Chapter 104
Jenna’s justification surprised Ethan. True, they had loved Lola more, but they hadn’t treated Jenna badly.
Yet, it seemed Jenna’s envy had grown too powerful.
“Still, there were other ways to handle this. You could have talked to us and shared your feelings. Instead, you quietly made Layla disappear. Have you ever considered what she went through during those missing days? What if she hadn’t been adopted and had died out there? We’re talking about a life here!
Tears streamed down Jenna’s face. “I was just a kid. How could I have thought it all through?
“These years of pretending to be Layla didn’t make life easier for me. I haven’t lived in this world under my own identity for so long, I’m tired of it.”
Ethan suddenly came to his senses, realizing he was nearly swayed by Jenna.
“If you’re so tired of it, why did you get close to Dominick as Layla? And after he restricted you, how did you manage to escape?”
“Dominick? Huh.” Jenna tugged at the corner of her mouth, a sense of helplessness in her tone. “It might sound unbelievable, but all this was set up by our grandpa and grandma, mom’s parents. They promised to protect me. I had one condition, to seduce Dominick under Layla’s identity. As soon as we married, half of his fortune would be mine.
“They might fear his power in Talondria, pushing them to use this strategy. I didn’t want to agree, but I had no choice.
“I really love my husband Scott. How could I choose to marry someone else?”
Ethan was momentarily taken aback. Jenna’s so–called husband was now set on marrying Lola.
But now wasn’t the time to discuss that.
Jenna’s explanation seemed flawless and honest. Ethan couldn’t detect any issue with her statement.
“Then how did you get all these injuries?”
Jenna glanced at Ethan’s phone, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes.
“It was Dominick. He went crazy the moment he got back to Talondria. He tore through everything like a storm, unstoppable, not even by my grandparents. When they realized he was after me, they coldly cast me aside.
“How could I stand against Dominick? Without our grandpa and grandma’s protection, I was nothing. He almost killed me. Luckily, I managed to escape and made my way back here under the cover of night.
“Our grandparents, who once vowed to protect me, have abandoned me, because my mission has failed and they fear they will be affected.”
Jenna looked at Jenna apologetically. “Ethan, please, save me, don’t cast me out. I know I was wrong. I really do.
“I used to think that completing their mission would guarantee a carefree life, but now I understand that besides my family, no one truly cares for me.
“They are not the people they used to be. Their hearts are clouded by self–interest. They are no longer a family… They are
monsters.
“Ethan, I can apologize to Layla, Everything that happened before was my fault. I was naive then and couldn’t see the consequences of my actions.
Her voice broke as she pleaded, “Please, forgive me. If you don’t. I really have nowhere to go. Only death awaits. I know I’ve made terrible choices, but can you really bear to watch me die?
“I am your family tool” Jenna’s crying made Ethan feel very
very agitated.
Just as he was bracing himself to confront Jenna, she suddenly changed her demeanor, playing the victim.
Ethan was at a loss, uncertain whether Jenna’s apology was genuine or an act.
“How can you prove that what you just said is true?” he asked.
Jenna showed various wounds on her body. “I ook, these were all beaten by Dominick. I can confront him about it. You can call him right now and ask if he did this!”
Jenna spoke with confidence, daring to face Dominick, suggesting that her injuries were indeed caused by him.
Ethan, though, knew he had neither had the right nor the ability to forgive Jenna on Lola’s behalf.
Ultimately, Ethan couldn’t bear to see Jenna die, considering their bond.
But it was Lola who could decide what to do to Jenna now. And right now, Lola had amnesia…..
“Forget it.” Ethan said. “I’ll look into this matter. You can stay here to recover, but you must promise me that mention anything about the past to Layla.
“Layla doesn’t remember anything about what happened before. To her, you’re just her sister.
ou won’t
“Only time will tell if you’ve truly changed, or if you’re just putting on an act. Don’t do anything out of line. For now, you can stay here, but if I catch you doing anything that I can’t accept, I’ll throw you out immediately. And don’t play the family card if that happens.
Jenna nodded earnestly. “I get it, Ethan. I won’t cause any trouble.
“Ethan, I’m so sorry for what I did. We used to be so close, and I ruined it all with my own stupidity. I’ll never forgive myself for hurting you and Lola. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“But thank you for taking me in, even after everything I’ve done. I don’t know how to thank you, Ethan. I’ll do whatever you say, just tell me what you want me to do.”
Jenna’s words brought Ethan back memories of their childhood, when they were all so happy together.
Everyone had a softened part in their heart, and Ethan was no diferent.
“Your injuries are almost healed, but you still need to rest,” he said. “I’ll have someone stay with you. If you need anything. just ask them. But remember, they’re also here to watch you, so don’t try anything funny.”
Jenna nodded obediently. “I understand, Ethan. Thank you. And Dad and Mom….
“I pretended to be Layla and lie to them for so long. They must hate me now, right?”
Ethan didn’t say anything else. He turned and prepared to leave.
“Ethan, if it’s not too much to ask, could you please explain to them that I didn’t mean it? I really regret what I did in the past. If they could just see past this, considering our family ties, fill apologize in person as soon as I’m better.”
Ethan paused briefly in his steps, but he still left the ward without a word
Ethan was truly at a loss for how to deal with Jenna’s unexpected return.