The air was thick with tension in the Donahue household. By the time Octavia was done cooperating with the investigation, it was already afternoon. Her parents were still at the police station, and the rest of her family was similarly ensnared. She tried to free her parents, but the evidence was irrefutable. Those who were once close to the Donahues had already distanced themselves. She watched as the stock prices plummeted, billions evaporating day by day! She could only watch as the Donahue family's fortunes waned, much like the Ulbrichts before them. The scandal involving the Donahues had everyone on edge, especially those families who had kicked them when they were down.
Meanwhile, at the hospital. After the Ulbricht parents' accident, Estelle had been taking care of them. These years, Elijah had been lying low, biding his time. Now that his vendetta was settled, he finally felt he could face his parents.
Estelle had arrived early. Her belly was now showing, and she looked more frail than ever. Elijah frowned, "How has Dominic been taking care of you? Losing weight while pregnant?"
"Morning sickness has been brutal," Estelle confessed, worn out. "Dominic tried everything, but nothing worked. Thankfully, Mrs. Hartman started cooking for me personally, and I've been feeling better these past few days." Elijah was surprised at Mrs. Hartman's change of attitude, "Dominic's not planning to marry you?"
Estelle avoided mentioning the divorce between Dominic and Ivy, not wanting to stir the pot. She gently rubbed her belly, looking down, "Brother, Dominic's been good to me. He's given me everything he can. Please, don't blame him." Elijah tapped her forehead a bit too hard, "You're head over heels!"
They should be foraging for wild berries! Everyone outside saw Estelle as a cautionary tale, yet she was completely devoted to Dominic.
Estelle didn't see it that way, "Brother, isn't that what love is? I've loved Dominic for so long, my life is entwined with his. Why should I give him up just because of public opinion?"
Elijah's talk of foraging was more out of envy than anything. He admired their ability to stick together despite the backlash. Dominic was carrying the weight of his family's expectations, yet he still protected Estelle. And Estelle, despite being scorned, chose to walk this path with Dominic till the end.
"Let Dominic pick you up. I'm going to see mom and dad."
"Okay."
Seeing his parents after three years, Elijah's eyes reddened. When the Ulbrichts fell, Eamon took all the blame and was sentenced to seven years. In prison, he was bullied and fell ill from the despair. If Dominic hadn't pulled strings to get him out, he wouldn't have survived. Mabel, already frail, was hit hard by the Ulbrichts' downfall. By the time Eamon was released, her health had deteriorated from caring for him. Thankfully, Estelle's care had Mabel recovering well. But Eamon was still unconscious.
Entering the room, Elijah saw his mother's frail figure and trembled. "Mom."
Mabel paused, holding a washcloth. Thump-Elijah's knees gave out, "I'm sorry, Mom. It's my fault. I came too late."
Mabel, tears streaming, stood and embraced him, "My dear boy, my dear boy..."
Three years had aged Mabel beyond her years, from a lady of stature to a shadow of her former self. Elijah, tears in his eyes, was consumed with guilt, "Mom, I'm so sorry. I failed to take care of you and Dad." Mabel shook her head, "It's okay, my dear. You've done well."
"Mom, I've found a better hospital," Elijah's voice was husky, "I'll get someone to look after you. And I've bought back the Ulbricht house, we can move back in."
Mabel nodded repeatedly, "My dear boy, my dear boy."
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