Chapter 4 He Discovers My Mother's Death

When Ella first started appearing around Zachary, his behavior changed in ways that were impossible to ignore. He would sit at home, eyes glued to his phone as if waiting for something. Then he went and bought a privacy screen protector for his device. When I asked, he claimed it was to stop people at the hospital from snooping because some people liked to do so.

I didn't say much at the time, but a woman's intuition was rarely wrong. Little by little, the name Ella began slipping into Zachary's conversations. That was when I knew something was off.

What I never expected was that he would go so far as to bend the rules and sacrifice my only living family member for her.

After that call, Zachary stopped contacting me altogether. I knew what he was waiting for. He was waiting for me to give in and admit my fault. Unfortunately, I had no time to talk to him because I was too busy planning my mother's funeral.

My mother had always told me she didn't want anything extravagant. As long as people could come and say their goodbyes, she would be satisfied. So, the memorial hall was decorated simply, but I made sure it was filled with magnolias, which were her favorite. A few close friends came, and they each offered a flower she loved.

What I didn't expect was for Sean to show up. He was there with Teresa Pearson, his mother. It had been a long time since I saw him, but he looked the same. He was still as handsome and imposing as ever, with that air of aloofness that kept people at a distance.

My mother and Teresa had once been the best of friends, but as time passed, and with us living in different cities, they lost touch. On top of that, Sean's business had grown, and it wasn't on par with our family's social status. Therefore, my mother became hesitant to continue the relationship.

When people gained power and wealth, certain things would inevitably change. Rather than test human nature, she chose to discontinue the relationship.

Teresa's eyes were red from crying, and she kept lamenting the years they hadn't seen each other. Then, she gripped my hand tightly and spoke of old memories.

She said she understood my mother's nature, but she couldn't help feeling upset. After all, my mother should have known her better. How could she ever let material things come between them and forget their sisterhood?

Looking at Teresa, I felt a sense of warmth wash over me. There was still someone in this world besides me who remembered my mother.

Upon seeing how exhausted I was, she insisted that Sean help me.

"I can manage on my own…" I said, trying to decline.

Before I could finish, Sean placed a firm hand on my shoulder and gently pushed me into a chair.

There was no room for argument as he quietly took over.

His expression remained as stoic and distant as ever, but his actions were respectful and considerate.

Moreover, my mother always used to praise him, always pointing out how much more capable he was than I ever could be.

After bidding farewell to the last of the mourners, Sean handed me a glass of water. I smiled faintly. "Thank you."

"Don't be so dramatic," he replied, just as bluntly.

'He really hasn't changed at all,' I thought.

Once the funeral was over, I felt a strange weight lift from me, like the energy drained from my body all at once. I barely made it a few steps before I felt dizzy. Thankfully, he caught me before I fell.

"Margaret!" A voice called out.

I looked up and saw Ella standing not far away, her arm linked with Zachary's.

Zachary ignored the pallor on my face and kept his eyes fixed on Sean beside me. He yanked his arm free from Ella and took a few steps toward me. "Is this why you're divorcing me, Margaret?"

The word "divorce" caught Sean's attention. He raised an eyebrow, glancing at me before turning his gaze toward Zachary, an expression of calm confidence crossing his face.

I denied it. "No, that's not it."

Subtly, I stepped back, putting some distance between Sean and me. After all, Sean had been helping out at the funeral, and I didn't want Zachary to get the wrong idea.

I started walking back toward the hall, but Zachary grabbed my arm. "Aren't you going to explain? Why were you with him? What were you two doing? Margaret, do you have any shame? You're a married woman!"

I really didn't want to make a scene in front of Teresa and Sean. It was disgraceful. However, Zachary wouldn't let it go, and Ella stood by with a sneer, her tone dripping with mockery as she implied I was cheating on him.

With a sigh, I turned, gripped Zachary's wrist firmly, and pulled him into the memorial hall.

Inside, my mother's photo sat among the flowers. She had a gentle smile and a soft and kind expression.

Teresa looked surprised as we entered. I dragged Zachary right up to my mother's memorial.

"You want to know what I'm doing here? I'm here because I'm holding a funeral for my mother!" I snapped, my voice breaking.

Zachary froze as if struck by lightning. He shook his head in disbelief and muttered, "That's impossible. She was on dialysis. She was fine. No one told me she passed away! Why didn't you tell me she had complications?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "How was I supposed to tell you? Were you going to pick up my call?" I demanded. "Weren't you too busy doing surgery for her mother by using my mom's kidney?"

I pointed accusingly at Ella as I questioned him.

He was still a little sad at first, but when I mentioned the kidney source, he frowned instantly.

He glanced around nervously, lowering his voice. "Keep it down! I already explained this to you. Why can't you just let it go?"

I laughed coldly, staring at the man who was supposed to be my husband. "Zachary, are you seriously this spineless? Let me tell you the truth. It's because you stole my mother's kidney that she had a complete emotional breakdown and died of heart failure. She didn't even get to say a final word before she passed!"

He stared at my mother's picture and stumbled back. "No… That's not possible… How could this happen?"