Chapter 692 Return To Tayhaven
After dealing with the Winters family’s matters, Oscar asked, “Amelia, do you want to go home to have a look?” After all, that city was Amelia’s homeland.
Amelia scanned the familiar yet strange city. Right then, she had a sudden revelation.
“Can I go back?” Amelia asked in a daze. Ever since Spencer went back after his surgery, her parents never called her. Hence, she did not know if they wanted to meet her.
“That’s your home. Of course, you can go back. What is it? Has it been too long since you last came back, and now you’re feeling worried when you’re near home?” Oscar said affectionately, pinching her nose.
Amelia smiled faintly and said, “A little. It’s been so long since I last came back. So many things have changed and so many skyscrapers have been built. I’m afraid I can’t even recognize the way home.”
“Silly. How can you forget the way home if you really miss it?” Oscar pulled her into his embrace and said, “Let’s go back and have a look, okay? You don’t have to worry about it, no matter what the outcome is.”
Amelia pondered for some time before nodding in agreement. “Okay.”
With that, Amelia informed Tiffany about her decision to go home and have a look. Hearing that, Tiffany asked, “Do you need Derrick and me to go along with you guys?”
“It’s okay. You should spend more time with your parents. I can go with Oscar,” Amelia answered.
When Amelia made her way home based on her memory, she found out that the old and relatively low buildings had turned into towering apartment buildings. On top of that, there were several sedans parked in front of the entrance. A blank look flashed through her eyes, looking like a child who had lost her way home.
“What’s wrong?” Oscar asked gently, grabbing her hand.
“Oscar, looks like I’ve really lost my way home.” She had not been home for almost ten years, and her hometown had changed too much. I don’t even know which building my house is in. Maybe my house has been gone from this place long ago. Or maybe I shouldn’t have called this place my home since young. The Winters family never acknowledged me as their child. Benjamin paid them to take care of me. The Hutton family doesn’t acknowledge me, nor does the Winters family want me. I’m just a burden.
“Amelia?” Just as Amelia was having all kinds of negative thoughts, an elderly person’s voice rang out. She turned to look in the voice’s direction to find a grey-haired woman walking toward her, gazing at the former with cloudy eyes.
Amelia, too, looked at the elderly woman the same way, searching for a certain memory in her mind. Suddenly, she exclaimed, “Ms. Malone, it’s me, Amelia. Are you still living here?” When she was younger, Emery Malone gave her food and even sang her lullabies when Amelia had no one with her. In other words, Emery was an elder who actually showed Amelia care. Since Amelia had not returned for ten years, she thought Emery might have been gone. To Amelia’s surprise, Emery was still quite healthy.
Emery walked over and held Amelia’s hand, scanning the latter from head to toe before saying excitedly, “It’s really you, Amelia. You silly girl, how could you not return for ten years after going abroad for your studies? I thought you got into an accident. And your parents… They are unbelievable. How could they not call to check in on you? Whenever I ask them about you, they only say they don’t know anything. They are such heartless people. I can’t believe they don’t even care if you’re dead or alive out there.”
Amelia’s eyes reddened. Stumbling into someone familiar caused all the good and bad memories that were buried deep in her to flood into her mind again, replaying the memories as if there was a cinema in her mind.
“Ms. Malone, do my parents still live here?” Amelia asked, changing the subject.
“Oh, yes. The building was demolished a few years ago to build a new one. Initially, your parents wanted to move somewhere else after getting the compensation money. No one knows why, but they returned to this neighborhood and bought a house. Your parents, Spencer, and his wife live there now,” Emery explained.
“Could you bring me to the house?”
“Of course.”
Along the way, Amelia asked Emery about the latter’s life and what was her daughter working as.
Emery answered all of Amelia’s questions one by one.
Soon, they arrived in the neighborhood. Emery pointed at the building with the label “B” and said, “They live on the tenth floor. I’m sure you have their phone number, right? Just give them a call. No matter how unhappy life was when you were younger, you’re all grown up now. Your parents are also slowly getting older. All the grudges will slowly disappear as time passes by. Come back to visit them with your husband whenever you have the time. Your parents are old now. I’m afraid they don’t have much time left.”
Amelia felt a slight ache in her heart, and she smiled forcefully. “I understand, Ms. Malone.”
Emery told her a few more things before leaving.
