Chapter 68 A Bond Beyond Blood Finished Lauren thought to herself , searching all night ? They looked refreshed , no trace of exhaustion .
If I hadnt woken , if Marilyn hadnt carried me out , if I hadnt reached the hospital Id be dead .
My survival was my own grit , not their care .
She ignored them , her face a mask .
Her detachment rattled Elliot .
Hed rather she raged than stayed silent , at least anger showed she cared .
Frustrated , he snapped , What do you want ? Tell us how to make you happy .
Since you got out of prison , how with you , and youre still not sat any scenes have you caused ? We pamper you , love you , put up satisfied , stirring up trouble again and again .
Whyd Mom hit you ? Because you pushed Willow at the banquet , shamed the Bennett family .
Then at home , you attacked her instead of apologizing .
You messed up first , cant Mom discipline you ? Youre her daughter , parents have that right .
Lauren listened to his rant , a mocking smirk tugging at her lips , her eyes still frigid .
Arguing was pointless .
Experience had taught her that in this family , truth didnt matter , only Willow did .
So , she said nothing .
But Marilyn , whod overheard it all , couldnt hold back She stormed in , pushing past Alice and Elliot , and slammed a thermos on the bedside table .
Her chest heaved with fury and grief .
She thought to herself , last night , without that kind stranger , Ms.
Bennett wouldve died from her wounds and infection .
Now , barely awake , unfed , unrested , and they came to berate her ? Was this human ? Id held my tongue , but my conscience wouldnt let me watch Ms.
Bennett suffer this injustice silently .
No decent person could .
Mr.
Elliot , have a heart .
What kind of life has Ms.
Bennett lived ? In prison , bullied and scarred , did any of you visit ? When Mr.
David whipped her , who stopped him ? Madam Alice forced her to cut off her finger to repay her birth , can you fathom her pain ? Marilyns voice quivered with emotion .
say you pamper , love , and tolerate her , wheres the proof ? Alice paled , speechless .
Elliot stared , stunned , at Laurens impassive face .
Every time Ms , Bennett is wronged , you blame her without facts .
Have you ever cared what shes endured ? Beating and scolding , is that your love ? Pushing her to the brink , is that your love ? Marilyns eyes reddened .
1/2 21:43 Thu , Mar 27 Chapter 68 A Bond Beyond Blood thought , for years, only Marilyn had truly cared for me .
The Bennett family wasnt worth to be mad about it .
She patted Marilyns hand , signaling her to calm down Finished Alice rallied , choking out .
Marilyn , how can you say that ? Wec … we did it for Lauries good .
Shes too wild , always causing trouble … For her good ? Marilyn laughed bitterly .
Madam Alice look at her now , bias is blinding .
Ask yourself , have you ever treated her like your daughter ? you call this her good ? Your Marilyn continued , If you dont love her , fine , love takes time .
She didnt grow up with you , so no bond makes sense .
But to not love her and still hurt her , how can you be so cruel to your own child ? Alice glanced at Lauren , who gazed at Marilyn with pure trust , as if Marilyn were her real mother , while she , the birth mother , was filth in her daughters eyes .
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