"Luciana, I'm sorry for all the misunderstandings. I didn't expect it to come to this."
Maria apologized to Luciana in the living room. She was truly ashamed of Luciana. She had promised her many things before James came home.
When Luciana heard Maria's explanation, she was very upset. She had hoped too much to marry James, the man of her dreams.
"I am so disappointed in you. You know, I wanted James for so long. I love him very much. He is the man of my dreams," Luciana said irritably. "You said that Watson would approve of this marriage plan. But in reality, he's supporting James in rejecting this plan. You should have convinced her!"
Maria looked down in shame. She realized her mistake. She should not have promised Luciana anything before talking to James and Watson.
If that was the case, there was nothing Maria could do to hide her embarrassment.
"I'm really sorry, Luci," Maria said.
"I don't need your apology. What I need is your son. He needs to be all mine," Luciana said.
Maria looked at Luciana and said, "It will be difficult for you to have James."
"Why?"
"Because James is still in love with his ex-wife."
Luciana frowned. "Has James been married before?"
"He was. Has James never told you?" Maria asked back.
"Never. Who is the woman who touched the man of my dreams?”
"Her name was Sheryl. To this day, James cannot forget her. I have asked him many times to forget Sheryl. But he doesn't listen," Maria explained. "That woman made James depressed. I hate her so much."
Luciana nodded. She smiled as she heard Maria's frustration with Sheryl. This was a good opportunity for her.
"Okay. If you hate her, I'll do something for you. I also want to keep her out of James' life. She can't take what is rightfully mine," Luciana said.
"But how?" asked Maria.
"You don't need to know. Let it be my business.”
****
It was already 10 p.m., Sheryl was still wide awake. She was still thinking about Melinda's death two days ago. She was devastated.
Melinda had been in the hospital for one night. But God took Melinda so quickly. Sheryl still didn't think she would lose her mother so soon. There are still many things she wants to accomplish to make Melinda happy. But what power if God wills it.
The owner of the blue eyes leaned back on the bed. She looked out the window. The night sky was so dark. There were no stars to brighten the night. It matched her current feelings.
"Mom, I'm sorry I couldn't take good care of you. I'm sure God loves you more. I believe you will have the best place at God's side," Sheryl murmured.
"Sheryl, are you sleeping?”
Someone's voice broke Sheryl's reverie. She got out of bed and went to the door.
As the door opened, she saw Robert smiling at her. It had been a long time since she had seen Robert's sweet smile.
"I can't sleep. Why?"
"I can't sleep either. Come have a drink with me," Robert invited.
Sheryl shook her head. "I don't want a drink."
"Come on. Just join me. I'm not going to force you to drink," Robert insisted.
"Okay. I'll go with you."
Robert smiled. They finally went to the TV room. Robert had set out several bottles of drinks and snacks. They sat facing the television.
"Are you sure you don't want a drink?" Robert asked as he poured a drink into a glass.
"No, thank you."
Robert nodded in understanding. "Eat this snack. I know you haven't eaten since yesterday."
"I'm not hungry.”
"Don't be like this, Sheryl. You have to move on with your life. I know you're still sad about Melinda leaving. But you can't torture yourself like that. You have to keep your spirits up," Robert advised Sheryl.
Sheryl sighed. Now she turned to look at Robert. It had been a long time since she had a serious conversation with her cousin. Ever since her divorce from James, Robert's attitude towards her had been very bad.
"I don't know, Robert. I feel like there's no point in me living in the world anymore. My marriage is ruined. I failed to marry Dave. I lost my job. And now I have lost my mother. I don't understand why God is testing me like this," Sheryl said in despair.
"You can't talk like that. I'm sure God has a better plan for you. Forget what happened."
"You can advise me, but you still remember my divorce," Sheryl grumbled.
Robert laughed at Sheryl's tone of protest. He recognized that. But after Melinda's departure two days ago, he realized his mistake. He shouldn't blame Sheryl for what had happened.
Sheryl still stared silently at Robert who was laughing. She did not find his words funny at all.
"Why are you laughing?" Sheryl asked.
"Sorry. I am just ashamed of myself," Robert said. "I began to realize my mistake after Melinda died. As your cousin, I should have supported you. I should have protected you. But my selfish thinking hurt you instead. I'm sorry."
Sheryl finally smiled at Robert's words. "There is no need to apologize. We are brothers. I have never held a grudge against you. I'm just a little upset about your attitude and your words back then."
"Yes, I realize that," Robert said with a laugh. "But there is one thing you should know."
"What is it?"
"When you first divorced James, he and I were still in contact. He asked me many things. Everything from your daily activities to how your parents were doing," Robert said honestly.
Sheryl was surprised by Robert's honesty. It turned out that the one spying on James was her own cousin. She had never thought that could happen.
"Turns out you're the spy. Are you being paid by James to be the spy?"
Robert shook his head. "I wasn't paid. He gave me some money, but I turned it down."
"Then why did you tell him all about my activities?"
"He asked, and I answered. Is that wrong?"
"Of course it's wrong. My activities are private. You can't tell anyone, including him," Sheryl said irritably.
The big man laughed and said, "Okay. I apologize. I promise I won't invade your privacy again."
"Promise?”
"I promise."
Sheryl smiled happily. "Okay. Pour me a drink."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, I'm serious. Just pour it."
"All right!"
Robert immediately poured a drink into a glass for Sheryl.
"Let's have a toast!”
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