Chapter 20

Diane initially planned to simply inform her father, William, about the situation. She believed a few words from William to the Loughs would suffice to deter them, but her plan backfired when William brought her uncle, George, and grandmother, Catherine, along.

William glanced at Severin and sighed, clearly disappointed. He hadn't expected his daughter to be with someone he considered so worthless. This, he realized, was likely why Diane had remained silent about the child's father.

Such a man was unworthy of association with the Shanahans, especially not someone as accomplished and beautiful as Diane. Diane's mother, Felicia, stepped forward, glaring at Severin. "So you're the one who ruined my daughter's life?" she said coldly. "If it weren't for you, she wouldn't have been kicked out, and our lives wouldn't have been so miserable!"

Severin acknowledged his role in Diane's and her family's suffering. He could only offer an awkward smile. "I know I'm to blame," he said, "but I promise to treat Diane well from now on. I had no idea she suffered so much, and I vow to make her the happiest woman in the world!"

"You?" A young woman, Megan, stood up, her contempt evident. "Those clothes haven't been new in years," she sneered. "They don't even fit! Where do you get the nerve to claim you'll make my sister the happiest woman in the world?"

"Enough, Megan!" Diane's face fell. She briefly looked at Severin before addressing Felicia and Megan. "You can't blame him entirely for the past. I chose to have Selene. I can't bear to be separated from my child. She's my flesh and blood!"

"You're defending the man who ruined your life?" Megan exclaimed angrily, pointing at Severin. "He's poor! Do you honestly think you have a future with him?"

"Enough," Diane said, sighing. A bitter smile touched her lips. "My daughter's father is back. We'll work hard together. I don't want my child to be fatherless!" Severin saw the lack of hope in her eyes; everyone saw him as a worthless ex-convict with nothing to offer.

Catherine shook her head sadly. "Leave him, Diane," she said. "I don't hold it against you anymore. You're a Shanahan, and we'll always welcome you back."

Diane was surprised. She remembered the heartbreak of her grandmother's unwavering gaze when she was expelled from the family years ago. The Shanahans had always prioritized reputation and dignity above her.

Catherine nodded. "Just leave him. Let Selene's father care for her. We're not heartless. You can visit Selene monthly and contribute to her expenses. What do you say?"

Diane laughed, then smiled at Catherine. "Thank you, Grandma, but I won't abandon my daughter. And I believe Severin. If he's a good father, I'll give him a chance!"

(The final two lines about searching FindNovel.net are irrelevant to the story and should be removed.)