He had thankfully returned to his normal self after Noreen died. As for Rufus, he had forgotten everything about me, including what Blair had done under the influence of the curse. Blair didn’t bother to mention those things to him either, and now they were back to where they were before.
I listened quietly and responded from time to time. And because we were still out in public, Laura didn’t dare to say too much and only elaborated on the changes in the imperial capital.
Not long after, we arrived at a beautiful palace. Laura ushered me into the garden before dismissing the servants and guards. There was a round table in the garden, on which were tea and desserts.
“Have a seat. Don’t you feel uncomfortable with that mask on? Please take it off,” said Laura softly.
As soon as I took off my face mask, I relaxed.
Laura poured a cup of tea for me. “You’ve had it rough in the past few years, and now Beryl becomes like this. I’m sure it’s hard for you.”
I didn’t say anything and just sipped on my tea, guessing what Laura was going to say next.
She heaved a deep sigh and continued, “It’s not easy for the father and daughter to finally meet each other. They’ve been apart ever since she’s born. I think it’s better to let Beryl stay with Rufus in the future.”
“No, Rufus will one day get married and have his own children in the future, while I only have Beryl and Arron.” I flat-out declined Laura’s proposal without hesitation.
I had already lost Rufus. If I were to be separated from my child, it would be unbearable for me.
I doubt I would have been able to pull myself out of depression in the past five years if it hadn’t been for my children.
So the kids must stay with me and no one could take them away.
With a troubled expression, Laura responded, “But Beryl has lost her memory and I really want Arron to be Rufus’ heir.”
I pressed my lips and insisted, “Even if Beryl can’t regain her memory, I have to take her with me. As for the heir, Arron is not your best choice. There will be a more qualified child to inherit the throne in the future.”
It was time for me to face the reality and disregard the sadness and pain in my heart. The thought of Rufus getting married and having a family in the future made my heart sank. But I knew that if I gave in, I’d risked losing both of my children.
Fortunately, Laura didn’t say anything more. Instead, she softened her tone and simply suggested we discuss the matter more at a later date.
I relaxed and let my guard down. Looking at Laura, whose hair was already turning gray, my heart softened again.
I pitied her. She had been domineering for most of her life. And now that she had finally found a source of comfort after losing almost all the ones she loved, she could not keep it.
“But since you’re already here in the imperial capital, why don’t you stay for a little longer? Beryl isn’t fit for a long journey right now. Just let her stay with me for a few more days. I don’t know when I’ll see you guys again once you leave,” Laura added.
Before giving my assent, I pondered the situation and lowered my head.
Human nature was always complicated and contradictory. When Laura showed a depressed expression, I thought it might not be a bad idea for Beryl to stay with her for a period of time.
Well, anyway, Rufus didn’t remember me at all now. Besides, I had a mask. Nothing would happen even if I were to extend my stay here in the imperial capital.
Speaking of the mask, I looked at the black mask in my hand in disgust. I would need to pick another one lest I scared my Beryl again.
Laura’s POV
It would be great if Crystal and Beryl could stay longer in the imperial capital. I picked up the tea cup and took a sip before inquiring about my other grandchild.
“Beryl and Arron got separated when they were chased by the robbers. Later, Harry and Joanna saved Arron and he is currently in my room.”
When we were at Rufus’ place, I didn’t dare ask about Arron. Now that I knew what had happened, I couldn’t sit still anymore. “Is Arron okay?”
“He’s alright. Thankfully, it was nothing serious. He just got some bruises.”
Crystal’s face darkened a little with fear.
“Fortunately, your arrival coincided with the military parade. Otherwise Rufus wouldn’t have goon on a patrol in the suburbs. Harry and Joanna wouldn’t have been in the capital either.”
I really didn’t feel like chatting right now. All I wanted to do was see Arron and check on him.
“Arron is fine. The doctor thoroughly checked him before he was discharged from the hospital. He’s in much better shape than Beryl is.” Crystal also got up and stood in front of me. It seemed that she didn’t want me to go.
“Nothing will stop me from going to see him. It’s rare for him to come to the imperial capital. I have to see him anyway.”
I felt some worry creeping in. Arron was a sweet and obedient child. How could he bear any harm? I didn’t know exactly where he was bruised, and that only made me even more anxious.
“How about another day? Arron is still a little shaken. I’m afraid he might be emotionally unstable right now.” Crystal cleared her throat and scratched her nose.
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. Unless Crystal had something to hide from me, she wouldn’t have prevented me from seeing Arron.
Did something terrible happen to Arron?
I looked at her square in the eye and asked, “Is Arron severely injured? You told me he merely got some bruises, but you’re lying to me, right? And that’s why you don’t want me to see him!”
“No, I didn’t, but…”
Crystal couldn’t explain it clearly, so she gave up and let me go to her room.
Before we left, I asked someone to pack a large amount of delicate dessert for my grandson, and I also brought some new toys with me.
“I’ll send the ones for Beryl to her later myself,” I turned to Crystal and said.
Both of my grandchildren were treasured equally in my heart. I couldn’t possibly treat them any differently as their grandmother.
“Okay,” Crystal replied.
As she spoke, she put her black mask back on again and then helped me carry the bags. The mask indeed served its purpose of concealing her face, but it was unsightly.
With a sigh, I recalled the beautiful masks I kept in my private collection. I took a mental note of asking someone to send her some later.
I wanted to give Crystal presents as well. Being a single mother was difficult, and she had done a good job of educating her children over the past few years, so she deserved some credit. Crystal was a good woman. If she couldn’t be my daughter-in-law, I could still take her as my daughter.
Since her temporary residence was not far from my palace, it didn’t take long for us to arrive.
I went up to the third floor with Crystal without having anyone else follow me.
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