Ruth was good in many ways, but she was too soft-hearted. Like a child, she always needed someone to coax her. If not for that, she wouldn't have been so easily fooled by Esmerelda and lost her life because of it…

I steadied my emotions and walked over, taking the purse from Ruth's hand. "You know you have high blood pressure, and you're supposed to keep your diet light. Today's your birthday. I had so many surprises planned for you.

"Even if I've done something wrong, you have to tell me, so I can change. You just left without a word, ignoring my calls and texts. Did you not think I'd be worried sick?"

It was the first time I'd ever spoken to Ruth like this. Her eyes widened in surprise, her expression conflicted.

As she was about to speak, Esmerelda cut in. "Clara, don't blame Mom. I told her I hated eating alone, so she came to keep me company. She didn't even take a single bite."

I nodded. "Is that so? Then, why didn't you just tell me that earlier?"

Esmerelda was at a loss for words.

"We're a family," I reminded her with a smile. "And with how easy it is to stay in touch these days, you can just talk to me directly next time."

If we had been better at communicating in the past, things might not have ended so tragically.

Ruth looked embarrassed. "I know. I just…"

"Just wanted to challenge you" was probably the sentence she couldn't finish.

Losing her husband and son one after another had shattered her. And though Esmerelda had finally come back from studying abroad, it had only been a few months.

Ruth had put everything onto me, which was why she had doubts. She was terrified I might leave her too…

My own mother had been like that before she passed. Perhaps that was why I cared so much about Ruth, because I wanted to make up for past regrets.

Okay, maybe I overdid it…

I took Ruth's hand. "Come on. Let's go home and see the cake I made for you."

Her eyes lit up immediately.

"You can only have a little piece, though," I quickly added. I saw her shoulders slump in disappointment. "To make up for that, you can skip tomorrow morning's workout. But in the afternoon, I'm taking you somewhere."

Ruth lifted her head, eyes shining. Seemingly in disbelief, she asked, "Really?"

I nodded with a smile.

Ruth hated early morning workouts more than anything. The moment she heard it was canceled, her eyes lit up.

…

However, later that night, I heard her thoughts clearly. "Maybe I should cancel. Clara doesn't like it when I go out with Mary."

That so-called "friend" always dragged Ruth to play cards, eat, and drink sinfully. Ruth would come home with empty pockets or collapse and get sent to the hospital.

As I was thinking it over, Esmerelda's voice rang out. "Mom, aren't you going shopping with Mrs. Prichett tomorrow? Why aren't you in bed yet?"

She had heard Ruth's thoughts and was trying to push her.

Ruth hesitated. "But Clara said she had plans for me tomorrow…"

"Your birthday is already over. Whatever she has planned, it can't be that important. Her heart's in the right place, but she's too controlling. You're not a child. You're allowed to have friends."

Esmerelda continued, "You and Clara are probably always arguing because of the generational gap. I'm closer to her age. I'll explain it to her."

Right then, Ruth's inner voice flickered again. 'But I had such a nice talk with Clara today. Is there really a generational gap? Or does she see something wrong with Mary that I don't?'

Ruth still trusted me.

The reason I wanted Ruth to come out with me was to see a cardiac surgeon.

Her high blood pressure had already led to complications—a heart attack. Only a complex bypass surgery could effectively relieve her symptoms.

It had taken me a lot of effort to secure an appointment with this doctor, who had a flawless surgical record. I had even told Esmerelda about it, telling her not to let Ruth get into any nonsense these few days.

Yet, Esmerelda urged Ruth, "Mrs. Prichett asked me yesterday if Clara was mistreating you. No matter how I explained, she wouldn't believe me. She even said if this goes on, you'll be driven to your death!

"With how nosy she is, she might even call the police on Clara. Why not just go this time and clear things up for Clara?"

I heard Ruth say inwardly, 'Clara's such a good daughter-in-law. How can the police take her away? I'll just go this time, then. When I come back, I'll apologize to Clara.'

A moment later, Ruth looked regretful. "Maybe I should tell Clara. She'll be worried…"

"No need!" Esmerelda quickly stopped her. "Clara has been busy apologizing to relatives all day for leaving them hanging. She's been on the phone for hours, lost her voice, took medicine, and fell asleep.

"She probably can't take you out anyway. Let her rest. When she wakes up, I'll explain everything."

Esmerelda wouldn't give up, and Ruth finally gave in.

When I came back out, the living room was empty except for Esmerelda lying on the couch with a face mask on. She said, "Mom told Mrs. Prichett that she's seen enough of you lately. She hardly gets to see Mrs. Prichett, so she went out with her."

She frowned and continued, "I told her to let you know, but she snapped at me, saying that she's not a child who needs permission to see her own friends. She even scolded me for siding with you instead of her."

Upon hearing this, my expression darkened instantly.

At this, Esmerelda's lips curled in satisfaction. "She said you preach communication, but you're still too controlling, and that talking to you is like talking to a wall. She said she'd rather enjoy her life and die than be starved and worked to death by you!"

Her voice dropped lower, but her words grew sharper. "She even said your strong-willed character is what killed your own mother. And it's probably what drove Ethan to death too…"

In my past life, it was these words that pushed me to pack up my things and return to my mother's house. When Ruth fell ill and ended up in the hospital, I let my temper slip and said things I didn't mean.

Each time Ruth softened up and tried to explain, she was cut off. In the end, we were only harsh with each other, and our relationship grew strained…

After hearing what Esmerelda said, I still stormed out. However, this time, I followed Ruth instead.

I watched as she defended me to Mary, and how she kept my warnings in mind, refusing every temptation of unhealthy food, no matter how much Mary urged her. I even watched how she learned from me, advising Mary to take care of her health and stop being reckless.

By evening, Ruth came home. I followed behind, carrying some of her favorite fruit.

She was just about to unlock the door when Esmerelda dragged her inside first. I didn't rush in. I wanted to hear the act Esmerelda would put on.

"Mom, Clara is furious…"

Ruth sounded anxious. "Didn't you explain on my behalf?"

"I did, but she wouldn't listen. She said you've lost your mind, and she won't bother with you anymore…"

Ruth instantly grew mad. "Don't worry. Go to your room. I'll talk to her again."

"Forget it!" she snapped, plopping onto the couch. "If she doesn't care about me, then fine. She's being completely unreasonable. I was doing it for her own good!"

I hurriedly stepped in, held up the bag of fruit, and said, "I just went out to buy these. Who said I didn't care about you?"

Then, I shot Esmerelda a cold glare. "And tell me, why did Mom leave without me? You didn't explain a thing to her, did you?"

Ruth spun around abruptly, staring at Esmerelda in disbelief. "You told me it wasn't anything important!"