In the end, Sharon didn’t mention anything about forgiveness and had us stay for lunch. She brought me to the garden to avoid Christopher from listening. “I know that Lyle went to see you. He had always been uncertain, but I could feel that he really wanted to start over with you this time. Are you really not going to consider it?”
My suppressed anger finally broke out. I stomped on the flowers on the ground until their petals fell off and their rhizomes detached. Then, I pointed at the damaged flowers and asked, “Tell me, is it possible for these flowers to recover to their original state? If you could change them back to their original form, I will promise you anything.”
Even at this point, Sharon still wanted to use me to stop Lyle from marrying Crystal. Did she really think that she could manipulate me just because I wasn’t angry?
“Yvonne…” Sharon’s lips trembled and finally showed a look of guilt on her face. “You’re still angry with me. I never wanted to put you in this position. I just wanted things to go back to the way it was before. Back to when the three of us lived happily together.”
I pointed at my face and smirked, “I’m not the kind of person to be easily deceived. Do you think you can get me head over heels and obey you with the small favor and benefits you throw at me? Do I look like a fool to you?”
My heart sank. If Sharon didn’t mention anything about this and just left it at the apology, I would at least retain a little bit of respect for her. However, she had the audacity to mention the episode where Lyle went looking for me.
I could almost immediately figure out that Sharon was behind everything. First, she made me fall into desperation and then made Lyle appear as my savior, forcing me to go back to him. How terrifying could she be?
I realized how stupid and naive I must have been. Everyone around me could manipulate me over and over again. I was the only one who never thought of using or framing anyone.
“You have loved Lyle for ten years. I always thought that you would still want to be with him.” Sharon was at a loss. Her eyes were flickering, and she didn’t dare to look straight at my face.
“But I’m not steel-hearted. Why should I keep loving a scumbag who doesn’t treat me like a human.” I yelled and interrupted Sharon. “You have always been an elder who I respect because you’re the only person who gave me the warmth. I have always regarded you as someone dear to me. I have always wanted to just respect you, love you, and treat you better, but I will no longer do any of that.”
I shook my head vigorously as tears rolled in my eyes. It was painful to be hurt by someone who I cared for so much. Why did people who I cared about always end up hurting me?
“Yvonne, I apologize. Please calm down.” Sharon tried to hold my hand, but I shook her away.
“Don’t touch me!” I shouted. “Your actions are no different from Crystal and Monica. Have you ever thought about my feelings? I’m only mad at them for manipulating me because I don’t care about them. But you, you broke my heart.”
I have been suppressing myself, telling myself not to care or feel sad for the people who have hurt and manipulated me. However, how could a person retract their feelings so easily after giving them to someone? Just like when I finally let go of Lyle after he has hurt me for such a long time. It was just the same when I had expectations for Nathan for such a long time, only to be disappointed again and again.
“Mrs. Smith, Yvonne no longer wants to talk about the incidents that happened that day. How about we change the topic, or I could take Eve home, and I’ll take my time to talk with you about the rest? I will slowly settle the score with you.” Christopher strode toward us and stood right next to me.
Seeing that Christopher was here, Sharon didn’t continue to press on the topic. Instead, she said to me, “Yvonne, it was all my fault, but it was never my intention to hurt you. I’m sorry.”
