Chapter 459: Back Then

Chapter 459 Back Then

Rowan stayed quiet for a long time after hearing Isabella's words.

Finally, she let out a deep sigh and started speaking slowly, "When I woke up back then, my mind was a complete blank. I didn't know who I was, and I had forgotten my lover and child."

"Milan told me I had injured my head in a car accident, which was why I was like this."

"He also said we had known each other since childhood, that we were in love, and that we were married."

"He showed me a bunch of photos of us together. In those photos, I was smiling happily, and those scenes felt oddly familiar."

"I believed him until I regained my memory and realized he had edited the photos of Vincent and me, replacing Vincent's face with his own."

"It took over a year for my injuries to heal before I was discharged from the hospital."

"During that year, he took care of me so tenderly that I became even more convinced of his story."

"After I was discharged, he brought a man to me, claiming he was my brother. He said my name was Gabriella Bailey and that I had parents and a brother."

"He told me my parents had passed away, but I still had my brother."

"I knew I had a brother, and I was happy, but during our interactions, I always felt a sense of distance and unfamiliarity."

"Those years, I often dreamed at night of a strange man and two children, waking up in a panic each time."

"He told me it was because of my injury that I had these dreams, and he found a psychologist to perform hypnosis therapy on me. After the therapy, the dreams indeed became less frequent."

"I gradually let go of my doubts and accepted him."

"Later, I gave birth to Courtney, and the dreams almost stopped."

"That period was probably the happiest time."

"But in this world, there are no eternal secrets. An accident made me remember everything."

"You can't understand the pain I felt when the memories came flooding back like a tidal wave."

"When I remembered everything, I wished I could die immediately rather than live in such humiliation."

Isabella gently placed her hand on Rowan's, comforting her with empathy. "I may not have experienced what you went through, but I can understand your pain."

Rowan shook her head, speaking with anguish, "To me, the Johnson family is not just my husband's family; it's my family."

"Vincent is not just my husband; he's my kin."

"But because of me, our family was torn apart. The person I loved most died because of me, and my children lost their parents in a single day."

"I've let down the Johnson family, Vincent, and my two children."

As she spoke, she slowly rolled up her sleeves.

On her arms were several scars, resembling centipedes, stark against her pale skin.

"These are..."

Isabella was too shocked to find the right words.

"When I first regained my memory, I didn't want to live."

"More than once, I tried to slit my wrists, jump into the river, or run into traffic to get hit by a car."

"One time, I found an opportunity to run to the rooftop and was about to jump when Courtney suddenly appeared, screaming for me. I looked at her and saw Qiana as a child. My feet couldn't help but step back."

"I've already let down Qiana and Michael. How could I let Courtney suffer the same fate?"

"Milan didn't believe I'd give up on suicide, so he had people watch me constantly."

"I hated being monitored, so I gradually stopped going out and stayed in this room all day to put his mind at ease."

"I've thought about divorcing him and leaving, but there's no going back."

"I once returned to Silvercrest City and saw Qiana and Michael at the cemetery, mourning me and their father. I heard Michael tell his friend how much his parents loved each other, that they died together."

"At that moment, I gave up the idea of going back to find them. In my current state, how disappointed he must be in me."

Isabella asked, puzzled, "But now that he knows, why are you still hiding from him?"

Rowan smiled bitterly, "I get it. I want to see him, but I can't get past my feelings. After everything that's happened, I can't face him."

Isabella tried to comfort her, "He knows the truth and has never blamed you."

"But I blame myself," Rowan said firmly, "You don't know how much I hate myself now. You don't need to persuade me anymore. The reason I told you all this is to ask you to convince Michael. If he still has any feelings for me as his mother, he should stop looking for me. Both of us should stay. out of each other's lives. After Milan dies, I'll take Courtney abroad and never come back."

Seeing Rowan's determined expression, Isabella knew she had made up her mind and didn't try to persuade her further. Instead, she said, "I'll relay your words to Michael and do my best to convince him."

Rowan choked up, "Isabella, Michael, I'm counting on you. Please take care of him for me."

Isabella held her hand again and nodded solemnly.

Rowan wiped her tears and asked, "By the way, you haven't told me why Milan is blackmailing you."

Isabella quickly waved her hand, "That's not important anymore. We won't let you see him again."

"Seeing Milan isn't a big deal. I'm not as fragile as you think."

"I simply don't want to see him, not because I'm sad."

"To be honest, he's always treated me well. No matter how many hurtful things I said, he never got angry."

"He loves Courtney deeply. Our current situation is my issue."

"It's actually not related to Michael; it's my problem," Isabella said slowly, then quickly added, "You don't need to force yourself because of me. I'll find another way."

"Your problem is his problem," Rowan said, "I haven't been much of a mother to him. Helping you is a way to show my care for him."

"I'll see him tomorrow and tell him to share everything he knows with you."

"Thank you."

Isabella thanked her sincerely.

Rowan waved her hand, signaling Isabella to leave, and got up to see her out.

As soon as the door opened, they saw Michael waiting outside, craning his neck. When he saw the door open, he walked over.

Rowan escorted Isabella out and closed the door before Isabella could say goodbye, not even glancing at Michael.

Michael pointed at the closed door, his face red with anger, unable to say a word.

Isabella stepped forward and hugged him. After a while, he calmed down and held Isabella's hand tightly, as if afraid she would abandon him too.