Chapter 137 Ten Thousand
ISABEL'S POV
“Words can’t explain how relieved I am at the moment mom,” I said, my voice slow and careful as I eased myself back into the chair. “Since I realized my wrongdoing, there has been this heavy burden on my chest. Knowing that my family was going to hate me for only God knows how long… it hasn’t been easy. I know the others haven’t forgiven me yet, but knowing that you have forgiven me is still a big relief.”
Mom watched me quietly as I spoke, her eyes softening with every word that left my mouth. She nodded slowly, as if weighing everything I had said, then leaned back slightly.
“People make mistakes,” she said calmly. “Sometimes we do things that we end up regretting. No one is above that. What matters right now is that you have realized your mistake and you’ve let go of all the malice and jealousy you held against Anna.”
I swallowed and nodded along, keeping my expression gentle.
“Do you think she would ever be able to forgive me?” I asked.
Mom hesitated before answering, clearly choosing her words carefully.
“It might take some time, okay,” she said. “They wouldn’t accept you back just like that. They don’t even know I came here to see you. They’re still angry, but I’m sure there’s a way I can make them see some reason.”
Of course you would. That’s the whole point of all this. You’re just that gullible.
I kept that thought locked away and instead lowered my gaze slightly, as if ashamed.
“No matter how annoyed they might be right now,” mom continued, “one thing is clear. If there’s a chance that all of us can come together as one family again, then I’m sure they can forget any past deeds that have been done and bring you back into the family, on one condition.”
“Anything,” I replied immediately, not even pretending to think about it.
“You promise that nothing like this would ever repeat itself,” Mom said firmly.
“But Mom, I just told you that I’m not that kind of person anymore,” I replied, my voice steady. “That side of me is dead. I just want peace right now.”
Mom studied my face for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“I know, and I’ve heard you,” she said. “But I’m your mother. I might not have given birth to you, but I’m still your mom. I hope you’re not lying to me, Isabel. I don’t want to regret speaking with you again… or even regret adopting you.”
I don’t want to regret adopting you.
Those words echoed in my head, and I had to clench my jaw slightly to stop my reaction from showing.
Such pathetic words coming from an even more pathetic woman.
You claim you’re my mother, yet you can’t accept my real character. You can’t even see through the fact that I’m playing you so easily. From the very day you people picked Anna over me, that was the day I swore to make you all regret ever knowing me.
“I swear on Grandma’s grave that I’m not playing anyone,” I said without hesitation. “This is genuinely me… the changed me.”
Mom’s shoulders relaxed a little at that. She sighed and nodded slowly.
“Alright then,” she said. “First of all, I’ll let your father know that I’ve started speaking with you again. Then I’ll gradually bring up the idea of you coming back. I have to take it slow so he would have time to heal and think about it.”
“I don’t really have much time, but sure,” I replied.
Mom frowned slightly. “What do you mean by that?”
“The place I’m staying currently,” I said carefully, “I’m sure the landlord would soon come knocking.”
“So you need some money for accommodation,” mom said, already reaching for her phone.
“Yes, I do,” I replied quickly, shaking my head. “But I’ll figure something out between today and tomorrow. You don’t need to transfer any money to me, Mom.”
She looked up at me sharply. “What do you mean by that? You just said your landlord would soon come knocking.”
“And I also said I’ll find a way to handle it,” I replied.
“That’s still not enough, Isabel,” mom said, her voice soft but firm. “Look at the way you look. You look like you haven’t eaten or slept for days. Your dress is torn. I’m your mother, and I can’t just sit by knowing you’re going through all this when I can stop it.”
“You’ve already done more than enough by forgiving me and agreeing to bring me back into the house,” I said quickly. “I don’t want it to seem like I called you here just so I could manipulate you into giving me money.”
“Don’t say that,” Mom replied immediately. “You’re not manipulating anyone. This is me giving you something because I’m your mother. Now put in your current account number here and I’ll transfer you some money. How much is the rent at the place you stay?”
“Three hundred dollars a month,” I said, taking her phone and typing in my account number.
I honestly hadn’t expected to receive money today, but since she kept insisting, who was I to say no?
Without another word, she focused fully on her phone, tapping away as she made the transfer.
Just then, my phone beeped softly on the table, catching my attention. I glanced at it casually and saw Melissa’s name on the screen.
She had finally replied.
I opened the message and read it quickly. She said she was cool with it and that I could even come today.
Marvelous.
Everything was working perfectly in my favor.
Mom finally looked up from her phone.
“I sent you ten thousand,” she said. “Get yourself new clothes, stock up your kitchen with good food. In the meantime, while I’m still trying to convince your dad, I don’t want you looking like this again. If this runs out before you’re back in the house, let me know. I’ll send you another, okay?”
Ten thousand.
For a split second, my heart skipped.
Wow.
This was amazing news.
I nodded slowly, forcing my expression into something grateful and emotional.
“Thank you, mom,” I said softly. “I really appreciate this.”
The best part of all this was that I didn’t even need to pay rent anymore. Melissa had already agreed to let me stay with her. That meant all this money would go into replacing the dress I tore, getting new clothes, and making sure I looked nothing like this the next time she saw me.
As mom stood up, giving me one last concerned look, I lowered my head respectfully, hiding the smirk that threatened to show on my face.