Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 369: What Could Prayers Without Actions Do?

Chapter 369: What Could Prayers Without Actions Do?

"Do you remember how you abandoned me when I was... pregnant and helpless six years ago?"

The weight of Leslie’s words compelled Rowan and Bianca into shock, their hearts suspended for a second. The bewilderment in their eyes abruptly changed into horror.

Not giving Rowan and Bianca any chance to respond, Leslie resumed speaking. Her frosty tone had a sharp bite at the edge, her eyes glowering in suppressed fury.

"You also did nothing when the cruel old woman robbed me of my child... right after her birth."

Each of Leslie’s words electrified Rowan and Bianca. They shivered in fright as cold sweat broke on their backs.

What Leslie had just said brought back the unpleasant memories from six years ago, the ones Rowan and Bianca tried hard not to remember.

What was this?

Why... why did their daughter bring up this issue?

"...?!"

Her eyes widened in realization, Bianca stiffly moved her trembling pupils from Leslie to Calix. She didn’t know whether to feel horrified, perplexed or relieved to see how casual the young man was.

As if... he had known about this six-year-old’s worth of secret.

Rowan also noticed the same thing as Bianca. His baffled gaze fell on Leslie and Calix.

’This... can’t be.’

Old Madam Li ordered everyone who knew about Charlene’s surprise pregnancy to keep their mouths sealed. She quickly banished her unfavored eldest granddaughter to a faraway place to hide.

Abortion was out of the question.

Charlene wanted to keep the child while Old Madam Li feared bad karma striking their family. The matriarch’s belief in superstitions allowed the young lady to save her pregnancy.

Rowan and Bianca still remembered clearly how chaotic that particular period was. Unable to resist the Li family’s matriarch, they persuaded Charlene to endure the unexpected hardship.

"Mother, Father, I’m scared... Please... can’t I stay here?"

Charlene’s pleas fell on deaf ears as Rowan and Bianca couldn’t fight against Old Madam Li’s iron-clad mandate. As their eldest daughter left in tears, they prayed so hard for Charlene’s pregnancy to go smoothly.

But... what could prayers without actions do?

Bianca shook her head, unwilling to be carried away by the memories of six years ago when there was a more pressing issue at hand. Her lips shivering, she forced herself to speak.

"C-Charlene, why... why are you bringing this... up? And even in front of..."

Trailing off, Bianca timidly glanced at Calix who hadn’t spoken a word. Her son-in-law’s lips curled up but, danger glinted in his darkened eyes instead of joy.

"Calix knew..." replied Leslie coldly. She briefly looked at Calix before adding, "There’s nothing to hide..."

Calix nodded once. Raising his palm from the cushion behind Leslie’s back, he grasped one side of her shoulders.

"I was disgusted once I heard how my wife got treated during her pregnancy. The Li family’s backward values continue to shock me."

Calix finally spoke after a long period of silence, his tone full of ridicule. Neither Rowan nor Bianca dared to retort as they sensed menace radiating from the young man.

Suppressing his fury from gushing out, Calix mocked, "I never thought you’d exile your own daughter just because she got pregnant unexpectedly. Are these your ancestors’ teachings?

"We didn’t exile our daughter!" Rowan yelled. Driven by frustration, he almost jumped to his feet, "It’s not..."

"Yes! The matriarch decided to banish Charlene!" Calix raised his voice, stopping Rowan mid-sentence. Scowling, he snarled, "But, you didn’t do enough to save your daughter. You’re cowards."

Rowan’s breath hitched.

Bianca’s jaw dropped.

Leslie’s frosty countenance had no changes.

Flustered by Calix’s words of condemnation, Rowan shouted albeit stutteringly, "C-Calix! We’re your elders! Don’t disrespect us!"

"Don’t speak to my husband in that tone!"

Rowan’s eyes darted to Leslie, surprised to hear her shouting. Bianca’s complexion grew paler. She looked at her husband and the young spouses alternatively.

Gritting her teeth, Leslie tried to hold back her anger. Heat emanated from her heart, flaring to every inch of her insides.

How dare they?

They had no remorse!

"..."

Sensing Calix’s familiar touch on her shoulder and back, Leslie took a deep breath. Her eyes remained on Rowan and Bianca’s ashen looks.

"You have to earn respects, not demand them... I take back my decision from reconciling with... any of you... If you have any shame, stay away from my life... Do you feel guilty now? I don’t give a damn!"

Leslie didn’t personally experience everything that destroyed Charlene on the inside but, she knew enough was enough.

Sure. Old Madam Li ruled the entire Li family like a tyrant but, Rowan and Bianca didn’t have even an inch of spine to protect Charlene when she needed them—her parents—the most.

Rowan and Bianca’s recent move showed they had the capacity to bring Charlene and Irene away from the poisonous Li family.

But! They kept letting go of the options until now.

Who was to blame aside from themselves?

Calix refrained from sighing. He gently stroked Leslie’s back. She was visibly shaken now compared to her impassive look earlier.

Rising to his feet, Calix gestured to a direction with a slight tilt of his chin.

"You may leave now. Stop making excuses. We won’t hear you."

Calix’s tone had a hint of finality. It was clear he was extending what little left of his patience and courtesy.

But...

"Charlene, please... Don’t..."

Calix swiftly cut Rowan off, his voice sterner.

"Leave. Or, I’ll call the guards."

Rowan and Bianca’s teary eyes looked at Leslie but, her gaze lay elsewhere. Seeing the lady’s shoulders shaking slightly tore their guilt-ridden hearts.

"...we’ll leave."

Rowan and Bianca reluctantly walked away from the lounge. They kept looking at Leslie yet, their action was futile.

Until...

Leslie’s voice echoed behind them, halting Rowan and Bianca’s steps.

"You know what? I’ve always wanted... to leave but, I didn’t have the courage... You can’t stop me now..."

Leslie was telling the truth. Charlene indeed had plans to leave the Li family forever but, the little resources she had slowed her progress.

Having no energy left, Rowan and Bianca looked sadly at Leslie. They tried moving their mouths yet, no words slipped out.

No amount of apology could ever heal the countless scars they caused to their daughter.