NOVEL NEXT Chapter 406: Boundaries
At the sound of her name and the coldness in Amelia's voice coupled with Blaze's mother's vicious glares, Harriet's body began to tremble. Her lips quivered as she tried to form a word of apology.
But Ferdinand, keeping to his promise, quickly stepped in.
"Mrs Anderson..." He gestured politely at Maria and my dear, Amy. "... Please pardon us for showing up at your place without first communicating our planned visit. It wasn't our intention to upset either of you or take undue advantage of your hospitality."
Maria didn't flinch at Ferdinand's apology, but Amelia's expression softened a bit, urging Ferdinand to go on.
"I know Harriet has aired in the past by supporting her husband to commit crime. She is no saint and neither am I or anyone. But she has recognised all of her mistakes and has been making amends following your last instruction. I can assure you that she is a changed woman. Nonetheless, she's incomplete without your forgiveness."
"Why are you speaking for her?" Maria cast Ferdinand a disgruntled look. "And how can you assure us that she's no longer the toxic woman who almost destroyed my daughter-in-law? Are you living with her now?"
"Of course not." Ferdinand raised both hands.
"Then let her speak for herself." Maria snapped and Ferdinand quickly recoiled temporarily, waiting for the right moment to step in again.
Amelia chuckled inwardly at her mother-in-law's fierceness and Ferdinand's pale expression. Her frosty gaze shifted to Harriet, whose combustion had already crumbled, with tears streaming down her face.
"I'm so s..sorry, Mrs Anderson." Harriet's voice quivered. "I'm deeply sorry A–Amelia. I… I came because I can't l–live with this weight anymore."
Harriet was about to go on her knees, but Amelia stopped her quickly in a reprimanding tone.
"Don't, Aunt Harriet. I am not your creator."
"Okay...but please..." Harriet begged desperately. "I am so sorry for everything I did to you. I've been trying to make things right. I haven't left Desmond. I've been visiting him in prison twice every month. I've been living a quiet and contented life away from the greed that destroyed me. But nothing can give me back peace or the precious moments I've lost in being part of a family. I've missed the family dinners, the milestone achievements, the love and even the birth of your son."
Her sobs grew louder as she clasped her hands together. "Please… I just want a chance to start afresh. I want a chance to belong again. I beg you in the name of God."
Ferdinand placed a firm hand on Harriet's shoulder, his voice carrying calm sincerity as he turned to Amelia. "She means every word, Amelia. Please… give her a chance. Let the past be bygones."
Maria rolled her eyes, seeing part of Harriet's pathetic tears. But she didn't interfere again, trusting her daughter-in-law to make the right decision.
Amelia inhaled and exhaled, her eyes softening for a moment as she looked at Ferdinand, considering his words.
Then her gaze shifted back to Harriet, whose tear-streaked face looked more like a broken pride than actual sincerity.
"Aunt Harriet, I have forgiven you long ago. I bear no grudge against you anymore. Those wounds you and your husband inflicted in my heart are behind me. And yes, you and your children are welcome to join us in our general family gatherings. Feel free to visit the Shawls' mansion as much as you please, but with my father's approval, of course."
"Really!" Harriet's teary eyes widened as a sense of relief washed over her.
"Sure. But have this at the back of your mind..." Amelia's tone slowly grew firmer and quieter, tilting almost to the edge of steel. "I'll never make the same mistake twice with you and your family. I may have forgiven you, but I haven't forgotten who you are or the things you and your family did. I have been hurt once but never again. And I will never allow my son to be exposed to the pain of betrayal I once endured."
Maria smiled, nodding her head in approval. She reached out for her daughter-in-law's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a silent affirmation of Amelia's strength, graceful enough to forgive, but wise enough to protect.
A deafening silence settled over the terrace as Harriet's hope of complete forgiveness and reunion was dimmed by Amelia's unflinching boundary.
Ferdinand gave a respectful nod, acknowledging the line Amelia had drawn.
"Thank you so much, Amelia. This is more than we hoped for and we will always respect your boundaries." Ferdinand gave Harriet a gentle nudge on the arm to say something.
"I'm grateful for..."
Harriet's voice was cut off by the piercing cry of a baby, who had just woken from his peaceful napping only to find out that his sweet mother was nowhere in sight.
"Uh...oh... His little majesty is awake." Maria's face broke into a smile as she hurriedly rose to her feet and rushed into the house.
Harriet's expectant gaze followed Amelia as she equally stood up.
"I'm afraid my son needs me right now," Amelia said softly. "The butler will entertain you two and show you out when you're done."
"Okay." Ferdinand nodded.
"Can I at least say hi to your baby. I bought him toys." Harriet's voice was barely above a whisper, but Amelia heard her clearly.
Amelia paused mid-step, her expression turning cold. She glanced over her shoulder, her voice soft but firm.
"No, you may not, and as for the toys, thanks for your generosity, but we do not need them. Have a good day." With those frosty words, Amelia walked away to attend to her son while the butler hovered by the door waiting for the visitors.
"She still hates me." Harriet broke down in tears afresh. "She hasn't completely forgiven me."
Ferdinand exhaled, massaging his forehead.
"Give her some credit Harriet. If you were in her shoes, I don't think you would be this liberal considering everything that happened. At least she has removed the ban on your visitation rights. You could always see her and her son at family functions. Be grateful for this."
Harriet nodded even though she still wished she could see the child.
"Let's go." Ferdinand nudged her forward after thanking the butler.