Maybe you should redo a DNA test with the York family.
Suzanne’s heartbeat quicked as hope filled her chest for a split second.
What if she wasn’t Suzanne York? She wouldn’t be burdened with tha terrible past anymore.
Suzanne agreed immediately. “Alright. I’ll contact my family.”
Nathan said seriously, “I’ll come with you this time. There can be no room for errors here.”
Chapter 112
Chapter 112
Suzanne saw how cautious Nathan was being and asked curiously,” Nathan, the previous DNA report was pretty credible too. Why did you still suspect that I’m not Suzanne York?”
Awe and surprise filled Nathan’s eyes. “A woman who doesn’t know how to cook or do chores ends up being skilled in the arts, in playing piano, and even flower arrangements.
“Not only that, but she’s knowledgeable in chemical science and foreign languages. She also enjoys increasing her knowledge by reading books.
“Someone like her may not necessarily be from a well-off family, but she definitely wouldn’t be from a poor background.”
Suzanne thought Nathan’s rationale was logical. She suddenly realized that his way of thinking was pretty different from others. Nathan would always look beneath the surface level.
So many people had a stereotypical impression of Suzanne after hearing about her past. They thought of her as a sleazy, immoral
woman.
Yet Nathan had always been respectful to her. He never attacked her or humiliated her because of her past.
Suzanne slowly closed the distance between them and looked up into his eyes. She began nervously, “Nathan, if…”
Nathan looked down. “Hm?”
Suzanne paused, heart tightening in her chest. Sweat beaded at her back. She mustered up all her courage, wanting to confess her feelings to Nathan.
Her voice grew soft, “If… I wasn’t Suzanne York…”
Nathan got anxious seeing Suzanne so hesitant. “Yes?”
“Would… Would you…”
Nathan patiently waited for Suzanne to finish her sentence. For some reason, he grew more anxious the longer it took.
Suzanne’s words caught in her throat. Her heart began pounding. She was so nervous her hands began sweating.
Would you like me, even a little?
Suzanne repeated the words she wanted to say in her mind, feeling her cheeks blush. In the end, she was still too shy to say it out loud.
She instead asked, “Would you help me find my real family?”
Nathan looked disappointed. So it wasn’t the question he had been hoping for.
Nathan felt awkward from his own misunderstanding. He looked away, saying, “Of course.”
His phone then rang.
Nathan glanced at the phone screen before going to the balcony to answer the call. Suzanne didn’t pay attention to his conversation over
the phone.
Not even half a minute later, Nathan walked back into the room with a
nervous, tense expression.
“I’m going to head out for a bit.” He went to the shelf to get his car
keys.
Suzanne knew whatever happened was a private affair given Nathan was using his own car. “What happened?”
“Sally attempted suicide,” Nathan said solemnly, walking past Suzanne.
Suzanne was stunned. Her heart sank.
Whether or not Nathan still loved Sally, the tender way he called her name and his nervousness still meant that he hadn’t completely let go of her.
Sally still had a special place in Nathan’s heart. He was just
disappointed in the woman she turned out to be. Yet the love he had for her would never go away.
Nathan had loved Sally for more than two decades. How could a love like that be so easily replaced?
The door shut behind Nathan as he left.
Suzanne stood where she was, her body seemingly frozen in place. She slowly closed her eyes.
Suzanne choked on her emotions, silently reminding herself to not have silly daydreams anymore.
She heaved a deep sigh and glanced up at the ceiling, blinking her moistened eyes. After the sadness passed, Suzanne took out her phone to make a call.
Chapter 113
Chapter 113
Suzanne called her mother’s number.
The dial tone went on for a long time. Right before it ended, the call went through. A loud noise followed
“Higher… higher… Fuck me, I’ve bust!
“Hello? Who is this?”
Suzanne felt uneasy listening to her mother’s vulgar language. She
said slowly, “It’s Suzanne, Mom.”
Betty Burns’ tone immediately became loving. “Oh, my darling daughter. How are you? Is that old lady doing alright?”
Suzanne hadn’t told her family that she had married Nathan. They thought she was still working as a caretaker at Shovale.
“We’re all okay,” Suzanne said faintly.
Betty sighed long and hard. “I’m personally not doing very well here My blood pressure and sugar are both high. My rheumatism has relapsed too, making it so difficult to sleep through the night.
