The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 115

<Chapter 115

+25 Points

0

Chapter 115

(Scarlett’s POV)

“I…” I pause, looking around at the beautiful garden, at these people who’ve welcomed us so warmly. “I think I would love it.”

Elena’s smile lights up her face. “Good. Because I was hoping we could talk more about you

and Dorian.”

Margaret makes a noise that sounds like a chuckle. “I guess that’s my cue to leave. Come on, little one. Let’s go find the cookie jar.”

“Can I, Mama?” Lily bounces in my lap.

“Of course. Just don’t spoil your dinner.”

Once they’re gone, Elena moves to the chair Margaret vacated, scooting closer. “I hope you don’t mind me being direct, but at my age, there’s no point in dancing around things.”

“I won’t mind.”

“Good. Because I want to know what your intentions are with my grandson.”

Heat creeps up my neck. “My intentions?”

“Dorian cares about you. I’m sure you know this by now.” Elena’s voice is gentle but firm. “He lost his mother when he was barely more than a child, and spent his adult life taking care of everyone else–me, his father, his cousins, the business. He deserves someone who will take care of him for a change.”

“I’m not sure I’m that person.”

“Why not?”

The simple question hangs between us. Why not? Why shouldn’t I be the one to love Dorian, to give him the family he’s never had?

“Because I no longer want to guard a silent house,” I whisper. “My last marriage was a disaster. It showed me when you wait tirelessly for someone, you get taken for granted.”

Elena reaches over and covers my hand with hers. Her skin is soft, warm with age and wisdom.

“Do you know what I see when I look at you?” she asks.

1/3

:

<Chapter 115

I shake my head.

$23 Point+

“I see a woman who loved deeply and was betrayed for it. A woman who’s still standing, still fighting, still striving to build a future for her child despite everything she’s been through. I see strength in you, Scarlett. The kind of strength my grandson needs to stand strong.”

Tears blur my vision. “But I’m damaged. The fear in my heart…”

“Will not stop you from building a brighter future. I know you brought your daughter to meet us, because you’re trying to build something new instead of drowning in the past. That tells me everything I need to know.”

“Elena…”

“Being a housewife isn’t a shortcoming,” she continues, her voice steady despite the pain in her eyes. “It’s the words of the people around you that make it a shortcoming. And yes, taking care of the household is a thankless task. But to the one who carries love in their heart, they find joy in even such ordinary tasks. And I think you’re that kind of person, Scarlett. One who carries love in her heart.”

Tears spill over then. I can’t help it. This woman, this stranger who barely knows me, is offering me something I thought I’d lost forever. A home to guard. A family to love.

“I’m scared,” I admit.

“Of what?”

“Of trusting, only to end up abandoned again.”

Elena squeezes my hand. “Those are reasonable fears. But they’re not reasons to give up on happiness.”

“Would you really want us? Lily and me? Even knowing we come with complications?” Her smile is radiant. “Scarlett, my dear girl, the best families are built from complications. They’re the ones that last. So, will you get engaged to my grandson?”

I look at my daughter through the window, flour in her hair and joy on her face. I think about Dorian, so patient and kind. And this house full of warmth and laughter.

An engagement. The word should terrify me, given how my last marriage ended. But sitting here in this garden, with Elena’s gentle encouragement and Lily’s laughter floating through the air, it doesn’t feel scary.

It’s more like the promise of a new beginning.

<Chapter 115

“I’ll think about it.”

25 Pi

The evening air is cool against my skin as we step out of Dorian’s house. Lily skips beside me, clutching a small bag of cookies Elena insisted she take home.

“Mama, can we come back tomorrow? Grandma Elena said she’d teach me how to make the butterfly cookies.”

“We’ll see, sweetheart.” I adjust my purse strap, still processing everything Elena said.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify