After Melissa finished speaking, Samantha's expression shifted. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears that did not fall, making her look rather awkward.
"Samantha, if you're asking me, then that's my answer." Melissa's tone softened a little. "I lost my daughter for many years, but Jon never divorced me or remarried. We never even thought about having another child.
"In our hearts, Cee is the only one. Even if we had another child later, it wouldn't be her. No one could replace the place she holds in our hearts. So, Samantha, the example you gave doesn't stand.
"And don't feel bad. No one's saying you were wrong. Everyone's situation is different. You tried your best to protect your children and give them a good life. You can't be blamed for that. Don't take Samuel's words to heart."
Melissa pulled Sierra close. "Jonathan, pack up. We'll follow our daughter's lead."
"Alright." Jonathan immediately returned to their room. Soon, he came out with their suitcase ready.
"Samantha, don't overthink it. We've been apart from our daughter for so many years. Now that we've finally found her, of course we're going to follow her wishes." Jonathan looked at Samantha and explained carefully. "These past few days, staying with you has been a pleasure. We're very grateful.
"But now that we're moving to Samuel's place, we'll talk to him. We'll help him understand how much you've sacrificed. We're family, right? We need to be understanding and united. Moving in with him might actually be a good thing."
"Ms. Blair, once we're there, we'll talk to Samuel." Sierra added, "I've done some self-reflection. There were things I did and thoughts I had that weren't right either.
"If I still love Samuel, and Samuel still loves me, then we ought to cherish each other and build a good life together."
"Sophia's not home. Now that you're all leaving, are you planning to leave me here alone?" Samantha's tears started falling again. "I was thinking that even though Sophia's married and on her honeymoon with Zac, at least I'd still have Sierra with me. I wouldn't be lonely that way.
"But now you're going to live with Samuel, and your parents are leaving too. In the end, I'm not your real mother, so I can't keep you here."
That comment didn't sit well with Melissa. Her expression turned slightly cold. "Samantha, what do you mean by that? Cee already said that she'll visit you. Besides, Cee's been abroad all these years. You didn't go to see her yourself, did you?
"Now that she and Samuel need to work on their relationship, you're not helping. Instead, you're saying such things. If you ask me, it's because she's not your biological daughter that you don't really think of her the way a mother should.
"Melissa, don't say that." Jonathan gently tapped his wife's shoulder. "Don't forget that it was Samantha who brought Cee home. That's what spared her from so much suffering. Samantha is our benefactor."
Melissa took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right. I spoke out of line, so I apologize. But I don't like my daughter being guilt-tripped.
"I'll just say it outright—if anyone dares to hurt my daughter, I'll risk my life to fight them.
"Some of what Samuel said wasn't wrong. I actually agree with him to a certain extent. Samantha, don't feel so wronged. In life, you have to learn to reflect.
"Alright. I've said what I needed to. Let's go."
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