This time, Eugene had specially picked up Ellen from Promise Island back to Summer City so that she could witness justice being meted out! As Merlin was physically unfit, Eugene worried that he would be too emotional and get very agitated to see his son and daughter-in-law sentenced to prison.
Hence, Eugene didn’t allow him to be present for the proceedings and promised to keep him. company afterward. Outside the courthouse, Eugene brought Olivia and her son, Ellen, and Brian back to the Nolan Residence happily in a big group.
At the moment, Merlin was seated in the wheelchair, looking at the bleak view outside the French windows. He wore a worried and depressed expression and gave others an inexplicable feeling that he was feeble and weak until he saw cars rolling in one after the other into the yard. The moment he saw that a smile finally flashed across the old man’s face.
Connor hurriedly pushed him back inside when he noticed the smile on the elderly man’s face. Soon, Eugene and the rest entered the house. “Grandpa, look who’s here.”
Merlin’s gaze followed the direction Eugene. was pointing at, and he saw Ellen right away.
“Ellen?” “Dad!” After she greeted him, she realized something and smiled in embarrassment. “I shouldn’t call you that anymore.” “What else are you going to call me, then? If you can’t be my daughter-in-law, just be my daughter, then.”
Ellen gave him a firm nod. “How are you, Dad? Are you well? I was so worried when I heard from Eugene that you’re sick.” “I’m fine. Olivia has cured me. What about you? I heard from Rocky that you have lost the ability to walk!”
“It’s all good now. An unconventional doctor cured me!” Ellen said. Eugene couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s continue our conversation inside!” “That’s right. Oh, look at me forgetting my manners. Here, let me push you!” she added as she took over Connor’s responsibility to push Merlin into the living room.
Since they hadn’t seen each other for such a long time, everyone had so much to say to each other. But, of course, Ellen knew that she could live till this day because Merlin was helping her. in the dark, and she had no words to express how thankful she was to him On the other hand, Merlin also knew about all the things his foolish son had done, and no matter how much he did, he couldn’t make up for what the Nolan Family owed her.
I suppose the court proceeding today can be considered a delayed gratification for the victim, Merlin thought. Everyone gathered and talked about all the significant events that took place over the years, speaking about their opinions and yearnings so much that Eugene and the other younger ones couldn’t interject for a long time.
After a while, Merlin asked, “What are the sentences?” “Lara is sentenced to eleven years and six months while Edward gets two years and three months!” Eugene answered promptly. Merlin nodded firmly at the decision. “That’s good. Ellen, don’t blame me for being biased. Both of you are dear to me, and I really can’t choose!”
“Dad, you don’t have to say this because I understand. Right after I walked out of the courthouse, you were the first thing on my mind because I was worried that you’d get the wrong idea. Not to mention that you risked so much danger to save me, just because Eugene has been safe and sound for so many years. I already know that you’re the one protecting him.
in the dark. So I’m full of gratitude to you just for this fact alone,” Ellen said.
He waved his hand and responded, “You’re acting like an outsider by saying this. Rocky is my grandson as well, and this is my responsibility as his grandfather. Don’t overthink this matter. Even though both of them were scot-free for a few years, they couldn’t escape the judgment of the law in the end. After this, you can return with your head held high.”
“I’m already used to my life over there,” she answered with a laugh. “There will be many things I can’t get used to if I move here. Dad, would you like to spend your retirement on the island with me? Olivia says that the island has a comfortable temperature suitable for retirement!”
Merlin laughed heartily but rejected her offer, “I’m not going.” Then, his voice turned croaky as his hand rubbed the rough back of his other palm, and he scanned around with a nostalgic look in his eyes. ‘I’ve been living here for decades, and I can’t bear to leave this place because whenever I look around, I see your mother’s shadow.”
