Chapter 25
Chapter 25 A Heavy Heart
He said he was going to find their parents to check on her but he never came back
Holden felt a sudden, uneasy twinge of guilt
Hed come here today because Zora had blocked him determined to demand an explanatum est com
A strange, uncomfortable feeling settled in his chest like a tiny worse tucked inside. You don’t notare at first, but when you pause to feel it, it rubs and aches.
They were the same age. Yet everyone had fussed over jolie being sick, completely forgetting there was another person passed out from a fever in the other hospital room.
For a moment, Holden actually felt ashamed.
“Mom. Jolie’s always been weak and gets sick easily. That’s why I looked after her more carefully. It’s not that I don’t care about Zora. I do care about her. After I finished with Jolie at the hospital. I was going to find Zora Holden told me earlier, and I thought Zora was faking it. I planned to check on her once Jolie was done. I had no idea she was really sick.
Wendy’s face stiffened.
When Holden first said Zora was ill, she hadn’t believed it for a second. So when Jolie complained of a headache, she’d prioritized getting Jolie checked first
“Wendy, Zora is your own flesh and blood. You just got her back. She hasn’t even truly bonded with you yet -this is exactly when the needs you most. Even if she was faking it, it’s only because the wants your attention. How could you not trust her?
Opal stared at her daughter, then at Holden, who was still defending Jolie.
Her head throbbed
The Knox family just couldn’t see clearly.
“Mom. I know I was wrong. Thank you for looking after Zora these days. Once I bring her home. I’ll spend proper time with her. I promise.
Wendy’s heart twisted with guilt and sorrow over Zora
Jolie was her daughter-the one she’d raised all these years But Zora was also her birth daughter the child
she’d lost and finally regained.
Since bringing Zora back, she’d been so focused on protecting Jolie’s feelings that she forgotten Zora was still new and uncomfortable in the house
Not seeing Zora for two days left the house feeling empty, and her own heart hollow
That was why she’d begged her mother on the phone, desperate to see Zora
After getting scolded, she’d finally gotten permission and rushed over with Jolie, hoping the girls could make up so she could bring Zora home.
14:48 Mon, May 25 MA
Chapter 25 A Heavy Heart
Voices buzzed downstairs. Zora looked up and saw Wendy, Jolie, and Holden.
At the sight of them, she turned to retreat into her room, wanting no conversation.
“Zora, you’re awake p>
Jolie spotted Zora upstairs and raised her voice.
The living room fell silent.
“Zora, you’re up,” Wendy said, cutting off her talk with Opal and gazing up hopefully.
She stood abruptly, overcome with emotion.
It had been two days. She didn’t know if Zora was better, or if she still hurt anywhere.
She had so many questions.
Was she comfortable at her grandmother’s? Had she adjusted okay?
Zora’s steps froze. She stared down at Wendy’s eager face, her own expression cold and distant.
She said nothing.
“Zora.” Opal saw her granddaughter’s icy, unreadable look and sighed quietly.
Her daughter had pushed Zora away. Repairing their relationship wouldn’t be easy.
Opal’s gaze flicked to Jolie, sitting close beside Wendy.
Her expression turned unreadable.
Sensing Opal’s stare, Jolie smiled sweetly, polite and gentle.
One couldn’t find a single flaw in it.
Opal’s gaze drifted away calmly. Zora was no match for Jolie.
Not when it came to putting on a show, at least. Jolie was far better.
Jolie was too calculating.
And yet her own daughter was blind, unable to tell the difference, favoring Jolie wholeheartedly.
Opal dreaded the thought-if Wendy ever woke up to the truth, but Zora refused to forgive her, what would become of Wendy?
She wanted to warn Wendy, but every time Wendy mentioned Zora, she still couldn’t let go of Jolie,
It made her head hurt.
“Zora, Mom’s talking to you. Get down here if you’re awake p>
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14:48 Mon, May 25 MA
Chapter 25 A Heavy Heart
Holden stood and shouted at her retreating back.
“Holden, Zora is your sister. Don’t you dare speak to her like that.” Opal frowned sharply.
“Grandma…” Holden fell silent.
Zora walked downstairs.
“Grandma p>
She glanced coldly at Wendy and the others, not greeting anyone.
“Zora, come. Sit next to me.” Opal patted the spot beside her.
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Jane is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.