Chapter 17
Ronalie’s father, Edward Graham, had come from an entirely different world compared to the Talley family. After his marriage, he had relied heavily on his wife’s support, which was why Ronale had taken her mother’s surname–Talley. Her mother, Beta Talley, had passed away from a neurological illness when Rosalie was just two years old.
For the next two years, Edward had raised her alone without any scandals or romantic entanglements. Eventually, his devation moved Rosalie’s grandfather enough that he finally relented and encouraged Edward to remarry.
Eventually, Edward married Claudia Graham, Helena’s mother, bringing her into his home. Helena, as the “baggage” Claudia brought along, naturally adopted her new stepfather’s surname, Graham.
In Rosalie’s past life, no one had ever questioned the true relationship among these three people–Edward had played his role too well.
And Rosalie, having lost her mother at such a young age, had trusted Claudia completely. After all, from the moment Claudia married into the family, she had always treated Rosalie like her own child. Or so it had seemed.
It wasn’t until Rosalie’s final moments in that life that she stumbled upon an old, yellowed photograph in Edward’s study. The photo showed Edward and Claudia, looking much younger.
The realization struck Kosalie–this was from a time long before Edward had married Bella. Rosalie couldn’t help but wonder if Edward and Claudia had been involved even before he married Bella.
And Helena, the so–called “stepdaughter“, might not even be a true stepdaughter. She could very well be an illegitimate child born of an affair between Edward and Claudia during his marriage to Bella.
But before Rosalie could dig any deeper, fate had intervened. She died in a car accident before she could uncover the truth.
Now, staring at the detailed report in her hands, Rosalie felt a cold, mocking amusement rise within her.
Her slender fingers brushed over Helena’s name on the document, a cruel smirk playing at her lips. “If you love being the annoying ‘baggage so much,” she murmured, “then let’s see how you like it when you have no way out.”
The sterile smell of disinfectant hung in the air as Rosalie walked down the long, white–tiled corridor of Westfield Medical Center. The faint hum of fluorescent lights and the soft shuffle of footsteps echoed, creating an almost eerie stillness that contrasted with the bustle just beyond the walls.
A nurse at the front desk looked up and greeted her with familiarity, smiling, “Ms. Talley, you’re here.”
Rosalie gave a slight nod. “Hi. How’s my uncle today?”
“Mr. Talley is the same as before. You can go in and spend some time with him. Talking to him might help.”
“Alright, I’ll head in now.”
She walked past the nurse, her footsteps soft against the polished floor, and made her way to the ICU. As she pushed open the door, her eyes immediately settled on the figure lying motionless in the bed.
Her uncle, Dominik Talley, was hooked up to various machines that beeped softly, keeping him tethered to the fragile
thread of life.
Two years ago, Dominik had retired from the military. Not long after, he had suddenly fallen into a coma. Now, two years had passed, and he remained in a vegetative state.
1/2
Mon,
Chapter 17
Her grandfather George Talley had once told her that this was exactly what had happened to her mother before she died