“That damned alcoholic of a father you have always abuses me when he comes home drunk too. Oh, Suzanne, things are so difficult for me
here.
“That foolish brother of yours has gone into hiding after getting at buttload of debt. He hasn’t given me anything to sustain myself with
all this while.
“I can’t even get out of bed to go to work because of how painful my rheumatism is, Suzanne. Your father isn’t helping either with how much he drinks. I don’t even know how I can continue living like this!
“Oh, Suzanne-”
Suzanne couldn’t bear to listen any longer. She cut her mother off, saying, “I understand, Mom. I’ll transfer some money to you later.”
“Thank you so much, dear!” Betty said excitedly.
“There’s something I need your help with, Mom.”
“You don’t have to be so polite with me. What happened?”
“Can you come to the hospital with me?”
Betty grew anxious. “Are you sick?”
“Mom, I…” Suzanne’s words stuck in her throat.
Betty had always praised Suzanne for being obedient, kind, and understanding. She was always very fond of Suzanne because of this.
If Suzanne suddenly brought up the DNA test, Betty would never agree to it. After all, how could Betty let go of a daughter who was so obedient to her and took care of her?
Suzanne quickly changed her narrative. “Mom, I’m worried I might have a hereditary immune disorder. The doctor isn’t 100% sure so needs to do a test to look at our genetics before he can properly diagnose me.”
“Oh, my poor daughter! Why did you suddenly get ill?” Betty began weeping on the other end of the call.
Betty was earnestly upset. But whether it was because she worried about Suzanne as a person or as her personal ATM was another story.
“I’ll send you a location later on, Mom. We can set a time to go to the hospital.”
Betty quickly answered, “Alright, dear. Hurry up and get this treated. Don’t drag this out.”.
“I know, Mom. Bye now.” Suzanne hung up the call.
Afterward, Betty sat in a dark corner of the casino she was in and started thinking. She crossed a leg over the other, a cigarette between her teeth.
Betty suddenly recalled a very rich man. That man was always very generous in paying her whenever she told him news about Suzanne.
The moment Betty imagined getting all that money, she began flipping through her contact list.
“Hello? Is this Dr. Hoffis?”
“Yes,” Oliver replied.
“My daughter Suzanne just gave me a call…”
Betty then told Oliver every single thing that had gone on with Suzanne as of late in the loud and dingy casino.
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Chapter 114
Nathan parked his car in the garden outside Hoffis Manor before running into the villa in a hurry.
Two old folks who looked refined sat on a leather couch in the lavishly decorated living room along with their adopted son Oliver.
“Nathan? What are you doing here?” Zach stood up, surprised.
Nathan was panting from anxiety. Still, he greeted respectfully, “Mr. Hoffis Senior, Madam Hoffis.”
Loretta dabbed at her eyes with a silk kerchief. “I was the one who told Nathan to come. Our granddaughter is already attempting suicide. Do you still insist on being so cruel?”
Zach glared at his wife. “You keep on making a mess of things! Why did you have to bother Nathan? He has a busy work schedule. What would his wife think of this?”
Loretta huffed and said angrily, “I don’t care. I just want my granddaughter to live!”
Zach shook with anger. “You!”
Nathan was really worried. “What happened to Sally, Mr. Hoffis
Senior?”
Zach grunted, “She cut her wrist and bled a little. She’ll survive.”
Loretta pointed at her husband and cried, “It’s all your fault! Sally is still young. She needs gentle guidance when she makes mistakes. Yet you grounded her and confiscated her phone, stopping her from contacting Nathan!
“Sally has had a crush on him for so many years. How could you
expect her to give up on him so easily? Now you’ve made her depressed after grounding her for so long.
“Even the doctor said Sally had severe depression! All she can think about is ending her own life now…
“Sally is the only child we have left in the family after my son and his
wife died. Are you trying to get rid of all your heirs, old man?”
Beside them, Oliver stayed silent with a sullen expression.
Zach snapped, “Be quiet, you. Oliver is still here with us!”
Loretta said tearfully, “You’re the one who took him in, not me!”
Zach’s face turned red with anger. There was no way he could win Loretta when words were concerned, so he gave up fighting with her.
Instead, Zach turned to Nathan. “Since you’re here already, why don’t you go check up on Sally? She’s in her room being looked after by two doctors.”
Nathan nodded slightly before rushing upstairs.
In her room, Sally was pale as she lay weakly on her bed.
