Chapter 6 Sisterly Love In The Lingard Family

• “Zack just called her to ask for help decorating our new place, so I came back on my own.”
• “That's so kind of Zack!” While speaking, Hannah placed the pot of soup on the table and beamed. “I used to be skeptical when your father suggested adopting a child so you wouldn't get too lonely when we're gone, but it looks like he made the right decision.”
• Lucille was only five at the time she joined the Lingard family. Perhaps due to the environment that she had previously been raised in, she was already a very observant child by then.
• Because of what she had been through, Hannah would dote on her more, which then led to a young Michaela's discontent.
• It was only after learning about Lucille's background that Michaela truly understood what it meant to be an older sister, and she then started to look out for Lucille.
• Even so, Lucille was a thoughtful child by nature and would selflessly let Michaela have everything she wanted.
• Despite not being related by blood, the two sisters shared a deep bond, which made Hannah extremely glad.
• “She's been helping out so much with the wedding,” Michaele praised as she sat next to her mother.
• “Try this soup I just made!”
• With the wedding due soon, many had dropped by to visit. Right then, Jacob was sleeping soundly in his room after a drinking session with the guests, who had just left a while ago at noon.
• Treasuring the rare alone time she had with Michaela, Hannah gazed at her now grown-up daughter, who was about to be wedded, as emotions swirled within her.
• “Your cooking is impeccable as ever, Mom. But most importantly, I can feel all the love you put into making this!” Michaela commented generously.
• She then glanced at her mother, only to see the latter forcing a smile with reddened eyes.
• “Mom? What's wrong?” the younger woman asked worriedly, putting her spoon down.
• “Oh, I just thought of how soft and wrinkly you used to be when I held you just after you were born. It feels like it happened just yesterday, but now, you're about to get married.”
• The memory remained fresh in Hannah's mind as though it just happened the day before, but there was no denying that time had flown by.
• “Mom...”
• “You're not mad at us for choosing this for you, are you, Mich?”
• Seeing her mother's apologetic gaze, Michaela shook her head fervently. “I'm not. I know you just want the best for me.”
• Her parents had bickered countless times over her engagement with Zack.
• It wasn't just once that she had heard Hannah accuse Jacob of treating their daughter as a bargaining chip for his business. In response, the man rebuked his wife for not being foresighted.
• The disagreements had thrown the once-happy family into turmoil until Michaela eventually stepped forward and agreed to marry Zack.
• She knew without a doubt that her mother loved her.
• But if this wedding could give her father everything he wanted, she would grant him that wish.
• Although, this would become the source of her worries which she would bury deep within her heart as her new life began.
• At present, a sudden phone call disrupted the tranquil atmosphere. Hannah wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, but her expression changed as soon as she heard a cry for help over the phone.
• “Lucille? What happened? Lucille!”
• Yet, the only response Hannah received came from a deep and alluring but spine-chilling voice. “This is Jonathan Xander.”