Chapter: 52

“Alright, thank you. Please update me once you find something."

Before returning to Marie's ward, Bethany snapped a photo of the person's face.

Fortunately, Marie was awake now, but her face remained as pale as her sheets.

"Did you read the note?" she asked Bethany as soon as she returned.

Bethany was at first stunned, then she felt a surge of anger. She approached Marie's bed and scolded, "Mom, how can you let something like this upset you after all these years? Can't you see that it's killing you?"

Even the doctor said that any emotional distress could endanger Marie's health.

“Did you recognize the handwriting? It had to be from that wretched woman!" Marie spat through gritted teeth, her chest heaving violently.

Frightened, Bethany sat down on the bedside and rubbed her mother's shoulders. "Let's not dwell on this anymore, Mom. I just want you to get better. Forget about what happened with Dad. That's all in the past. Risking your health over those people isn't worth it."

"Bethany, how can I forget?" Marie's voice was filled with bitterness.

"I hate your father! I hate them all!"

If it weren't for those people, Marie wouldn't be here, pent-up in the hospital like this. And Bethany wouldn't have had to sacrifice her studies to work and earn money.

Meanwhile, the mistress lived comfortably, even going so far as to provoke Marie from time to time. And while Bethany struggled to make ends meet, her half-sister-the illegitimate daughter-studied abroad, enjoying a life of privilege.

"Mom, can't you see they're just trying to push you over the edge? Do you seriously want to play into their hands?" Bethany pleaded, holding Marie's hand.

Marie shook her off and sneered, "No way! Bethany, as long as I'm alive, she'll be nothing but the other woman! I'll never agree to a divorce!"

After all, as long as Marie refused to sign the divorce papers, her husband's efforts were futile. Legally, Marie's chronic illness and his infidelity prevented the court from granting a divorce.

Bethany winced. She knew all about the immense pain and suffering her father had caused her mother.

Of course, she also hated her father for what he did to them.

Not only did he cheat on her mother, but he even secretly transferred their assets to his name. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, driving Marie to attempt suicide. In the span of one night, Bethany's entire world had collapsed.

She was still so young at the time, and she fell to her knees and cried in front of her father, begging him not to leave. However, the cold-hearted man didn't even look at her.

While other children her age were busy with schoolwork, she was busy with actual work, making a living out of washing dishes and scrubbing toilets. She forgot what it was like to have a holiday. Only when her mother was asleep could she catch up on her homework in their cramped room.

Yes, Bethany hated her father with a passion.

But despite everything he did to them, she still wished her mother would move past it and learn to live her life. At least, in this way, she would still have someone she could call her family in this cold and cruel world.

"I'll look into it, okay? Anyway, you shouldn't give that mistress the satisfaction of getting upset over her little antics." After tucking her mother in, Bethany patted her on the head lovingly. “Mom, you're the only family I have."

“You're right, Bethany, Marie said with a sigh. "I'll live on for you."