When she saw Nathan come in, tears fell down her cheeks again,
making her look quite pitiful.
Nathan went to the bedside and sat down on a chair.
Sally kept on weeping. “You’re finally here to see me, Nate.”
Nathan’s brows furrowed as he asked in a worried tone, “Why did you
act so rashly?”
Sally’s tears never stopped falling. “Mom and Dad are gone. Grandma and Grandpa don’t love me. Now you don’t want me either… What’s the point of living on?”
Nathan took a deep breath, unsure of how to console Sally.
Sally grew more and more upset the longer she spoke. “You’ve changed completely ever since meeting Suzanne. It’s all because of her-”
Nathan instantly cut her off. “This has nothing to do with Suzanne, Sally.”
“How is it not? You wouldn’t be like this if it wasn’t because of her.”
Nathan’s tone became stern. “Why won’t you reflect on your own. mistakes? You went into the research department and destroyed 80 million dollars worth of Azurium then shifted the blame to those professors.
“You nearly made Grandma fall sick because of your actions yet you’re still unrepentant.
“Suzanne may not have a good past, but the countless personal attacks and schemes against her are still your own doing.”
Sally grew pale white as tears began falling from her eyes again. Her lips parted in a sob.
Nathan sighed.
Sally then started wailing again. “I’m only like this because of you,
Nate!”
She pulled the blanket off herself and ran to the balcony. Nathan ran over and grabbed her arm. “What are you doing?”
“I don’t wanna live anymore!” Sally sobbed.
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Chapter 115
The doctors immediately ran over. They consoled Sally while saying to Nathan, “Mr. Nathan, Ms. Hoffis is really unstable right now.
“It’s best you don’t aggravate her condition further. Try embracing her and comforting her.”
Nathan hesitated briefly, feeling overwhelmed as he watched Sally
sob.
He then hugged her. “Don’t cry now, and don’t do anything stupid anymore.”
Sally sobbed in his chest. “Did you forget, Nate? When you sent me off at the airport when I left Norvania, you told me to never forget you nor fall in love with anyone else! You told me you’d wait for me in
Norvania when I returned once I was older!
“You even said you’d wait for me your entire life. But now I’m back, yet you still don’t want to marry me…”
Nathan recalled the pain he felt when he and Sally had parted like was just yesterday. How could he have forgotten the pain of parti with the love of his life?
But now, Nathan no longer felt the same way he did all those years ago with Sally. There was no attraction, nervousness, excitement, not even desire.
Maybe people’s feelings really did change as they grew older. Or maybe Nathan was just an undevoted jackass.
He caressed Sally’s head and spoke as if to his own sister, “I’m sorry, Sally.”
Nathan ended up staying at Hoffis Manor the entire day to keep Sally
company.
He sent Suzanne a text message at night, “I won’t be back home to sleep tonight. Get some rest soon.
Suzanne had guessed this would happen. Even though she had
mentally prepared herself for it, she still felt unhappy. It was hard for her to fall asleep that night.
The next day, Suzanne patiently waited outside the hospital entrance, her heart heavy, while the midday sun hung in the sky.
There were dark clouds ahead and the air was stuffy. There was not a single breeze whatsoever.
Betty leaned against a pillar by the hospital entrance. She asked impatiently, “Who are you waiting for, dear? Let’s hurry up and go inside. We still need to queue up later.”
Suzanne stayed silent. The light in her eyes had long dimmed.
After some time, a luxury car came to a stop by the entrance. Cole and Gilbert stepped out of it.
They walked up to Suzanne and greeted her respectfully, “Mrs.
Morrison.”
Betty didn’t quite hear what they were saying from this distance. She was curious why two powerful- looking men were treating her daughter so respectfully, so she walked up to take a closer look.
Suzanne had already given up hope. She asked weakly, “Where’s Mr. Morrison?”
“Mr. Morrison couldn’t make it in time, so he had us accompany you
instead.”
Suzanne nodded and then silently walked into the hospital.
Betty, who had just reached the three of them, hurriedly trailed behind Suzanne. She was quite confused.
Cole and Gilbert stood by Suzanne, especially when they did the blood test. They even revealed their identities to the doctor who took
Suzanne’s blood, instructing him to not make a single mistake lest they take matters into their own hands.
After the blood extraction, Cole and Gilbert stayed behind in the lab to monitor the blood test process.