Amelia then lifted her head to gaze at the towering building, standing still there for quite some time. It was impossible to figure out what was on her mind.
“Amelia, what’s wrong?” Oscar asked.
She returned to her senses and shook her head gently. “I was just thinking if my parents used the money I gave them to purchase a house in such a place.”
“So what if they used it? So what if they didn’t? Amelia, what’s the point of being persistent in such things? If you want to see them, then let’s go up. After all, my wife isn’t that indecisive,” Oscar said with a smile, caressing the back of her neck.
Perhaps having Oscar by her side made her heart calm down miraculously.
Her worry about being close to home was caused by a fear of not being able to see her family when she wanted to meet them. Losing contact with them completely was her biggest fear.
Thankfully, they still lived in the area.
Just as Amelia and Oscar were about to head upstairs, Dominic and Melanie walked out of the building. When all four of them met each other’s gazes, Amelia saw a look of surprise in the couple’s eyes. Fortunately, they did not resent her. Seeing that, Amelia secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Amelia was genuinely afraid that Melanie might chase her away without hesitation.
After recollecting herself, Amelia and Oscar went forward. With a smile, she said, “Mom, Dad. It’s been such a long time? Are you both doing well?”
Melanie glanced at her and said awkwardly, “Why are you back? Didn’t I tell you we don’t have to see each other in the future? Did my words fall on deaf ears?”
Unbothered by her words, Amelia stepped forward and held Melanie’s hand, smiling. “Mom, the house was demolished years ago. You guys moved away; yet, you moved back here in the end. Isn’t it because you hoped I could still find the way home when I return? I’m sure both of you still view me as your daughter, right?”
Melanie’s expression froze as she gazed at Amelia’s eyes, which had traces of anticipation. For some reason, the former could not bring herself to utter more hurtful words.
After all, they took care of Amelia for over twenty years. It was impossible for the couple to not have developed feelings for Amelia. Unfortunately, they could not treat her too well after receiving money from the Hutton family. Hence, Melanie and Dominic could only treat her meanly. Deep down, they really wanted to accept her as their daughter.
“Since you’re back, you should go in and have a look.” Finally, Melanie stopped being stubborn.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Soon, Amelia and Oscar followed the elderly couple upstairs.
Spencer and Evelyn were the only ones in the house. When they saw Amelia and Oscar, they quickly got up from the couch.
“Amelia, you’re back!” Spencer greeted with a smile. “Come, have a seat. Why didn’t you give us a call to tell us you’re coming back? Evelyn and I could’ve prepared your favorite dishes.”
As he was talking, Amelia and Oscar stepped into the house. The latter placed the gift he bought on the coffee table and said softly, “These are personally prepared by Amelia for all of you. The supplements are for the elders, the one with the purple packaging is for Spencer, and the makeup kit is for Evelyn. The rest are for the children.”
The Winters family glanced at the eight bags on the coffee table. At a glance, they knew the contents inside the bag cost a lot.
Melanie said, “Why did you waste your money on such things? Your dad and I are going to leave this world soon, anyway. Why do we still need to take supplements?” Despite saying that, she still enjoyed receiving those gifts. “Don’t buy such expensive stuff in the future. We can’t afford to consume them. If you’re free, you should come back often to visit us. We’re getting old, and many things have changed here. Most of our old neighbors have moved out and even passed away. There aren’t many people left whom we can talk to. It’ll make things more lively here with both of you around.”
Amelia smiled. Melanie’s words were indirectly telling the former could come home more often.
“Mom, I’ll visit you more often then,” Amelia said gently. The fact they could have such a peaceful conversation was something Amelia never expected. It was as if the argument she had with Melanie back when Spencer was admitted into the hospital never happened.
Melanie nodded, saying, “I’ll get Evelyn to get some ingredients. Is there anything that Oscar doesn’t eat?”
“He doesn’t eat vegetables like celery and bitter gourd. Actually, why don’t I go with Evelyn? It’s been so long since I came back and I can barely recognize the roads here. I also want to see how much the farmer’s market has changed,” Amelia suggested.
“Sure. Then, let’s go.”
With that, Amelia and Oscar went shopping with Melanie and Evelyn. Along the way, Amelia asked Melanie where everyone had gone, to which the latter answered truthfully.
Apparently, Amelia’s siblings had moved to major cities like Saspiuburg and Beshya. They would only return during New Year.
