Chapter 20
“Clifford!” Isabelle had been waiting on the couch the moment she heard Clifford was coming home. “Where’s Tessa?” she asked alously, glancing behind him, but found that he’d come home alone.
“she’s not coming back, Grandma.“The bruises on difford’s face hadn’t healed yet. The moment she saw them, her heart ached.
He held something out to her, it was the emerald bracelet that was still held together with gold threads. “She told me to give this back,” he said softly.
“she didn’t take it?” sabelle free for a second, then started pounding her fists in frustration. “That damn woman, Tanial she’s the one who drove my granddaughter–in–law wway!”
Clifford stayed silent as she ranted.
“She’s completely lost it now! Wetting herself and defecating all over the house. I couldrý’t take it anymore, I had someone send her off to Mr. Grey. I don’t want to
herever again!.
“at it weren’t for her, my sweet Tessa ever would’ve left…” She paused, then leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “But that watched woman did make me realize
something.”
pulled him down beside her and whispered into his ear. “Clifford, listen to me. Try to slip something into Tessa’s drink. Once a woman’s pregnant, she’s stuck” Clifford’s eyes widened, and he immediately shook his head. “Gandia, we can’t do that. Tesshus never wanted children-
Before he could finish speaking, she snapped at him. “Then what other choice do you have? Do you want me to switch someone else instead? Would you even agree to that?
“This is the only way! Get her pregnant, keep her at home, you think she’d still walk aw
Clifford didn’t respond.
and let me take care of her. Tessa’s soft–hearted. If we treat her right and she’s carrying your baby, do
Seeing his hesitation, Isabelle pressed on, “Clifford, you still love her, don’t you? Of course you do! Can you just let he
keep her close, even if it means taking extreme mess?
be out there alone? Wouldn’t you rather
“Ween always say they don’t want lods, but once they’re pregnant, they can’t help but get attached You’ll be the father. Do you think she’ll be able to walk away from you after that?”
Clifford’s expression darkened. His voice was low as he said, “Grandma..alright.”
Isabelle clapped her hands to her chest in delight. “Leave everything to me. All you have to do is show up and see Tessal
But despite his words, Clifford was still stuck in limbo days later
Then, one moming, Isabelle showed a small bottle and a folded slip of paper into his hand. Clifford, this is her address, I took me a lot of effort to track her down, youlooow.!!
Heunfolded the paper and stared at it for a long moment.
It turned out that Tessa was
Hashington
“She really did move away. His heart twisted painfully.
He wondered if he really was that repulsive to her. Was he that unbearable that she’d rather sell her shop and disappear to a whole new city, just to avoid him?
Was Edison really that much better?
Beclenched his hand around the small vial and said through gritted teeth, “Grandma, I’ll go find her.”
Isabelle’s face lit up “Yes, deffoed! She must still have feelings for you. You two have over 20 years of history. She can’t just throw that away!”
She practically shoved him toward the door. “I’ve already anaged a private jet to Hashington. Go bring her back now!”
Even after Clifford boarded the plane, everything still felt dreamlike. He looked down at the vial in his hand, doubt chumming in his gut.
“scared of pain, scared of getting married, and even more scared of having ldds.”
And how had the answered her, backthen?
“Then we won’t lave kids. If pytamilly asks, I’ll say that it’s my problem.
He shut his eyes, slipped the wal into the inside pocket of his suit, and leaned back against the leather seat. His body trembled slightly as he whispered to himself,” Let it be the final goodbye this time.”
The plane landed smoothly. He stood outside for a long time before finally dialing the number written on the paper.
“Hello?”
Tessa’s voice on the other end of the line was just as solt and gentle as he remembered, and it made his heart tremble.
“hello” Is anyone there?
Elited tightened his grip on the phone. Finally, he found his voice.
“Tris. – I’m in Haslington. Please just give me one last chance to say goodbye.”