Suzanne and Betty went out to the hospital entrance. It was raining outside. The air was cold and moist. Rainwater drenched the land.
Suzanne’s chest felt heavy. Feeling upset, she mumbled to Betty, “It’s raining, Mom.”
Betty looked at the sky. “Mhm. Looks like the rain isn’t stopping anytime soon.”
“I’m feeling a bit warm, Mom. I’m gonna go out in the rain for a while. You should get a taxi ride back home.”
“W-What?”
Before Betty could react, Suzanne had already walked out into the
rain.
“You’ll get sick, silly girl!” Betty yelled from behind but didn’t run out to pull Suzanne back.
As rainwater soaked Suzanne’s skin and hair, she felt her body grow colder. Her vision grew blurry though she could still vaguely see the
road ahead.
Tears fell down her cheeks alongside the rain droplets. Pain filled Suzanne’s heart each time it throbbed.
She consoled herself, saying this was the rain’s fault. Nothing to do
with Nathan whatsoever.
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Chapter 116
Suzanne walked the two-hour journey back to Morrison Residence alone in the rain. By the time she reached her house, her entire body had grown weak.
After showering, Suzanne went to sleep in bed before even drying her hair. Only sleep could stop her from thinking about Nathan.
Suzanne didn’t leave the room nor felt hungry for the entire day. She woke up at midnight feeling really hot and uncomfortable. Only then did she realize she was ill.
Suzanne was about to give Nathan a call when she saw Nathan had sent her a text. She quickly opened the messaging app.
“I still love Sally,” Nathan wrote.
Those four words pierced Suzanne’s heart like a sharp blade.
Tears pooled in her eyes as she swiftly set her phone down. She turned her face upwards and wiped the tears that crept out of her eyes with her fingers.
Suzanne inhaled deeply and held her breath. Yet even that inhale made pain lance through her chest, making her unable to hold bac her tears.
Suzanne silently gnawed on her lip, her throat burning with the urge to cry. She restrained herself for a long while before the urge
disappeared.
She wiped her tears and typed out a reply to Nathan. “I understand. We can get the papers filed whenever you’re free. Just let me know.”
“I can divorce whenever you want. It’s up to you.”
Suzanne’s heart grew cold at those words.
What did Nathan mean? She could leave whenever? It was up to her? What a jackass!
Was Suzanne’s love so cheap? Should she not have wasted her time in this hopeless marriage?
She switched off her phone and went to get some medicines.
But the moment Suzanne’s feet touched the ground, her head swam. As her legs buckled forth, she fell right onto the floor.
She hissed in pain as her hands slammed against the floor, pain shooting through her entire body. Tears fell from her eyes yet again.
Suzanne’s body felt weak and pained, yet none of it compared to how much her heart was hurting. She felt hopeless in this pit of despair.
Suzanne picked herself up before falling heavily onto the bed. She then covered herself in the blanket and continued sleeping.
The medicine didn’t matter anymore. A woman suffering like Suzanne might as well end her own life in order to be liberated.
Nathan walked out of the washroom in a new set of clothes.
Sally had just finished deleting the messages she sent. She continued putting up the act of drying Nathan’s phone with a hairdryer.
A cunning light shone in her eyes as she handed him the phone. “Your phone is still working fine, Nate. I’ve already dried it for you.”
Nathan took his phone and looked through it briefly before putting it back into his pocket.
“The housemaid was so careless. How could she have ended up bumping into you with that glass of water she brought for me? Oh
well, I’ll have Grandma fire her tomorrow.”
Nathan quickly stopped Sally. “You don’t need to. She only splashed water on my clothes.”
“Alright then.”
“Rest well. I’m going to head back now.” Nathan was still worried about Suzanne who had been left alone back home. He hadn’t returned for an entire night. What if Suzanne started overthinking?
When Sally saw that Nathan was leaving, she quickly ran over and clung to his arm. Tears fell from her eyes as if on command. “Don’t go, Nate… What do I do without you?”
“Sally…” Nathan’s brows furrowed.
Loretta walked over upon hearing the commotion, looking helpless. She said, “Please, Nathan. Think of it as a plea from me. Stay a little. longer with Sally, won’t you? I’m scared she might do something rash if you leave right now.”
Nathan looked exasperated. “What Sally needs the most right now are the doctors, Madam Hoffis.”
