The Daughter in the Shadows (by Una Norris) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 The Line Between Blood and Love

Finished

Worried that Yunice might be holding a grudge, Lily stood up and gently sat beside her bed. “I haven’t been sleeping well. these past few days. I keep dreaming about your father…

As she spoke, she placed Yunice’s hand into her own, her eyes red–rimmed. “If only there was something of his left behind for me to remember him by.”

“Mom, didn’t you give your blessing when the rose tree Father left you was cut down?” Yunice looked at her sincerely.

Lily faltered under that gaze. For a moment, she actually felt guilty. “I know you’re upset,” she said quickly, “but when you become a mother one day, you’ll understand. A child’s safety is more important than anything. I had no choice.”

“The book really isn’t with me,” Yunice replied.

Then, without warning, she leaned forward and rested her head against Lily’s chest. “Mom, if you miss Dad, just hold me. I’m part of what he left behind too.”

Lily had never hugged her before. The moment Yunice pressed close, she clearly felt Lily instinctively try to push her away,

parent’s love for their child runs deep

But even as a daughter, that love had never been given to her.

Even hearts grow crooked–how could fairness exist?

The hug lasted only a few seconds before Lily stood up, clearly uncomfortable. I’ll ask your brothers later. Maybe one of

them has the book”

Yunice smiled and softly hummed in acknowledgment, showing no hint of hurt.

Lily bit her lip, her face clouded with unease as she left the room.

Seeing her expression, Giana assumed Yunice must’ve said something harsh.

But Lily shook her head and muttered, conflicted, “I just wonder am I too cold toward Yunny? But… She glanced at Giana, her voice tight with disgust. “I want to treat her like a daughter, but every time she gets close, I just feel so disgusted, so irritated I can’t help wanting her to stay far away…

She let out a long sigh, her face full of regret. “If only Elsie and Yunice had been switched. If Elsie were the real Saunders daughter, and Yunice had stayed in that mountain village, I wouldn’t be in this awkward position.”

The door wasn’t fully shut. A sliver of Yunice’s clothes peeked through the gap–unnoticed.

She stood there, leaning silently against the wall, listening to her mother’s words of rejection,

Words that sharp should’ve made her furious. But they didn’t.

She simply tilted her head back, resting it against the wall, her face blank and exhausted as she stared up at the ceiling.

Her father’s love had been enough. As for a mother… she’d never had one. So what was there to lose?

It was just a beautiful childhood dream–shattered, nothing more.

Later that night, Owen got a call for an emergency case.

Driving out through the wrought–iron gates of the Saunders estate, he had barely turned onto the asphalt when he caught at glimpse of a familiar figure by the roadside.

Owen frowned. What was she doing out this late? He turned the wheel and began following her.

Inside the taxi, Yunice kept checking the time, her expression tense, eyes fixed on the passing streets. She didn’t notice she was being followed.

That was the family his mother had arranged for Yunice to marry into.

Seeing this, Owen’s heart warmed. So she hadn’t meant it when she said she wouldn’t help Elsie. She was just being stubborn. trying to get more attention.

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