The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1857

She knew that it had to be her own daughter and son-in-law.

With a look of exasperation and guilt, Marlinie turned to Bertha. "Bertha, I'm so sorry. I think I have an idea of what's happened, but I... I don't think I can help you."

Bertha patted her best friend's hand. "Don't say such things, Marlinie. I understand how you feel. If I were in your shoes, I'd feel the same way."

Tears welled up in Marlinie's eyes. She really did feel guilty. All these years, when she was wandering and homeless, Bertha stood by her side. But now, when Bertha was in trouble, she could do nothing. She felt for Bertha and also for her own daughter.

When Pearl was younger, she made the wrong choice by entrusting her to the wrong person. Pearl suffered a lot because of it.

Now, Pearl had finally grown up and found a man she loved. But constant trouble found them, leading to their separation for three years.

Marlinie hadn't fulfilled her duties as a mother to Pearl and didn't have the nerve to ask her daughter to go easy on her best friend's husband. Because the person who caused Pearl and her beloved to separate was none other than the biological daughter of her best friend's husband.

The relationships were too complex. She couldn't speak up, and she couldn't intervene. She was torn.

After hearing her best friend speak so selflessly to alleviate her guilt, Marlinie felt even more upset. "But... if he's sentenced, it could be years before he's released. You're still young; how long are you willing to wait?"

Bertha rose to her feet, giving Marlinie a smile of determination and tenacity. "I can wait however long it takes. You know as well as I do how much of a hopeless romantic I am. Even when you warned me against marrying a man with such complex social ties, I didn't listen. I dove headfirst into this marriage, and I'm not about to start listening to reason now. Stop worrying about me. I'm such a hopeless romantic that I find even the act of waiting to be sweet."

Despite her heavy heart, Marlinie couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, Bertha."

Bertha's laugh grew louder. "I'm serious! Him realizing his mistakes is enough for me. He should learn a lesson for spoiling Sophia all these years. It's his own karma!"