The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 762 Confession

Chris glanced at Sheryl and said, "I have to discuss an important matter with Grandpa. I will just go in and talk to him. Give me a few minutes and I will be back soon."

Chris then went inside looking for Gary. Sam and Sheryl were left standing in the courtyard. "Sheryl, I heard about Shirley's condition. I am happy to see her better now," Sam said politely. Bad news travelled fast. A bitter expression descended on her face.

Sam noticed her expression and explained, "I did not mean to offend you. I just wanted to tell you that you can ask for my help if needed."

"Thank you, Sam. That is kind of you," Sheryl said in a mild tone.

Sam was amazed. He could tell that Sheryl's attitude was different towards him. He looked at her face and stammered, "You... You have..."

"Yes, my memory has come back." Sheryl delivered this news to him with a smile. "How time flies! Sam, you are also a father now. Many congratulations!"

"Your memory has really come back, right? Oh, that is the best news I have heard in a long time." Sam hugged her immediately in rapture. "Sheryl, I have been praying for this miracle for a long time. Oh God! I am so happy," he said.

Sam embraced her so tightly, like he was afraid that she would go missing once again if he released her. He asked Sheryl nervously, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Do you know I was so worried about you?" Sheryl said with a laugh, "I know Sam, I know."

Then she patted Sam's back and teased, "Release me now or Chris will be very jealous if she sees this."

Sam's sad look vanished. He released Sheryl immediately and glanced at her laughing loudly. He said, "Haha! You still remember that Chris was always jealous when she saw you with me back then." "Of course. That is one of my clearest memories," Sheryl teased with a smile.

She felt relaxed in Sam's company and was comforted by the warmth he displayed to her.

Soon, Chris came running out. Gary had told her that Sheryl had recovered her memory. She saw them talking and laughing and she ran and hugged Sheryl immediately.

With tears in her eyes, she dramatically asked Sheryl, "Why didn't you tell me all this? I missed you so much. Oh, I am the happiest person alive today!"

Sheryl looked at Chris with soft eyes and consoled, "Chris, stop crying for heaven's sake. Shirley and Charlie will mock you if they see you crying like this. I knew Gary would tell you and I just wanted to see this reaction of yours. I missed you too."

Chris stopped crying finally. Her mood lifted and she instantly began planning to set right and rebuild the relationship between Sheryl and Charles. "Sheryl, now that your memory has recovered, will you and Shirley move back in with Charles?" she pleaded.

She gripped Sheryl's hand and added, "He is so lonely without you. The past three years have been a torture for my poor brother. You have to come back, so you..."

"Chris!" Sam interrupted Chris when he saw Sheryl's embarrassed expression. "Just let Sheryl make the decision for herself. We should not concern ourselves about it."

"But..." Chris was confused. Sheryl and Charles were a couple. Chris thought it was very natural to expect Sheryl to live with her husband.

"Chris." Sheryl heaved a deep sigh and said to Chris, "Just let me deal with this matter in the way your brother and I see fit. No offence but so much has happened and I cannot become Autumn again. Chris was rendered speechless as she heard Sheryl's words. "Fine," she said unhappily.

Chris invited Sheryl for lunch. Sheryl had no appetite as she was still tense about Shirley. She politely refused and begged them to excuse her.

Andy went to Anthony's house and kept a lookout for him. His appointment with Abby was soon. He waited and kept an eye out for Anthony at the gate. He finally caught him as soon as he came there. Anthony was surprised when he saw Andy. "Andy! Hello! What are you doing here?"

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"I have been looking out for you for several days. Luckily, I have finally found you." Andy was exasperated and his tone was annoyed. "I want to let you know that I can't keep your secret any more. Things have changed now. I hope you will forgive me for that."

He glanced at Anthony and said, "I had agreed to keep your secret safe because I knew you really loved Autumn. I thought that it was good for all concerned, particularly the two of you. I hoped you both would replace happiness together. Things have changed now. So much has happened that nothing is in my control now."

He shrugged and added, "I never expected you to try to rape her. Her whole family is shocked, especially Abby. So..."

"I understand. I know things have changed now Andy." Anthony smiled bitterly and said, "I am truly sorry for my misconduct that night. I was drunk and not in my senses then."

He said earnestly, "I threatened you three years ago to keep my secret safe. Yet, you are concerned about me and have come to warn me that my secret is going to be revealed to all soon. I really appreciate you for this."

He sighed deeply and added, "I understand your predicament. Your wife is Sheryl's aunt after all. If push comes to shove, you are free to reveal that secret. Anyway, its time has come and it will be known to everyone soon."

Anthony was resigned to his fate now. He knew his game was up and his true face was about to be revealed sooner or later.

In a heavy and weary voice, Andy said, "Okay Anthony. I have to leave now. I have finished saying what I came to say. Take care of yourself. I wish you all the best and may God protect you."

Andy directly went home from Anthony's house. Abby had been anxiously waiting for him and she gripped his hand tightly as soon as she saw him. She was a nervous wreck and asked, "When will you tell me all that you know? I have lost my peace of mind and am unable to sleep properly because of your secret. Andy, please be honest with me and tell me everything frankly. I think I will have a nervous breakdown soon as I am going mad with worry and tension."

Andy patted her hand and said awkwardly, "Abby, take it easy. I have promised to tell you everything and I will do as I said."

He gripped Abby's hand lovingly and said, "Let's go replace Mom and Dad now. I want to reveal the whole story in their presence. They have a right to know."

Abby felt somewhat reassured when she heard Andy's words. When they reached her parents' house they found Amy cooking and Arthur talking to a doctor on the phone. He was discussing various treatment options for Shirley.

Abby was embarassed as she called them to the living room. "Mom and Dad, please come and sit here. Andy and I want to tell you something."

"Abby, what has happened dear? Why are you looking so serious? You are looking very anxious too." Amy frowned as she sensed something deep was going to be discussed. She instantly assumed the worst seeing their upset faces.

"Mom, it is about Sheryl. Andy and I are fine. It is not about us." Abby looked at her parents with shameful eyes and they were both surprised to hear their daughter's words.

Arthur and Amy exchanged a glance. Then Amy took charge. She glanced at Andy and Abby and said, "Just sit down first. Have you both eaten? We can eat first and then talk."

"No, thanks. We are fine and just want to talk to you both. Andy has something to say," Abby answered for her husband. As Andy's wife she felt obliged to face the aftermath of his confession. Though she herself would be hearing about it for the first time and had no part to play in it, she somehow felt guilty.

She would bear the consequences with Andy no matter what punishment her parents chose to give him.