When Left
CHAPTER 160

Chapter 160: Discovering the Background

I instinctively took a step back. “Jerry, I’m really sorry…

Jerry glared at me, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “Get out.”

nt filled with a quiet reverence.

Then, he knelt down and began meticulously picking up the shattered pieces, each movement

Feeling an overwhelming wave of guilt, I quickly joined him. “I’m sorry, Jerry. I didnt mean to…

He didn’t look up, his voice icy and unyielding. “I told you to get out.”

Avery gently pulled me by the hand, leading me away. She closed the door softly behind us and then turned to me. “That is his most cherished possession. He takes it everywhere and never lets anyone touch it,”

My heart sank. “I feel terrible. Is there any way I can replace it? Do you know where I can buy one?

Avery shook her head, her expression tinged with helplessness. “You can’t buy it anywhere. It was a gift from Bella to my brother on his birthday. She persuaded Claire to hire a potter to handcraft it. Bella said the rabbit represented her and she wanted to be with my brather every day.”

I was silent, the weight of understanding settling in. “No wonder he treasures it so much.”

Avery nodded, her voice tinged with regret. “Yes. I wasn’t even born yet when she gave him that, but my family and my brother all adored her. If it weren’t for the accident, they probably would have been married by now”

Avery lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Hope, do you know when he puts coins in the box?”

Curious, I asked, “When?”

In this modern age, the notion of someone saving coins seemed almost nostalgic.

“Once…” Avery cautiously glanced toward the study, making sure Jerry hadn’t emerged, before leaning in closer. “Once, I saw him with red eyes, sniffling, as he put a coin in it!”

She continued with a mix of awe and sadness, Later, I asked him about it, but he wouldn’t admit it. Still, it’s true–Jerry never cries, not even when he’s hurt. So I figure, whenever he misses Bella deeply, he puts a coin in ”

I found myself tracing the lines of my palm, contemplating Avery’s words and the scattering of coins earlier. The thought of how much Jerry must have endured all these years weighed heavy on my heart. “Do you have a picture of that money box?”

Avery nodded, “I do.”

“Can you send it to me?” I asked, feeling a growing determination to make amends.

“Check my brother’s Facebook, she replied. “He posted it once.

I nodded in understanding “Okay.”

Just as our conversation ended, Jerry emerged from the study, his expression cold and distant. Though he acted as if nothing had happened, the light in his brown eyes was dimmed, fractured by a quiet sorrow,

Seeing that I was still there, Jerry’s eyelashes fluttered briefly before he regained his usual insouciance. “You’re still here?”

I pursed my lips, trying to muster the courage. “I wanted to personally apologize.”

jerrycasually grabbed a bottle of soda from the fridge, twisted it open, and took a sip. His Adam’s apple bobbed lightly as he swallowed. Finally, his eyes took on a hint of cynicism. “You’re actually admitting your mistakes to me face–to–Esce?”

Knowing I was in the wrong, I didn’t retort. “Yes, I was wrong. Mr. Hammer, can you forgive me this time?”

A faint smile played on Jerry’s lips. “Depends on my mood.”

1 uttered, ‘Alright, then you can think about it. I’ll head home first?”

1/3

Chapter 160: Discovering the Background

“Okay.” Jerry gave a light response.

After saying a quick goodbye to Avery, I turned and left the house. Just as I walked out and closed the door behind me, I noticed Cecil standing at my

The sound caught Cecil’s attention, and he looked up, surprised to see me coming out of ferry’s house. “Why were you at Mr. Hammer’s? I thought you hacht come back yet.”

I explained. ” invited him and his sister for dinner.”

I smiled, walked over to open the door, and casually said, “Kimberly Harris came to the company to cause trouble again today, and his sister helped me

Cecil raised an eyebrow. “His sister? Which sister?”

Avery Hammen. Do you know her?” I asked.

Cecil thought for a moment. I don’t think I’ve heard of her.”

As I invited Cecil in, curiosity got the better of me. “By the way, why did you come over so late? Did you replace something about my background?”

Cecil paused, then chuckled, “How did you guess?”

“Did you replace something? I was eager to 1

Although my parents had been dead for many years, whether I was their child was very important to me

Cecil walked over to the sofa, sat down, and handed me a document. “It turns out Johnson Dylan was talking nonsense. Stop worrying about it, or your parents will be sad even in heaven”

Relief washed over me as I started to review the documents. My birth certificate, childhood medical records, blood type, date of birth–all the details. were there.

With each item I verified, my heart grew lighter.

Finally, I felt completely at ease.

There was no mistake; I was indeed my parents child. Their love for me was never fake.

“Thank you, Cecil!” I looked at him gratefully. “Have you eaten? There are still some groceries in the fridge, I can…

“I’ve eaten. I had a dinner engagement tonight, which is why I’m so late. Cecil declined politely, then pretended to be displeased. But, have you noticed you re not keeping your promise?

“What are you talking about?” I didn’t get it.

Cecil smiled. “Didn’t you promise not to be so formal with me

“Sorry,” I apologized, feeling sheepish

.I

He shook his head, his green eyes meeting mine with a serious look. No need to apologize. Just work on it. Whether as friends or something more, I don’t want you to be so polite.”

“Okay” I agreed with a smile, but Cecil’s affectionate gaze made me somewhat uneasy, and I quickly looked away.

Sensing my discomfort, Cecil didn’t push further. “It’s getting late. I should head out.”

I quickly stood up. Til see you out.”

As we approached the entrance, Cecil asked out of the blue, “What are you like when you’re with Jerry Hammer?”

I tilted my head, puzzled. “With him?”

Chapter 160 Discovering the Background

Cecil looked at me intently. “I feel like you’re different with him.”

I shrugged, feeling confused. “Really? We’re just friends.”

Or maybe not even friends.

After seeing Cecil off, I collapsed on my bed and checked Jerry’s facebook I easily found the picture of the little rabbit. It had been posted three years ago, but since Jerry rarely posted on social media, it wasn’t hard to locate.

There was no caption. A pink, somewhat ugly rabbit piggy bank sat next to Jerry’s pillow, bathed in sunlight, giving off a sense of peace and tranquility.

Just looking at the photo, I could tell how much Jerry cherished it,

The more I thought about it, the guiltier 1 felt.

The next day, not wanting to impose on Jerry for a ride, I sent him a message and took a cab to work.

Jerry didn’t reply.

Life suddenly became unusually calm

I focused on designing clothes for Grace and Claire, with incorporating elements based on their personalities and preferences.

The night before Christopher and Kimberly’s engagement, I slept better than 1 had expected. Even upon waking, it felt like just another day heading to work

1 dressed casually, in a white turtleneck sweater, light blue jeans, and flat boots, grabbed my bag.

and went d

downstairs to E

Elissa’s car.

It wasn’t until the car slowly stopped at the hotel entrance that it hit me that I was here to attend my ex–husband’s engagement party, whom I had mistakenly loved for many years

No matter how carefree I wanted to appear, seeing the names Christopher Valence and Kimberly Harris‘ side by side at the entrance of the banquet hall still left me feeling a bit melancholic.

Elissa glanced at the fairy–tale–like, dreamy decorations of the banquet hall and remarked sarcastically. “It’s good to have money. The second wedding is even grander than the first.”