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Chapter 117
“Nate, don’t leave…” Sally’s cries grew louder.
Loretta kept on insisting for Nathan to stay, feeling pained for her granddaughter.
Cole and Gilbert finally obtained the DNA report after monitoring the blood test procedure. No one besides the lab doctors had been in close contact with the blood samples.
The two rushed back home right after getting the report in order to hand it personally to Suzanne.
She sat down on the chair out on the balcony, a thin sweater around her shoulders. She looked pale and glum as she opened up the
documents.
A breeze swept across Suzanne, though her heart was warm with hope. Suzanne then took out the test report.
After reading through it briefly, Suzanne slowly resealed the paper with a neutral expression. She then said softly, “Tell Mr. Morrison nothing has changed whatsoever. I’m Suzanne York, that’s all. He can stop suspecting otherwise now.”
Cole and Gilbert were disappointed by the DNA test results. They said, “Yes, Madam:”
Suzanne suddenly coughed.
Cole asked worriedly, “You don’t look very well, Madam. Do you feel ill? Should I get a doctor for you?”
“I’m fine. Leave me be.” Suzanne sat back in the chair and closed her
eyes.
Gilbert said, “Madam, Mr. Morrison has been busy lately. He-”
Suzanne waved her hand, saying gently, “There’s no need to explain to
me anymore.”
“We’ll let you rest then, Madam.” Cole and Gilbert then left the room.
Suzanne raised her legs and hugged them, burying her face into her thighs. Her frail body curled up into a ball, shoulders shaking lightly.
The breeze did nothing to quell the pain in her heart.
Suzanne then slept for several days, eating very little whenever the housekeeper brought her food. When she felt better, she decided to go see Vera one last time before leaving this place.
Suzanne dabbed some rouge on her pale cheeks.
She then went to Shovale and stood before Vera with a smile.
“Grandma,” Suzanne called tenderly.
Vera gazed silently at her for a moment before asking slowly, “Who are you?”
Suzanne’s smile froze on her face. She covered her mouth and turned around quickly to hide the tears in her eyes.
Did Vera’s illness worsen to such a degree in such a short time since they last met?
Suzanne powered through the sadness and sniffled before going to Vera. She crouched down before her, forcing a smile on her face. “I’m Suzanne, Grandma. I’m your youngest granddaughter-in-law.”
“Youngest granddaughter-in-law? Hmm, let me see, who’s my youngest grandson again?”
Suzanne grew more upset. Had Vera forgotten about Nathan too?
Suzanne held back her tears and choked out softly, “His name is
Nathan.”
“Oh, yeah. My grandson’s name is Nathan. Who did you say you were earlier?”
Suzanne didn’t answer Vera anymore. She held Vera’s wrinkly hands, feeling the warmth from them. Tears fell from Suzanne’s eyes.
Right now, memory appeared far more important than life itself.
If Suzanne died, at least the memory of her would live on in those who loved her. Yet right now, someone who used to love her had thoroughly forgotten about her.
It was a far more excruciating pain.
Suzanne choked out, “Please take good care of yourself, Grandma. I’ll always love you, whether or not you remember me.”
Chapter 118
Chapter 118
The sky darkened as day turned to night.
Suzanne had spent nearly the entire day with Vera in Shovale. She was exhausted by the time she returned to Morrison Residence given
she was still ill.
As Suzanne dragged herself into the living room, a snarky voice said, Oh look, our impostor artist is finally showing herself.”
Suzanne turned to see who was speaking. It was Lindsey.
Lindsey walked over arrogantly, one hand holding a phone and the other tucked by her waist.
“The great painter Ms. Inkwell finally uploaded a new video after retreating from the internet for three years,” Lindsey said.
“She clarified in the video that she had been sick for the past three. years, hence why she couldn’t continue making art. I really don’t understand how some people can be an impostor and go around. deceiving people.”
Lindsey then showed Suzanne the video playing on her screen. Disdain filled Lindsey’s eyes.
Suzanne glanced at the phone screen.
In the video, a young woman was sitting in front of the camera explaining why she chose to stay out of the public eye for the past three years. The account it was broadcasted on belonged to Inkwell.
Suzanne said flatly, “I never said I was Inkwell, Aunt Lindsey.”
“You-” Before Lindsey could finish talking, Wendy’s voice rang out nearby.
“Aunt Lindsey, do you really believe this video? Just because someone claims they’re Inkwell doesn’t mean they really are.