“Young people should go out and gain more experience,” Amelia said with a smile. “Mom, what are they working as in Beshya?”
“Your brother’s working in an IT company, while your sister’s working as a secretary. Their monthly salary is about eight thousand, I think. There’s not much left after deducting their rental fees and living expenses,” Melanie explained. A monthly salary of eight thousand did not seem too little. However, it was natural to spend a lot in cities that had high costs of living like Beshya and Saspiuburg. Hence, after deducting the cost of one’s living expenses and rental fees, they had to be extremely frugal. Otherwise, it would be impossible to have any savings by the end of the month.
“Eight thousand is not a small amount. As long as they work hard, their salary will increase. When that happens, they can buy a house and a car there,” Amelia said. “If they need money for down payments, I can help them out.”
Melanie shook her head. “It’s okay. They’re fully capable of taking care of themselves. You don’t have to help them. Besides, you were the one who paid for Spencer’s medical fees. We didn’t take good care of you when you were younger. It’ll make us feel bad to receive so much help from you. On top of that, this apartment was bought using both the compensation money and the money given by you. You’ve given our family enough help.”
In terms of finance, Melanie was not as greedy as Tiffany’s biological parents. Perhaps, it was the guilt of treating Amelia so coldly in the past that caused Melanie to not dare to ask anything from Amelia.
She believed the heavens were constantly watching every action a person made. Thus, she would be punished for taking too much from her children.
Amelia merely smiled without saying anything.
After getting the ingredients, Melanie personally cooked a wide spread of scrumptious dishes. Both Amelia and Oscar stayed for the meal, chatted with them for a while, and decided to take their leave.
Amelia had been away from home for too long. There was no longer a room she could call her own in the house.
When Melanie walked them out of the house, Amelia pulled out a card from her bag and handed it to the former, saying, “Mom, there isn’t much in this, about tens of thousands, I think. Use it to get good food for Dad and Spencer. Spencer’s health isn’t as great after the surgery. Everything he food costs a lot of money.”
After hesitating for a moment, Melanie finally accepted the card.
Amelia gave her a hug and said softly, “Mom, no matter what happened in the past, you’re still my mom. This is something that will never change. So, please don’t reject my kind intentions as a daughter.”
Melanie’s eyes had turned slightly red.
She then watched Amelia and Oscar leave before letting out a faint sigh. There was a heavy feeling in her heart, and Amelia’s words still rang in her ears.
“Come on. Let’s go home,” Dominic prompted.
Melanie nodded. However, she still constantly turned around to see if Amelia would still appear, only to be disappointed by it. Amelia never turned back.
“It looks like we’ve wronged Amelia. This child is kinder than we think. I can’t believe she repaid our ill-treatment with kindness. I really don’t have the guts to face her anymore,” Melanie said.
Dominic’s expression was grim, but he kept silent.
Hand in hand, the couple entered the apartment. As they waited for the elevator door to open, Dominic suddenly uttered, “We’ve still got pickled fish at home. Amelia loved eating it when she was younger. We should’ve given her some before she left.”
Melanie lifted her head and glanced at him while suggesting, “Why don’t I give her a call to ask where is she living now? Then, we can send it over to her.”
Dominic nodded.
Their eyes met, and they understood what was on each other’s minds.
After arriving home, Melanie gave Amelia a call to ask for the latter’s whereabouts.
At first, Amelia was shocked to hear that question. Nonetheless, she still told Melanie the name of the hotel she was temporarily staying in.
“Okay. Your dad and I will send you some food in the afternoon. We made it by ourselves. I’m sure you’ll like it.”
“Okay.”
When the call ended, Oscar asked, “What is it?”
“Mom says she and dad want to send us some food, and she told us to wait for them in the hotel.”
Oscar stroked her hair and smiled. “I think your mom wants to mend things between you and the family. You’ve always been upset with the Winters family’s cold treatment on you. Now that she wants to mend things, you must be feeling happy, right?”
There was an indescribable feeling in Amelia’s heart, and she did not know how to explain it.
During the afternoon, Melanie and Dominic went over to the hotel, bringing many things along with them. Dominic even had a sack with him.
Amelia’s lips twitched, asking, “Dad, what’s this?”
“These are the honeydew your dad and I picked. We planted them, so there’s no pesticide used. They are super sweet. Though you two are rich, the melons you eat have tons of chemicals in them. Therefore, your dad and I have decided to bring you two some fresh fruits,” Melanie said non-stop.
