Chapter 325 Stepmother’s Cruelty

Book:I Hope You Will Never Regret Published:2024-10-8

Sage’s eyes lit up when she saw her father. Xavier picked her up and kissed her on the cheek. He looked at her and asked, “How was the school, baby?” Sage told her father that school was great.
She smiled brightly and said, “Today, our class delivered a speech at the assembly in front of everyone. It was about ‘Love’. I have learned that love is patient and unconditional.
I felt it was a lie because my maternal grandmother and Aunt Valeria were never patient with me. They were so horrible. I nearly died in that mansion. Sometimes I still have nightmares at night.”
Her father felt heartache when he heard Sage’s words. He ruffled his daughter’s hair and replied, “I am glad they would never hurt you again, my dearest daughter.
Sometimes I blame myself for allowing hatred and anger against the Moore family to cloud my judgement. I am still angry with your maternal grandfather for failing to do anything when they were starving you.”
Sage said in her maternal grandfather’s defense, “Daddy, during dinner I used to accompany Aunt Valeria to her bedroom because she was still recuperating. When she was angry, she would throw my food in the trash.
My grandfather noticed that I had started losing weight. I lied to protect my mother’s grave. I told him that I missed my paternal family. Since my body was covered with scars, it was difficult for him to take me back to the Taylor family.
I don’t have enough words to thank Aunt Avery for everything she has done for me. She is one in a million. If she hadn’t intervened, I would be lying in the grave as we speak.
During the presentation, I was so nervous, but I was reminded of Aunt Avery’s words. She told me to look at other children’s heads.
Also, she said that I was the bravest girl she had ever seen. When I started speaking I imagined that she was with me in the school hall.”
Her father ruffled her hair and asked, “I am proud of you, Sweetheart. You are brave and intelligent. I have a surprise for you.”
Sage looked at her father smiling and asked, “Are you taking me to see Aunt Avery?” Her father nodded his head and replied, “Yes. You have a baby brother.” Sage was so happy she was looking forward to seeing her baby brother.
When they arrived at the hospital, Avery was chatting with her mother-in-law and Aunt Bridge. Baby Axl was nestled in his mother’s arms. She smiled brightly when she saw Sage and said, “Hi Sage, come and sit beside me.”
Sage walked to her stepmother and sat beside her. She looked at her baby brother with longing in her eyes. She wanted to touch her baby brother’s tiny fingers. Avery looked at Sage and asked, “Do you want to hold him, sweetie pie?”
Sage looked at Aunt Avery with anticipation and asked, “Can I, Auntie?” Aunt Avery smiled and replied, “Yes you can, Sweetheart.” Then she helped her to hold the baby.
Sage smiled brightly and said, “My brother looks like Daddy, but he is so tiny.” She touched her brother’s tiny fingers. She was so happy.
After Sage returned to the Taylor family, she waited for her stepmother’s cruelty, but it never came. Even when they visited the Martins or the Evans family away from the Taylor family, Aunt Avery always treated her with kindness.
She played the piano with her and helped her with homework. Every night she tucked her into bed and read the fairytales to her.
Sage regretted choosing the Moore family over her paternal family. The Taylor family had showered her with nothing but love.
Aunt Avery looked at her and asked, “How was your presentation, sweetie pie?” Sage smiled brightly and replied, “I was so nervous, Auntie, but I remember your words. Then I became confident.
After the presentation my class teacher praised me and I got a star, Auntie. I couldn’t done it without your help and I am grateful.”
Aunt Avery kissed Sage on her cheeks and said, “Well done. I am so proud of you, Sweetheart.” Then she took baby Axl from her and put him in the crib.
Later, Mrs Taylor chased her son away and said, “Don’t you have a ton of work you are supposed to do, Xavier? Leave my daughter-in-law and my precious grandson with me.”
Xavier was reluctant to leave. He hugged and kissed his wife. Avery opened her arms wide, then Sage was embraced in a tight hug. Xavier kissed his mother, then he left the private ward with Sage in tow.
In Elizabeth’s private ward, when she opened her eyes she was greeted by a white ceiling and white walls. She couldn’t move. There was stiffness in her neck. What happened to her? Her mind was blank.
Suddenly, thoughts flooded her mind and she remembered. The hurtful words, the betrayal made her heart bitter. Tears streamed down her face. She had pampered Lily and loved her with every fiber in her body.
She couldn’t believe that Jamie and Lily colluded to kill her child. Her mind was racing. She started planning her revenge. She would never forgive Lily and Jamie for plotting against her.
At that moment, the attending doctor, Dr Charles, walked in, followed by a nurse. He greeted her and said, “Good morning, Miss Parker. I am Dr Charles. How are you feeling?”
Elizabeth wiped her tears and replied, “There is stiffness in my neck and I can’t move my body.” Thank you for saving my life, Dr Charles.”
The doctor smiled and replied, “I can’t take the credit, Miss Parker. You have to thank our specialist, Dr Taylor. She saved your life. You were badly hurt, and I thought I would lose you on the operating table.”
Elizabeth was astonished and asked, “Dr Charles, are you sure that Avery Martins saved my life?” Dr Charles replied smiling, “Yes. Dr Taylor is a gifted young lady. She came back from her maternity leave to save your life.”
Elizabeth was disturbed in her heart because she didn’t want to owe Avery anything. She smiled faintly at Dr Charles and said, “Where is Dr Taylor? I want to thank her in person.”
Dr Charles smiled broadly and replied, “It is impossible to see Dr Taylor because she just gave birth to her son. Don’t worry, I will convey your gratitude to her.”
Then Dr Charles prescribed strong painkillers for her. He handed the prescription to the nurse and they left.
Elizabeth was dumbfounded that Avery had given birth to a son. It dawned on her that when they met Avery and her mother-in-law at the mall she was already pregnant. It didn’t sit well with her that Avery managed to have a child, but she couldn’t.
She wished she could go to Avery’s ward and strangle that child. She wanted Avery to feel the pain she felt when she lost her baby. Why was Avery so happy when she was so sad? Life was unfair.