“If she is, then why don’t we let an expert verify one of her paintings?
You really think she can just use being sick as an excuse?”
Suzanne turned around to see Wendy walking towards her.
Wendy patted Suzanne’s shoulder and said calmly, “Don’t worry, Suzanne. Nothing can substitute the real deal. You can buy accounts. like this for a little amount of cash nowadays.
“There are some really good hackers now too. Who knows if they hacked this account?”
Lindsey turned around and scoffed. “Bullshit. She already posted a video of herself yet here you are still refusing to give up the ghost. Everyone knows who the real Inkwell is now, you impostor!”
Wendy’s expression was twisted with anger. Her hands balled into fists by her sides as she prepared to yell at Lindsey.
But Suzanne gently grabbed Wendy’s arm and stopped her. “Don’t bother yourself with this, Wendy. Let Aunt Lindsey do as she pleases
Wendy patted Suzanne’s arm. “I trust you and support you, Suzanne.
Suzanne smiled a bittersweet smile. “Thank you.”
As Wendy gazed at Suzanne’s pale white face, she asked, concerned, ” You don’t look very well, Suzanne. You’ve been locked up in your room for the past few days. Are you sick?”
Suzanne forced another smile. “I’m alright, Wendy. Thank you for your concern. I’m going to go back to my room now.”
“Do you really not want to see a doctor, Suzanne?” Wendy hurriedly asked.
Suzanne turned and went upstairs, not answering the question.
Lindsey continued saying sarcastically behind her back, “I heard Sally Hoffis tried killing herself for the sake of love, so Nathan’s been keeping her company for the past few days. Of course, Suzanne’s going to fall ill now that her sugar daddy’s about to cast her away.”
Wendy snapped at her aunt. “You’re dying for Suzanne and Nathan to divorce so he can marry your god-daughter, aren’t you, Aunt Lindsey?”
“What’s so bad about my god-daughter? She’s ten times better than Suzanne is!” Lindsey huffed.
Wendy sneered.
Suzanne ignored them and went upstairs to Nathan’s study. She sat down at his desk and drafted an entire divorce agreement on his computer.
Suzanne then printed out two copies. She signed on both of them without hesitation.
Afterward, she took out her phone and stared at her contact list about fifteen minutes.
As her heart clenched, Suzanne mustered her courage to call Nathan’s number.
The call went through quickly. Nathan’s soothing voice rang out fr the other end with a hint of guilt. “Suzy.”
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Chapter 119
Wasn’t Nathan afraid Sally would get upset for using such an intimate nickname for Suzanne?
Suzanne closed her eyes and choked out, “Can you come back sometime soon?”
Nathan hesitated. “Sally is…”
Suzanne cut him off. “It’s fine then. You can send someone back home instead. I just need to pass you something.”
Nathan asked curiously, “What thing?”
Suzanne paused for a few seconds. She heaved a long exhale before saying slowly, “Divorce papers.”
Nathan immediately grew silent. Anyone could see how depressing and tense the atmosphere was over the call.
Suzanne’s heart felt heavy. Breathing became difficult.
Nathan’s voice rang out after a long while. “I’ll be back right away.”
Was he so eager to sign their divorce papers?
“Okay,” Suzanne said with all her strength. She then hung up the call.
She leaned back in her chair and slowly closed her eyes. Her phone
fell to the floor from her hand with a clack.
Suzanne felt weak all over. Her headache was getting unbearable.
In the end, the tears she held back for so long still quietly fell down
her cheeks.
After getting off the call, Nathan walked back into the living room. from the balcony and said, “Mr. Hoffis Senior, I need to go back home now. Something happened.”
Sally quickly set down the fruit in her hand and ran over to hold ontol Nathan’s arm. She began crying again. “You can’t go, Nate… Don’t leave me…”
Zach stood up angrily. “Let go, Sally. Nate has already kept you company for days now! Can’t you be more sensible? He has a family
and career to work on!”
Loretta was upset seeing Sally so sad. “Bring Sally with you, Nate. She’ll be able to calm down more by your side.”
“What nonsense is this, woman?” Zach snapped.
“I don’t care. I want Nate… I don’t wanna live without him,” Sally
sobbed, not letting go of Nathan.
