Esther clung to Jenny, her face buried in her shoulder as she sobbed. It was as if letting go would cause her mother to disappear into thin air. Agnes stood nearby, witnessing the heartfelt reunion between mother and daughter, but her heart ached unbearably. Why was Esther's mother Jenny? The slight smirk on Jenny's lips made Agnes feel that Jenny's joy wasn't genuine, but more a smug sense of victory. What did this victory signify? Agnes couldn't comprehend it, but she understood a child's longing for their mother. After all, Esther was Jenny's flesh and blood. No matter what, she wouldn't harm her own daughter.
Esther's tears soon turned into laughter as she excitedly turned towards Nocturne, saying, “Nocturne, did you see that? I found my mom. I have a mom too.” The pure joy emanating from Esther was undeniable. She couldn't wait to share her happiness with the person she cared about most—her brother Nocturne. Nocturne offered a gentle smile, simply saying, “As long as you're happy.”
At this moment, Jenny and Elton also noticed the boy. Jenny, surprised, asked, “Agnes, is this your son?” Agnes nodded, “Yes, this is my son Nocturne.” She beckoned Nocturne over and introduced, “This is Aunt Jenny, and that's Mr. Taylor.” Nocturne greeted politely, “Hello, Aunt Jenny.” Then, turning to Elton, he surprisingly called out, “Hey, Elton.”
Agnes was taken aback. Why did Nocturne call Elton by his first name? Before she could ask, Elton stepped in to explain, “Back when I was at your godfather's place, I met Noc a couple of times. I'm the sixth, you're the seventh, so him calling me Elton is just fine.” Agnes was astonished, “You’ve met before?” This revelation meant something. It signified that Elton had been aware of her whereabouts all these years. He knew she was the godfather's daughter. He knew she had a son. And she had been kept in the dark.
No wonder Elton never showed up at any of the gatherings over the years. Once, when Agnes came to visit Nocturne, she was told Esther's dad would also be visiting. Curious, she decided to wait. Later, she was informed that Esther's dad had come and gone after a brief glance. Back then, Agnes found it odd. Now it made sense. Elton had come, and he must have seen her then. For years, Elton had been lurking in the shadows. And she felt like she was living in a glass jar, on display for others. It was an unnerving feeling.
But at that moment, Agnes chose not to dwell on it. Jenny, sensing something, made a sarcastic remark, “Seems like you two have been quite close over the years.” Jared approached Agnes, suggesting, “We should say goodbye to the old man now.” Eager to leave, Agnes bid farewell and left with Nocturne.
Esther was visibly sad to see Nocturne go. Standing at the doorway, Esther handed Nocturne a small sachet, “I made this myself. It’s filled with dried herbs. If you ever feel sleepy or down, just take a sniff, and it’ll perk you up. Promise me you’ll keep it with you, and whenever you see it, think of me, okay?”
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