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Shane understood what Natalie was going through. “It has got nothing to do with you. Regardless of your action,
Joyce would have known everything from the others and made the same decision. The ending will still be the
same.” He consoled her with a gentle hug and comforting words.
Natalie gaped at him. “But...”
“Don't overthink things.” Shane patted her shoulder as if to soothe her. “I can understand why Joyce did that.”
The Rivers couple turned their heads to Shane as soon as he said that.
The latter added, “The accumulation of resentment into hatred is too deep for both families. Moreover, Stanley's
parents died because of the Rivers. The only thing Joyce could do to atone for her family was to exchange peace
with her life. It's impossible for her to make her parents sacrifice themselves. Hence, the only option left was to
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttake her own life.”
Frederick continued to pound his chest and stamp his feet out of exasperation. “Oh my, that girl... Why would she
think of it this way? It was a grudge of our generation, and it should be resolved among us. How could she do it on
our behalf? Why did she...”
Caitlin, on the other hand, cried hysterically. “Joyce... Boo... Hoo...”
For a moment, the old couple seemed to have aged even more.
Natalie's heart wrenched painfully. She moved her trembling lips, wanting to say something, but Frederick spoke
first. “Actually, Caitlyn and I have come up with a solution to settle all the issues with the Quinn family.
Unfortunately, Joyce acted in a rash before we could translate our thoughts into action.”
“What? You've got a way to end the long-standing feud?” blurted Natalie in surprise.
They nodded in response.
Natalie released Shane's hand and strode forward to hold Caitlin's instead. “Mr. and Mrs. Rivers, what was the
solution? Why didn't you do anything about it?”
Had they prioritized a reconciliation between the two families, Joyce wouldn't need to go through the terrible
dilemma, to the extent that she had to take things into her own hands and give up her life for it.
Caitlin and Frederick exchanged glances.
Then, Frederick smiled wryly. “In fact, it's the same solution as what Joyce had thought of - an eye for an eye, a life
for a life. Undeniably, we were the ones who indirectly exposed Stanley's parents whereabouts and caused them to
be murdered. We can totally understand why Stanley hates us to the core and wants to make us responsible for his
parents' death. We were so disheartened to see how cold he was to Joyce. So, Caitlyn and I thought that resolving
the family conflict ourselves would grant Joyce and Stanley a positive change in their relationship. Then...”
Frederick wiped his tears away before continuing, “Then, Caitlyn and I made up our minds to leave this world after
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmour sixtieth birthday. This would settle everything once and for all. Stanley wouldn't hold a grudge against us
anymore, and Joyce would stand a chance to be with him. However, as time went by, we saw how Stanley
antagonized Joyce, and their relationship turned from bad to worse. It was then when Caitlyn and I realized that he
would never be with Joyce regardless if the family dispute was resolved.”
“That's right. So, Frederick and I wanted Joyce to find new love, date someone else, and be happy again. We're
about to turn sixty. With that, we urged Joyce to forget about Stanley and start anew. We were really hoping to see
her get married before we end our lives. It was our wish to see her tying the knot with someone who would love her
dearly, someone whom she could rely on after our passing. Unbeknownst to us, she went ahead and left before
us.”
Caitlin broke down in anguish.
Natalie was struck silent.
Initially, she had the impression that the couple thought of a win-win solution.
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