Chapter 1470:
Carola’s memory wandered back to that night, recalling Elena’s cold glare and how awkward things became for Lyla. Could Elena really have influenced Wesley’s decision?
Still unsure, Carola shook her head.
“But I’m his family. Would Elena really try to shut me out?”
Picking up on her doubt, Lyla turned up the concern.
“Mom, have you noticed how distant Wesley’s become? I wish I didn’t have to say this, but ever since Elena was in the picture, you’ve hardly seen him. I’m worried if it keeps up…”
She let the words hang in the air.
Carola leaned in.
“And?”
Putting on a look of worry, Lyla replied, “I’m afraid you’ll lose him completely. One day, he might not even want to acknowledge you anymore.”
A shadow fell over Carola’s face, the weight of Lyla’s words sinking in.
A sly smile tugged at Lyla’s lips as she added, “If I were Wesley’s girlfriend, I’d never come between you and Wesley. I’d make sure he spent time with you every day.”
Carola let out a sigh and gave a small shake of her head.
“If only Miss Harper could share your mindset.”
Carola bitterly surmised that if Elena had even half of Lyla’s empathy and pushed Wesley to open up to her, maybe things wouldn’t feel so strained between her and Wesley.
Seeing Carola still didn’t seem to understand her, Lyla reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
“Mom, even though I’m not your biological daughter, nobody loves you more than I do. I want to be by your side for the rest of my life.”
Lyla just wanted to emphasize that she wasn’t Carola’s biological daughter while Wesley was Carola’s actual son. If she and Wesley ended up together, they could stay close to Carola forever. Such a good match—why couldn’t Carola see it?
𝕆𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕥 ⳑ𝕒𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗲𝗅𝘀[ꞏ]𝚌𝗈𝗺
Carola reached up and patted Lyla’s head.
“I wish you’d always stay here with your father and me, but we can’t hold you back from your own happiness. Someday, you’ll want to start your own family.”
Lyla saw her chance and pressed on.
“That’s not a sure thing. If I were with Wesley, I’d never leave you and Dad, and Wesley would treat you better for my sake. We could all live together as a real family!”
Carola pictured that future, her mind drifting to what life would be like if the four of them stayed together. She found herself nodding without thinking. It was a lovely dream—but reality got in the way.
Carola tapped Lyla’s forehead, a gentle smile on her face.
“Don’t talk nonsense. Wesley is your brother.”
Lyla pouted, her voice small.
“But we’re not related by blood, Mom.”
Even though they hadn’t shared much time, Carola had come to understand how Wesley thought. He never liked anyone meddling in his affairs.
.
.
.