Chapter 409: To let go [5]

"Indeed, you have failed me. There were many moments when you could have noticed your actions, taken accountability, and worked to be better. No one wants to have an awful relationship with their mother," said Iris, her disappointment weighing heavily upon her heart.

"I was trying to do what was best for you and Reece," Agatha said, defending her actions.

"I believe that, but I also believe you cared about how you could benefit from your plans for us. If we are telling you that we are happy, why must you be stubborn and have it your way? You were wrong in not accepting Reece’s marriage," Iris pointed out.

"Reece is happy with his wife and quite excited to become a father. The way you went to meet with Mrs Bailey, you should have been eager to meet the parents of his wife. Imagine his disappointment and understand why he could not face you," Iris said.

"I had a marriage set up for him. I did not think he would be engaged."

"I understand that, as I was surprised he withheld the news, but to expect him to discard his wife and child was awful. What if someone had told my father to do that to you? Would you not have been angry?" Iris asked, though she already knew the answer.

"Your father knew better than to listen. Reece must have inherited that trait from his father. I know that I was wrong, but when you hold pride as I do, it is not easy to admit you are sorry. Besides, your brother already hates me," said Agatha.

"It is not too late for you to apologise and meet his new family. Your husband didn’t have time to make up for his actions. In truth, there was no way he could come back after killing his brother, but you had the chance to make it all better," Iris said.

"I cannot afford to travel out of town to see your brother. I am barely affording to get around here. I have to worry about paying for a shelter to rest my head and eventually pay the debt," Agatha said, weighed down by all she needed to do.

"The debts have been settled. Zayne was the one who dealt with them so I would not be troubled. Work and save to take care of yourself. Reece and I don’t have any use for our childhood home, so you should return there," Iris suggested.

"I do not think it is wise to return to that home with neighbours who shall hate me," Agatha said, worried they would attack her. She shuddered at the thought of their judgmental stares.

"That is why you should return with an apology and work towards getting them to forgive you. They won’t forgive you right away, but someday they might. You can’t expect everyone to forgive you all because you have fallen so far," Iris said honestly.

"Did you truly think you could come crying to me and I would save you? What were you honestly expecting?" Iris asked, genuinely curious.

"I thought you would take care of me as I once did for you. I thought wrong," Agatha admitted, the bitter taste of regret settling in her mouth.

Agatha’s gaze slowly moved away from Iris to the people walking by. She noticed them whispering amongst themselves. The stares were directed at her and Iris.

Agatha looked down at her dress, which was not suited for the mother of a young woman engaged to Zayne Bailey. She hated to think that she was embarrassing Iris.

Iris followed Agatha’s gaze and knew her concerns. "Ignore them. They shall always talk."

Agatha gripped the front of her dress. "You finally have all that I wanted for you, and yet, I am spoiling it. This is what I thought was always possible for you."

Agatha stared at Iris. She needed the help, but more importantly, she needed Iris to succeed. For all the people who talked to be proven wrong.

Agatha closed her eyes, accepting that this wouldn’t go as she planned. She opened her eyes and rested her hands on Iris’s shoulders. "Forget about me. You have placed yourself in a good position, and I won’t spoil it for you. Focus on the happiness before you."

Agatha could live happily knowing Iris succeeded. Everyone who doubted her was proven wrong.

"My stubbornness and dislike of your cousin will never go away easily, but I am truly sorry for how I treated you. How I made you feel. You deserve this without me interfering to spoil it for you. I hope one day you can truly forgive me," Agatha said, yearning to hug Iris, but she resisted.

Agatha took her hands off Iris’s shoulders. "I shouldn’t stay too long to start up rumours, and I have work to get back to. I am not fond of her, but she didn’t speak ill of you, so I’m certain his mother will care for you."

Agatha raised her hand to tidy Iris’s hair. Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against the soft strands. "If there is trouble, you can come find me. I stay at an inn near here. It is the one that we always said is one winter away from falling."

"Mother, return to our old home. I don’t have any use for it, and neither does Reece. It is better to be there than waste your money on a place to rest your head. Rebuild what you destroyed and, when you have succeeded, I shall come to you," Iris promised.

"Truly? You would visit and sit with me?" Agatha asked, unable to believe it.

"Yes, but only once you have proven yourself. I will even come with a proper dress, as this dress doesn’t suit you," Iris said, trying to lighten the mood. "There is hope for us and Reece. We must do our part to get there."

Agatha responded by stepping forward to hug Iris. "You must be safe, Iris. I was worried when you weren’t at my side."

Iris didn’t move at first as it felt strange to receive a hug from her mother after so long. Slowly, she raised her hands to hug Agatha.

"And you must be safe as well. Do take care of yourself, Mother. I look forward to when we shall speak again. I will consider inviting you to the wedding."

"You don’t need to," Agatha said, turning down the offer. She stepped back, not wanting Iris tied to her. "I couldn’t attend such an occasion."

"I wouldn’t like to look back on this time and regret not having one parent present. I shall prepare a dress, if needed, and send the invitation. I only need some time to think," Iris requested.

"Very well. I must get back to my work," Agatha said, turning away from Iris. "I truly hope you do better than I did. It pleases me to know that you are not like me."

As Agatha walked away, a complicated ache settled in her chest.