“You… you actually found him…” Lucia cried out in grief, “Nelson! How could you be so heartless? He is your brother, your own brother!”
She knelt on the ground, frantically gathering the photos and holding them to her chest as if she were holding her other son.
Lucia grabbed Nelson’s pant leg and hit him, “You ungrateful child!”
Nelson remained indifferent. He watched this woman, who had lost all dignity and was deeply saddened, with cold eyes, feeling even more pain in his heart.
His words were cold and ruthless, “If you interfere in my affairs again, your son will be in even more danger. I never make empty threats.”
He kicked Lucia away and smirked, “Don’t think he can move away; he won’t escape.”
Lucia trembled all over. In a daze, she felt that Nelson was like a demon!
Ipdite Temple.
Callie had been living in the temple for more than two months, feeling a serenity she had never experienced before.
During this time, she stuck to her studio work, focusing on drawing and remotely completing projects with her employees.
They were discreet and never revealed her whereabouts to anyone, even though they didn’t know where she was.
Regan persistently inquired, fearing for her safety.
Callie refused to disclose her location, saying she wanted some peace. Regan had no choice but to give up, “Take care of yourself. If you don’t want to come out, don’t. The studio has me.”
Despite her lighthearted words, Callie felt sorry for Regan. She knew it wasn’t easy for her either. After two months, Callie packed her things and prepared to descend the mountain.
Before leaving, she bid farewell to the abbot and Sienna, thanking them for their care. Sienna gave her a string of prayer beads blessed by the temple.
“Last time I gave you a talisman for safety; this time, these beads are for peace of mind. Whatever you do, make sure you are at peace with yourself. You have been devout these past months; Buddha will bless you.”
Callie felt a lump in her throat, “Thank you, Auntie.” She paused, “But won’t you come down the mountain with me? It’s been two months; why not go home and see your family?”
Whenever this topic came up, Sienna always looked evasive. She shook her head, “They don’t need me to worry about them. I won’t go. But I will miss you; you’ve kept me company for so long.”
Callie felt the same reluctance. She had never met such a gentle elder who took care of her like a mother.
Looking at Sienna, she suddenly said sincerely, “Auntie, I wish you were my mom.”
Sienna was taken aback and also felt a lump in her throat.
Callie quickly forced a smile and said, “Sorry, I was too forward. I’ve never felt motherly love since I was a child, and you feel so kind.”
Sienna was about to say something when her phone rang. She glanced at it and stepped aside to answer.
Callie understood and waited nearby. Soon it would be time for her to descend the mountain.
Those people and things she didn’t want to face would eventually have to be faced.
Sienna’s call took a while. When she hung up, she looked troubled but also somewhat expectant. She smiled at Callie, “Didn’t you invite me to descend the mountain together? My daughter just called and said she urgently needs me. It looks like we can go together.”
Callie was surprised but delighted, “Really? Great, let’s go together.”
Sienna’s daughter hadn’t called in two months. Now that she did, it must be something important that only an elder like Sienna could handle.