Born Into Villain's Family: I Have a 200% Rebate System

Mary covered her face, trembling. Her words came out in a broken whisper. "I hated him… I hated the baby… but I couldn't let him suffer."

Aurora's voice was filled with compassion. "I know, Mother. I know how conflicting your feelings have been. You didn't hate Alex, but you hated the situation. You carried guilt, shame, and sorrow."

Mary sobbed even harder. "I couldn't bring myself to love him… He looked like his father."

Aurora held her mother tightly, her own eyes moist. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that. No one should carry such pain alone."

She paused. "But if you keep hiding, if you continue to avoid him, maybe neither of you will ever be free."

Aurora continued speaking, her voice gentle but firm.

"After all, both of you love each other. I know how hard it is to let go of the hatred. I am not in any place to ask you to let go of your hatred, especially knowing that you are innocent too."

Her eyes were soft, full of understanding.

"But if you don't choose a single emotion now, if you continue standing in between love and hate, you will never realize the happiness waiting for you. You can hate Alex, and we will all hate him alongside you. Or you can love him, and we will love him with you. Whatever you choose, we will support you. But you need to think carefully. Only one choice can stay."

Mary paused, her eyes filled with sorrow. Aurora kept looking at her, patiently waiting.

Aurora went on,

"Alex has suffered so much because of this hot and cold attitude from you. He felt guilty every time you avoided him. He thought he was the reason you had to go through such pain."

Her voice softened even more.

"But at the same time, he always yearned for your love. Even if you can't love him now, you can hate him openly. That way, you won't hide anymore, and maybe that will bring you peace."

Mary's tears started falling more freely.

"I've tried to let go of these feelings many times," she said, "but every time I tried, a wall stopped me." She looked at Aurora, her voice trembling.

"I couldn't believe that I would ever accept the child who was conceived through deceit. The proof of my being betrayed."

Aurora smiled softly and said,

"I understand, Mother. I know you thought this wall would never crumble. But now you see the truth. You understand that you have to make a decision, not for anyone else, but for your own peace and for Alex."

Mary's sobs grew louder. Her shoulders shook, and she looked down, as if ashamed. Then, slowly, her eyes lifted, and she looked straight at Aurora.

"I always thought this barrier was unbreakable," she whispered, "but now, I realize you are right. I need to choose. I can't live like this anymore."

Adam and Aurora exchanged stunned glances. Neither of them had expected Mary to accept it so suddenly.

Adam even looked a bit speechless. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted in that very moment.

But Aurora knew the truth. It wasn't only because Mary understood what was right. It was because this was a rare chance, a moment that may never come again.

She knew Mary wouldn't have another opportunity to face the past so openly.

Aurora continued, her voice full of kindness, "Now that you know, Mary, don't let this chance slip away. If you don't choose love now, when will you?"

Mary's eyes welled up with tears. She took a deep breath, and her voice was soft but determined. "Since the chance is given, and since I understand now, I will rectify my mistake."

She wiped away her tears and stood straight. "Let's go back to the banquet."

Aurora smiled gently. "Yes, Mother. Let's."

Together, they walked back toward the banquet hall. The atmosphere was tense but hopeful.

When Mary stepped inside, Alex was standing at the center of the room, staring at the decorations and photos, still in awe.

His eyes widened further when he saw Mary approaching him.

His hands trembled slightly as he looked up.

For a moment, he couldn't believe that she was really there. He thought Mary would run away. He thought she would never face him again. But now, here she was.

Mary stood in front of Alex, her voice soft but steady. "Alex," she said, "I am truly sorry for all the harsh words I have said to you. For all the indifference I have shown."

Alex looked at her, his eyes full of surprise and warmth. His lips curled into a gentle smile. "It's not a problem," he said quietly.

"I understand." His voice was filled with understanding and acceptance. "I don't feel any heartache for myself. You can continue to hate me if you want. I wouldn't blame you."

Mary felt like her heart was breaking all over again. The love in his eyes, the gentle understanding in his words...it was more than she had ever expected. She could feel her resolve beginning to crumble.

Her hands trembled as she slowly reached out and hugged Alex. It was a quiet hug, filled with everything she had been holding inside.

Alex stiffened at first, but then slowly began to relax. The moment their bodies touched, something deep inside both of them began to break apart.

Tears started to pool in Alex's eyes. At first, they came slowly, but soon they turned into soft sobs. Then, the sobs grew louder, and his body shook with emotion.

Mary couldn't hold back her own tears anymore. Her sobs joined his, and soon she was crying openly.

The room was silent, except for the sound of their crying. Even the Waters family, standing a little far away, was stunned into silence.

They couldn't understand what was going on.

Adam and Aurora, who knew the entire story, couldn't hold back their tears either. Aurora's eyes glistened as she quietly wiped her own tears. Adam stood there, holding back his emotions but unable to stop the tears from welling up.