Chapter: 1148
Yet, she felt like a monster.
A tiny life was lost because of her. The guilt gnawed at her, robbing her of sleep. Nightmares filled with the cries of a baby left her disoriented.
Switching off her phone, she dreaded speaking to Norah.
After Susanna's surgery, when she'd hopefully adjusted mentally, Joanna would reach out.
A silent prayer for Susanna's well-being escaped her lips.
Nancy approached, squatting before Joanna. Clasping her hand, she gazed at her with brimming eyes.
“Joanna, I know you didn't mean to push Madeline. Don't be so hard on yourself. It's been a while, and you look worn out."
She sighed, feigning sorrow. “Maybe that child wasn't meant to be."
Joanna's fragile peace shattered.
Bryson shoved Nancy's hand away, his voice cold. "It wasn't her fault. Stop spewing nonsense in front of her."
Placing a comforting arm around Joanna, he said, "Don't listen to her. Norah was looking for you earlier. Call her back. She cares deeply about you."
Joanna offered a meek nod. Only she knew the guilt gnawed at her even more.
Gil arrived, briefly chatting with Sean before leaving.
Thankfully, Susanna hadn't severed an artery, allowing for intervention. Post-surgery, she was in the ICU.
In such a short time, she had been in the ICU twice. The people who knew about this all felt bad for her.
Illness wasn't just cruel because of death. It was the despair that was truly merciless. Yet, there remained a slim hope for Susanna's recovery. So why did she repeatedly attempt suicide? Everyone close to her knew she had been diligently following her treatment, dreaming of one day traveling freely again.
Alice, busy performing with her band, was unaware of Joanna's plight.
The sight of Joanna, so worn and frail, took her by surprise, prompting her to inquire about her well-being urgently.
Upon learning the truth from Bryson, she fell into a thoughtful silence. She struggled to believe that Joanna would take such drastic actions. The incident had cast a long shadow over Joanna, threatening to trouble her indefinitely.
Taking Joanna's hand firmly, Alice expressed her desire to help, "I want to talk to you, Joanna." She believed she could help Joanna overcome this mental obstacle.
Nancy had tried several times to approach Joanna but was always blocked by Bryson. If the Scotts hadn't been present, he might have openly scolded her. Despite their obvious dislike, Nancy kept making unwelcome advances. Could this girl incapable of reading the room, or was she just being foolish?
Alice had never liked Nancy, much like her feelings towards Madeline.
She regarded them as cut from the same cloth. After ensuring Susanna was stable, she drove Joanna to the riverside in a car borrowed from Norah's garage. Norah had laid out all the keys, giving Alice the freedom to pick any car she fancied.
The chilling riverside wind was sharp against their skin, yet it did nothing to deter the people strolling by.