Chapter 709: Forgive Yourself
Olive stepped forward and extended her hand to take Bounty’s arm. Bounty’s body was stiff, her skin cold.
Olive smiled. “Principal Bounty, I heard you were here, so I came to see you. It’s been over three years since we last met.”
Bounty felt Olive’s warmth. Olive’s clear eyes met hers, twinkling playfully, conveying boundless affection. Bounty’s rigid posture slowly relaxed. She reached up to smooth the stray hair beside her cheek.
“I haven’t seen you in years, my dear.”
Olive glanced at Alpha. “Uncle, Principal Bounty and I haven’t seen each other in a long time. We’d like to catch up. If you have other engagements, please go ahead.”
Bounty understood Olive was helping Alpha and Annabelle escape. Unable to refuse this kind and gentle girl, she allowed Alpha to leave.
“Brother, let’s talk another time.”
Alpha looked at Olive, then at Bounty, before turning and entering the luxurious car. He drove away with Annabelle.
After they left, Bounty patted Olive’s small hand. “Olive, I’ve let them go; you got your wish.”
Olive held Bounty’s cold hand. “Principal Bounty, I admit I wanted you to let them go, but I also hope you can move on.”
Bounty’s eyes welled up. She shook her head, sorrow and confusion etched on her face. “For so many years, I’ve lived in pain. Teach me… help me move on.”
Olive, a mother herself for three years, understood Bounty’s hurt. It was a pain that rarely heals completely. However, doubts lingered about events from years past. Olive knew her Aunt Annabelle well; she was certain Annabelle wasn't the kind of person…
“Principal Bounty, I can help you, but you must open your heart and tell me everything you knew and saw back then.”
Olive knew those past events were a nightmare for Bounty. She wasn’t sure if Bounty would confide in her, but she needed to hear Bounty's account; she was a witness. More importantly, Bounty suffered from severe psychological trauma and a serious mental illness. Her emotional outburst before Alpha was proof, yet she'd refused therapy for years. Old Mrs. Samantha, Alpha, and even Annabelle were unaware of her illness. Her condition was critical. While she’d maintained a facade of normalcy, Olive feared Annabelle’s return would amplify Bounty’s trauma. What would become of her? If something happened to Bounty, the Augustine family would suffer greatly. Olive hoped to help Bounty open up, heal, and uncover the truth.
Bounty’s face was pale. She wouldn’t cooperate with just anyone. But this was Olive. Olive’s warm touch against her cold skin, and her clear, encouraging eyes, offered comfort and strength.
Bounty considered giving herself a chance.
She closed her eyes. “Olive, let’s talk in the car.”
They entered the car. The quiet interior was a sanctuary from the outside world. Bounty, weary, began to speak.
“Rory Louie and I were childhood sweethearts. He was the prominent son of the Louie family in Imperial, and I, the daughter of the Augustine family. Our families had arranged a marriage contract.”
“Rory and I excelled from a young age. From elementary school to university, we always vied for first place. He was kind, and I loved him deeply. I knew from early on I would marry him.”
“We married, becoming very close, deeply in love. I longed for children, a traditional family. But…”
Bounty choked, her breathing labored.
“But…my brother married Annabelle, and my happiness vanished the moment she appeared.”
“I remember the first time I saw Annabelle. Over thirty years ago, America still favored sons. Yet Annabelle, a daughter, thrived in the jewelry business. Her brand's debut stunned everyone, including me. Her designs were ethereal, innovative, unlike anything seen before. I was captivated by her talent.”
“Then one day, my brother told our mother, ‘Mum, I’m in love, and I want to marry her. At the wedding of the century in Imperial, I saw her in the crowd. She’s beautiful and talented. Her name is Annabelle.’ That’s when I learned my brother loved Annabelle.” Bounty paused, then continued,
“I liked Annabelle. I secretly visited their home several times. Once, I accidentally saw my brother and Annabelle in the study…” (Content protected by ch-äPt_ërs/F-Lö.W_cøm.)
“…At that time, Annabelle ran away on her wedding night but was caught. Her first love had broken his leg and was hospitalized, incurring significant medical expenses. That day in the study, my brother was smoking, documents scattered on the desk. Despite everything, he had her sit on his lap.”