A warm feeling filled Amelia’s heart. It was her first time witnessing Melanie showing her care.
It was a strange feeling; yet, one she had been longing for.
One by one, Melanie took out all the things she brought, which were all edibles, such as watermelon, honeydew, pickled fish, jerky, and all kinds of local delicacies.
“Amelia, I know you and Oscar are used to eating good food. These fruits we brought might not suit your tastes, but it’s just a kind gesture from us. Please don’t refuse them,” Melanie said shyly, looking at the things she brought.
Amelia smiled. “Why would I? They’re amazing! I was just talking to Oscar two days ago about where to find fruits that have no pesticides. Who would’ve known that you’d bring some over? It’s as if our thoughts are linked.”
Melanie blushed.
“Oh, what do you mean by our thoughts are linked? Is that how you use such romantic words? You silly girl. Anyway, I’m glad you like it. Well, we’ll get going now. When are you two returning to Tayhaven? We’ll come and send you off.” After beating around the bush for a while, she finally revealed her intentions of coming.
“Our flight is at eleven o’clock in the morning. We’ve got some work to do, and I can’t leave Tony alone for too long.”
Melanie nodded and pursed her lips, looking rather awkward as she said, “I have to admit that I treated Tony harshly when Spencer was admitted to the hospital. That boy must be disappointed with me. Could you please apologize on my behalf? I was just too anxious about Spencer’s condition. I didn’t mean to treat Tony like that.”
“It’s fine, Mom. Tony is a happy kid. He won’t blame you for doing that,” Amelia assured.
“That’s great then.”
Amelia hesitated for a moment, but she still said, “Mom, I’ve reunited with my biological mother. So, you don’t have to worry about Mr. Hutton harming you.”
Melanie’s fingers tensed, and she forced a smile. “That’s good. Back then, Dominic and I did not want you to meet your biological parents because of Spencer. Then again, it’s not something that can be avoided when you’re related by blood. It’s great that you’ve reunited with them. At least I won’t feel guilty about your mother.”
Amelia said, “Mom, I’ve never blamed you and Dad for that.”
Melanie looked at her deeply.
After chatting with the elderly couple, Amelia sent them off.
The next day, all four of them went to the airport. Even Crosby and his wife were there. At the same time, Crosby was holding a little girl’s hand, who looked as delicate as a barbie doll.
Amelia fell in love with her at first glance.
Squatting down to stare at the little girl, Amelia greeted, “Hello, little princess. I’m Amelia. You’re as pretty as a barbie doll, and you look just like your mommy.”
The little girl was not timid. She gazed at Amelia with her shiny eyes, responding, “I know you. Mommy told me before that you’re the second prettiest woman next to her gorgeous looks. But I have a secret to tell you. I think you’re prettier than Mommy.”
Though she said it was a secret, her sweet voice was so clear that everyone at the scene heard her.
Soleil tapped the back of the girl’s head, saying, “What did you just say? How dare you call me ugly? Looks like you need some beating.”
The girl scratched her cheek and challenged Soleil’s words mischievously. “Mommy, Ms. Amelia is really prettier than you. Though you’re the prettiest to Daddy, I still think Ms. Amelia looks the prettiest.”
“You rascal.” Soleil raised her arm as if she was going to hit the girl, but the latter hurriedly hid behind Amelia.
Amelia could not help but smile when she saw the interaction between the two of them. It made her think of Tony, who was as smart as the little girl.
Amelia said, “If it’s possible, you can come over to Tayhaven with your parents. I have a son too, and he’s good-looking, just like you. I think you two will become good friends.”
The little girl’s eyes twinkled. “Really?”
Amelia nodded, saying, “He’s younger than you, but he’s really smart. I think you two will get along really well.”
“Okay. I’ll definitely get Mommy and Daddy to bring me over. I want to see him. Ms. Amelia, let’s make a pinky promise. If you lie to me, then you’re an ugly doggy.”
Hence, both of them made a pinky promise.
After making her promise to the little girl, Amelia bid her farewells to every member of the Winters family who came to send her off. She then told Spencer to take good care of Melanie and Dominic and to call her if there was anything he needed. After all, they were a family.
With that, Amelia and Oscar passed through the security check and boarded the plane. The Winters family watched the plane fly off before going home in their car.
