ManyWriters

My spouse Noel Seyfertt abandoned my immobilized mother at home while he ventured on a journey with Brianna Bridgers—his longtime friend and Mother's caregiver. My mother pleaded with her son-in-law for assistance, but he disregarded her completely. Upon returning from a work-related excursion, I discovered that Mother had passed away. She had suffered a fatal cardiac event while completely alone. Overwhelmed with sorrow and anger, I contacted Noel. However, he displayed no remorse—merely irritation. "I was only away for a couple of days with Rian! Are you being serious? Your mother has been bedridden for two years without dying! But

Betrayal's Timepiece, A Widow's Deadly Discovery

"Nellie, I deeply regret this," Noel uttered, his words trembling. "Truly, I do. But Rian and I have a long history. She was in tears, begging me. How could I stand by and do nothing?"


He embraced me, disregarding my resistance. "Allow me to make amends. I'll ensure Rian apologizes at Mom's grave. She'll kneel there. Would that suffice?"


Apologize? To Mom? What purpose would that serve now? Could words bring my mother back to life?


I forcefully pushed him away and struck his face hard. "How dare you suggest such a thing, Noel?!"


His face reddened instantly, but he remained passive. He just gazed at me, perplexed by my fury. After a pause, he said, "Nellie, I promise to treat you better from now on. I only assisted Rian because of our shared past, but that's over. Let's move on. Shouldn't we focus on the future?"


His tone grew softer, almost beseeching. "Clinging to the past changes nothing. Can't you understand that?"


I turned away without a glance and began to leave.


Chapter 9