Nathan took a deep breath and pried her hands away. He shot the two private doctors stern looks and instructed, “Restrain Sally if she tries to kill herself. Put her on an IV drip if she refuses to eat or drink
“Sedate her if she throws a tantrum. Keep an eye on her no matter
what.”
Sally was stunned. The two doctors were just as shocked.
Nathan’s expression grew menacing as he growled out, “Understand
me?”
The doctors flinched and quickly nodded. “Yes, Mr. Nathan. We understand.”
Nathan then shoved Sally towards the doctors and left.
Sally struggled in their arms and ran after him.
Zach was immensely angry now. He snapped, “Stay right here, Sally Hoffis. If you run after Nathan right now, I’m going to cut ties with you!
When Sally ran out the door, Nathan had already left in his car.
She returned to the living room and whined, “Why didn’t you help me, Grandpa? I’m your only grandchild, yet you let Nate leave!”
Zach groaned, head pounding painfully as he stared at his silly granddaughter and stubborn wife. He really didn’t know what to do
anymore.
Oliver watched all this from the stairwell upstairs, chuckling silently. He couldn’t help but respect Sally for her act.
She wasn’t knowledgeable nor talented, but she sure was experienced in scheming.
Chapter 120
Chapter 120
Suzanne left for her room with the divorce agreement.
She sat down in the chair on the balcony with her arms around her legs. With her head resting on her knees, Suzanne watched the sky darken, waiting for Nathan to return.
An hour later, the door to the room opened.
Suzanne tensed up slightly, feeling nervous.
The door then closed shut. Footsteps followed.
Nathan’s breathing was somewhat rushed. Suzanne could hear him loud and clear in the quiet room.
Nathan walked over to the balcony and leaned against the railing. He gazed steadily at Suzanne. She had grown thinner in the four days he was gone. Her skin was sickly pale too.
Pain lanced in Nathan’s chest as his grip tightened around th iling.
Why did a grown woman like Suzanne not know how to taer care of herself?
Suzanne’s eyes were dark. They slowly shifted from the nig
Nathan.
“Thank you for coming back.” She placed her feet back on the sitting up properly.
Nathan looked away and took a deep breath to ease the pain in chest. It didn’t really help, though.
“Why so sudden?” Nathan asked.
Sudden?
Suzanne smiled bitterly and nudged the divorce papers on the table.” I’ve already signed them. Take a look. You can sign them if there’s no
issue.”
Nathan gripped the railing so tight his veins throbbed. The pain. continued spreading through his chest with each heartbeat. It made his breathing harshen further.
“Sally wanted to kill herself. That’s why I-”
“You don’t need to explain yourself. I understand.” Suzanne truly didn’t want to hear a single word about Sally right now. “I really don’t want to be a mistress anymore.”
Nathan’s tone grew serious. “How could you be a mistress? You’re my wife!”
Suzanne looked down as a bitter smile rose on her face. She twisted
her fingers in her shirt.
Was she?
Nathan and Sally were childhood friends who loved one another deeply. What else was Suzanne if not a third wheel?
Plus, Nathan once said he would tell Suzanne if he still loved Sally. Their marriage would cease then.
So if Nathan wasn’t going to bring it up, Suzanne was. After all, she was the one who’d been hurting all this while.
Suzanne said in a stern but earnest tone, “Let’s just divorce, Nathan.”
Nathan’s heart clenched painfully. He turned around and raised his head to the sky to take a deep breath. His hands gripped the railing tight.
Nathan didn’t know why he felt so upset. He didn’t want to go through with the divorce
Yes, he did promise Suzanne he would respect her
23
decision, but he couldn’t right now.
The pain in his heart persisted for a long time, never leaving.
Nathan turned around and gazed fervently at Suzanne. His tone softened when he asked, “Grandma won’t be able to bear it if she
hears this news.”
Suzanne’s steadfastness crumbled the instant Nathan mentioned Vera. Tears pooled in her eyes almost immediately. She choked out,” Grandma doesn’t remember me anymore.”
Nathan stiffened in shock. Suzanne’s tears made the pain in his heart
turn into acid.
He had known Vera’s condition would worsen to the point where she forgot everyone. Heck, he had prepared himself for it.
But the moment Nathan saw Suzanne’s tears, he wanted so much to go and hold her in his arms.
He held back, however, and asked as calmly as he could, “Are you only bringing up the divorce because Grandma can no longer stop it? Or is it because I went to stay with the Hoffis family for a couple of days?”