Chapter 24 Loyalty Is A
Choice
Corrine shook her head faintly. “It’s my fault.”
Deep down, she knew that Nate’s appearance wasn’t the sole reason for her illness. Even without him, her body would have given out eventually.
After all, how many could endure a storm battering both body and soul without faltering?
She’d always believed the scars of her childhood had hardened her heart into an unyielding fortress. Yet, betrayal from the one she loved most had pierced that armor, leaving her to crumble under the weight of heartache.
Evelyn watched Corrine’s desolate expression, her eyes soft with understanding. Taking Corrine’s hand in hers, she spoke slowly, her voice steady yet comforting. “People always reach for more than they have. Once they get it, they want something else, never truly satisfied. Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty–that’s a choice, a deliberate act.” Her words lingered in the air. “What belongs to you will find its way back, even if you let it go. And what doesn’t? It’s better to release it sooner. The power to choose has always been yours.”
Corrine’s eyelashes fluttered as she absorbed Evelyn’s insight. “Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty that’s a choice, a deliberate act.” These words lingered in her mind.
Marriage, Corrine realized, was never meant to be a prison or an unyielding
chain.
“Love is like a journey,” Evelyn continued, her voice softening into a reflective tone. “Two people can walk together, but either can choose to part ways along the road. One day, you’ll find someone who wants to
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Chapter 24 Logay is Choice
travel all the way to the same destination with you.”
Evelyn reached out, her fingers gently brushing against Corrine’s hollow cheek. “Good girl, remember, we live for ourselves–not for anyone else. Letting love trap you would betray your true, independent nature.”
Corrine looked at her, startled by the clarity in Evelyn’s words. Then, at warm smile broke across her face. “Thank you for that.”
Evelyn chuckled heartily. “You came to keep me company, so I should be thanking you.”
Time drifted on, and soon Evelyn couldn’t suppress a quiet yawn.
Seeing this, Corrine softened, guilt tinging her voice. “I’ve gone on too long, haven’t I? You’ve just come out of the hospital. You really need to rest.”
She stood, intending to take her leave, but Evelyn’s hand shot out, gripping hers tightly.
“It’s not often you sit down and talk with me,” Evelyn said, her tone almost pleading. “Now that you’re here, why not stay for dinner? Keep this old woman company a little longer.”
“I-
Evelyn didn’t let her finish. “I know, I know. I’m just an old woman who must seem like a nuisance to you young folks. Always so busy, day and night, with no time to spare, not even for a meal.”
She glanced at Corrine with a forlorn expression before lowering her gaze, her sigh heavy with melancholy. “But it’s fine. If you want to leave, just go. I’ve been alone for years. I’m used to it.”
Corrine hesitated, guilt pricking her like needles. Her thoughts wandered to her grandfather, who used to voice the same laments about being left alone. She hadn’t been there for him all these years. Had he also managed the heavy mantle of the Ford family on his own, with no one by his side?
Finally, Corrine sighed, giving in. “Fine. I’ll stay. But you have to promise to
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Chapter 24 Loyalty Is A Choice
rest for a while first.”
Evelyn’s face lit up instantly. “Alright, alright! But don’t you go back on your word!”
Faced with Evelyn’s almost childlike stubbornness, Corrine laughed softly. “I wouldn’t dare.”
After helping Evelyn to her bedroom, Corrine was shown to a guest room by a maid.
The space was styled in muted tones of black and white, exuding an air of quiet sophistication while feeling slightly cold.
Corrine took in the minimalistic furnishings, her senses picking up on the faint, soothing scent of fir that lingered in the air.
Her bare feet sunk into the plush wool carpet as she crossed the room to
the window.
The view beyond was breathtaking an unobstructed panorama of the estate’s garden.
Every detail of the landscape was a testament to the owner’s refined taste.
and meticulous care.
As she was lost in contemplation, the phone on the bed rang. No need to wonder who would be calling at this hour.
100 DL
