Chapter 18
Soraya-
“Soraya.” Amanda called,
her arms raised as
she cried in the hospital bed. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”
“Oh, Mom” Soraya sighed, walking toward the hospital bed and hugging Amanda Montclair. “You should be more worried about yourself!”
sorry I didn’t get here sooner. I was–I was trying to distance myself from
Feeling the warmth of Amanda’s hold, Soraya said, “I’m sor everything.”
Those words n
Is made Amanda weep again. She hugged Soraya so tightly and pecked her cheek. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry about my son. He is Calum is too stubborn-
“Shhh. Don’t cry anymore, Mom. Don’t cry,” Soraya said. She also felt the heaviness in Amanda’s emotions and couldn’t help but weep with her.
In the next few minutes, Soraya allowed all the tears to flow. Amanda and Cedric were the best in–laws one could possibly ask for, but what could she do? Calum never loved her.
Amanda’s emotions filled the room. Behind them, Cedric Montclair was also on the verge of tears. Soraya’s uncle, Philip Azar, and his wife, Emily Azar, fell silent at their exchange.
It took a while, but eventually, Amanda pulled away, saying, “How have you been, Soraya? It must have been so hard for you.”
Soraya forced a smile. She held Amanda’s hand and said, “Mom, I’m fine. There’s so much I want to talk to you about, but we’ll take it slow.”
Glancing at her uncle and aunt, Soraya added, “We can stay here the whole day and talk
our
Instead of going straight to the point about the divorce, Soraya comforted Amanda. She fed Calum’s mother during lunch, and they all talked about life in Belridge.
Amanda was on the road to recovery, but her hands still shook a little when holding cutlery. After helping Amanda drink soup from a bowl, the latter said. “Thank you, Soraya. You are really such a sweet girl. I–I—”
“Please, don’t cry anymore, Mom. About the divorce, I was the one who asked for it,” Soraya revealed
“Is that true, Soraya?” Cedric asked.
Turning to Calum’s father, Soraya nodded. She faked a smile and asked, “Are we ready to talk about this?” She shifted her gaze to Amanda “Mom?”
“It’s high time we talk about this,” Emily, Soraya’s aunt, proposed.
“We need to face this as parents who truly love Soraya,” Philip said.
Yes, although Philip wasn‘ Soraya’s biological father, he had always considered their bond to be just as strong. It no longer surprised Soraya how he referred to himself as her parent.
Amanda was teary–eyed once more, but Soraya held her hand and said, “You’re only hurting for me, Mom, but what if I told you I’m stronger than you think?”
*But you love Calum.” Amanda reasoned.
- m. Don’t stop our
“I no longer want to be part of Calum’s life. It is my resolve, and I can do it with your support,” Soraya said. “Please, Mom. divorce I was to be free.”
“But what about Sage? Are we going to let her have a broken family?” Amanda asked.
“Whether we admit it or not, Calum’s family has already been broken Philip said. “I know you and Cedric love your son, and he is a great man, but he refuses to see Soraya for who she really is. It’s time we let this go, Amanda.”
“Soraya deserves someone better, someone who will truly look at her, Emily Azar added.
Just when Amanda was in deep thought, a knock on the door interrupted their discussion. Everyone turned to the door and found Jacob Steel
355 PM P P.
Chapter 18-
Soraya was stunned. What was he doing here?”
“Jacob?” Amanda asked.
“Mrs. Montclair, how are you?” Jacob said, walking in with flowers and a basket off
I fruit.
“Jacob, it’s nice to see you,” Cedric said, accepting the fruits
Jacob found a seat in the sitting area. “I heard what happened. Mrs. Montclair, I hope you’ll take care of yourself.”
With Jacob around, the environment became awkward. He glanced at Soraya and nodded her way. She nodded back.
For a moment, she caught the surprised look from her uncle Philip, but she ignored it, not wanting to give anything away.
“I overheard your conversation earlier, Mrs. Montelair. Do you mind if I give my two cents?” Jacob asked.
Jacob Steel was a very respectable man. He was only thirty–one, two years older than Calum, as far as Soraya knew, and had achieved so much. So even the Montclairs respected his opinion.
“Okay, sure, Jacob. Go ahead,” Cedric said.
Sage will always have two parents who love her. But forcing a family to stay together when it’s already broken–that’s not saving her. That’s teaching her to settle for less than she deserves,” Jacob suggested. “What will hurt Sage more is growing up in a home full of silence and resentment.”
Tell them, Soraya–have Calum ever gone home to celebrate your birthday? Doesn’t that make Sage wonder?” Jacob inquired.
“Yes,” Soraya said softly, lowering her gaze. “As long as I’m part of any celebration, Calum prefers not to be there.”
“You’re just favoring Calum because you’re his friend,” Amanda said through gritted teeth.
“Maybe, but let’s ask Soraya,” Jacob said, turning to her. “Are you happy with your marriage? Have you been happy for the past seven years?”
“Has she been happy! Soraya thought. She glanced at Amanda and shared, “I was happy with Sage but with the marriage? Mom, I’ve been miserable. I think you know this already.”
“If you truly dote on Soraya, you would let her find happiness, Jacob said. “I could say the same thing for your son. Both Calum and Soraya were miserable during their marriage. So why keep them together?”
Alier Jacob’s words, Amanda burst into tears. Soraya had to comfort her.
“It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault, Amanda cried. “I wanted to have the best daughter–in–law, but I guess my son doesn’t deserve the best!
Soraya:
“Well, that certainly took a turn, Soraya said in her head.
Soraya never expected Amanda to throw her own son under the bus. She was amused, but she dared not express it
Amanda pulled back, gripping Soraya’s arms with sudden determination. “You deserve someone so much better. He has to be richer, more handsome, and definitely more mature!”
“Soraya. I know the perfect person for you! Let’s get you and Calum divorced ASAP!” she added. “That way, you can start a new leaf with someone I highly approvel
“And who are you referring to, Mom?” Soraya asked with a brow raised.
“Why look further?” Amanda Montclair gave a bittersweet smile and declared, “We have Jacob Steel!”
Hearing that, Soraya’s eyes rounded, her heart pounding against her ribcagel
Across the room, Jacob Steel choked on his own breathi
Soraya looked at Jacob, and from the way he was frowning, she could clearly tell he regretted getting involved.
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Chapter 18
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