Loraine’s heart swelled with emotion as she rushed over to enfold Eloise in a heartfelt hug.
“Mrs. Harvey, it's me, I've chome!” Eloise’s Affection Loraine recollected her childhood years when Eloise seemed much younger, her hair not as white. She would watch the children play with a kind and gentle smile. Even when a child made a mistake, she could barely bring herself to scold them, often releasing a heavy sigh at most.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDespite the passage of time, everything here seemed almost untouched, and this consistency flooded Loraine with a profound sense of familiarity and warmth.
Eloise, trembling slightly, held Loraine by the shoulders, scrutinizing her intently. Once she confirmed it was indeed Loraine standing before her, she was unable to contain her joy and exclaimed repeatedly, “You're back, that’s wonderful! You're back!” She caressed Loraine’s arm, taking in her appearance, before sighing warmly, “You look fantastic. Our Lorrie was always a beauty, and now she’s grown up to be even more elegant and stunning! Each year, the Torres family sends aid, and | always inquire about your well-being.
They tellthat you're doing splendidly, that you've becinfluential, that you've taken over the Torres family and even becthe CEO of the Universe Group! Oh, at first, | could hardly believe it.
ninja Our little girl, so accomplished? Now that | see you in person, | can rest assured. It seems you've thrived these past years!” Elders often have endless tales to share when they reunite with their beloved younger ones. As Loraine listened to this familiar chatter, her eyes started to well up.
“I'm sorry, Mrs. Harvey. It's been so long since | last visited. | should have returned sooner to repay your kindness.” Eloise, recalling the village rumors about Loraine, gave a Light sigh and shook her head. “Silly child, staying away was the right thing to do. This place is steeped in poverty and hardship. There's no benefit here. You've made your way out. It’s much better for you to remain out there.” Softly sniffling, Loraine wrapped her arms around Eloise, leaning into her embrace and basking in the familiar warmth.
At this moment, she showed none of the authoritative aura that she wore when making decisions at the Universe Group. She was just a little girl, leaning affectionately on her elder.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEloise’s affectionate smile suggested that she was used to this behavior. She gently patted Loraine on the back, comforting her with patience and warmth.
“It's good that you're back, no need to cry. You're such a beautiful girl. Tears don’t becyou, my dear. | am perfectly well. The Torres family sends so many provisions every year. It’s all due to Lorrie, isn’t it? Your help has enabled the orphanage to survive until today and to help so many children. How can you say that you haven't repaidyet? You've repaidlong ago!” Seeing Loraine’s tears, Marco felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He yearned to hold her, to offer comfort. But she was already nestled in Eloise’s arms, leaving him standing awkwardly under the curious eyes of the young children.
Marco had rarely seen Loraine cry before. Even when she weathered a storm of ill-treatment after marrying into the Bryant family, and when her marriage finally ended in divorce, not a single tear had fallen from her eyes.
In his memories, Loraine was always a figure of strength and resilience, so why was she shedding tears now? His heart constricted, believing that Loraine must have been harboring a great deal of pain, only feeling safe to express her emotions in the company of her cherished elder.