章 15: The Smiles That Were Lost With Time
Cassia worked as an accountant for a medium-sized company in a city in the north of the capital.
The pay was decent enough for her to raise Liliana all by herself. She also could rent a nice two-bedroom apartment for them.
There were times when Cassia had to ration their needs but, everything worked out in the end. She nurtured Liliana splendidly despite not having any major help.
When Liliana was twelve years old, her life changed overnight with the accident that fell on her mother, Cassia. The latter was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Until now, the perpetrator had yet to be caught.
Before that, Liliana never expected to be able to meet her birth father. Her mother never shared anything about him with her before.
But, her joy was instantly crushed.
"You're a mistress' child! So dirty! Don't forget your place!"
Those words came from Deanna Xin, Liliana's younger half-sibling. The former was the firstborn child between Thomas and Katherine. She was only six months younger than Liliana, born in different year.
The fact that Liliana was older than her irked Deanna. She was already upset with the news of her father having an illegitimate child.
But, older than her? What did that mean?!
Behind the lies concocted by the Xin family, Cassia was together with Thomas for almost three years before the latter abruptly broke up with her.
Their love story was like a fairytale.
Cassia was an orphan who studied at the national university under a full scholarship. Thomas was an alumnus there. They met when Thomas came to give a speech to the new students.
At that time, Cassia became Thomas' escort. Through several exchanges of opinions, they grew closer to each other despite the huge gap in their social classes.
Cassia Song was not the third party here but, the high society only knew the lies.
After being tossed aside all of a sudden by Thomas, Cassia found that she was pregnant. She never told him about the child. She lived her life quietly in the capital.
Thomas immediately got engaged to Katherine from the Qiu family. They married shortly after. Unknown to the man, his previous lover secretly gave birth to their child.
Liliana only knew the truth after stepping into the Xin family's door. She wanted to protest the allegations against her mother but, she was more worried about the Xin family discontinuing her mother's treatment.
Until now, Liliana didn't know the reason why her father was willing to bear the cost of the treatment as well as take her in. He could just feign ignorance and let them, the mother and daughter be in misery.
But...
"Lili."
Liliana's thoughts were cut short. Blinking her eyes a few times, she regained her senses before turning to her left. Old Madam Shen was sitting next to her on the long couch.
"Ah, Grandma, did you say something?"
"Geez, how could you miss the romantic scene earlier? Even my old heart flutters," nagged Old Madam Shen.
Liliana smiled helplessly.
After staying at the sanatorium until late afternoon, Liliana, Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma returned to the beach house. They were welcomed with warm meals from the chefs.
Right now, Liliana was accompanying Old Madam Shen to watch the evening drama. It was the old lady's favorite pastime. Instead of watching historical dramas, Old Madam Shen's taste was more inclined toward modern romance ones.
Madam Ma was in her own room. She usually had a video call with her grandchildren around this time. All of them adored their kindhearted grandmother.
Madam Ma and the late Mister Ma had one son and one daughter. Both of them were already blissfully married to their own partners. The son resided in the country while the daughter was abroad with her husband.
"Grandma, do you want more tea? I'll go and brew you some."
Liliana's eyes fell on the empty cup of tea on the coffee table. Old Madam Shen kept drinking it right from the start of the drama.
"It's fine," Old Madam Shen waved her off, "I'll just drink plain water. Too much tea isn't good for my old body."
"I'll get you some warm water."
Without waiting for Old Madam Shen's response, Liliana hurried to a corner of the lounge. An automatic water dispenser machine was set up there.
Liliana pushed a button, choosing the warm setting. The water filled up the mug. Then, she returned to the couch.
"Thanks," Old Madam Shen took the mug from Liliana's hands.
"Be careful, Grandma," Liliana carefully handed the mug, "The water's still a bit hot."
While Old Madam Shen's attention was quickly picked up by the interesting romcom, Liliana remained to be in a daze. The image of her mother lying feebly on the hospital bed haunted her mind.
If only her mother was conscious... both of them could leave this country and start their new life somewhere else.
When the drama was showing the end credits, Liliana mustered up her courage to ask something from Old Madam Shen. The curiosity had incessantly piqued her mind.
"Grandma... do you remember what we're talking about... before Attorney Su arrived?"
Old Madam Shen let her gaze lie on Liliana's anxious countenance. The question reminded her of the day the attorney came with the divorce drafts.
"Of course, I remember," Old Madam Shen smiled while holding one of Liliana's hands, "You want to know why I agree to the divorce?"
Liliana nodded nervously.
Grandma didn't tell her to endure and keep trying to get closer to Asher like how most people would do.
Instead, Grandma granted her wish to be free from Asher. She even helped her to get the most favorable condition from the divorce.
What was the reason?
Old Madam Shen took her tablet that was lying on the coffee table. Liliana just watched her opening a folder inside the album app.
"You know that I always ask your Aunt Ma to take candid photos whenever we're together?" Old Madam Shen's smile was imbued with sorrow.
"Yes," Liliana nodded.
It was one of Old Madam Shen's habits that everyone was aware of.
Even though it was just a simple tea time with her, Madam Ma was tasked with taking candid photos. Not only of Old Madam Shen but, also of the people who accompanied her.
"Try looking at the photos."
Old Madam Shen heaved out a sigh. She handed the tablet to Liliana.
Liliana found herself on the screen. And the other photos that followed.
Old Madam Shen cautiously added, "You were always cheerful and loved to smile even when you're alone. But... over time, you look unhappy."
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