It turned out they were arguing over Christopher and I; I sighed internally. Mark had said before that he would help me persuade Isabelle, but she never gave in. I thought that Mark had given up after Christopher refused to join his business.
“Do you even hear yourself? Please. Think about what you’re saying. Eve marrying Christopher is the best thing that could happen to her. Why are you being so stubborn?”
“If it were anything else, I would listen to you, but not this time. Mark, I know you are worried about your newly found daughter. However, can’t you extend that same consideration for me? I’ve been with you for so long. While I may hold the title of your wife, I will always be known as that woman that abandoned her husband and daughter. We never even had a wedding ceremony, yet I chose to leave with you.
“Similarly, I am willing to be just as determined for my family. Even if Yvonne ends up hating me, I won’t budge. He was my brother. Didn’t you look up to him too? If he wasn’t dead, maybe you guys might be good friends.” Isabelle covered her face with her hands and started to sob.
“Don’t bring up Robert in front of me. He was the one who didn’t want anything to do with me back then. Otherwise, you would have married me long ago,” Mark snapped back. When he saw Isabelle crying, he went up to give her a hug.
“After being together so many years, I know how good you are to me. I’ve always known. No matter how I mess up, you always forgive me. Since you chose me, you’re mine to cherish forever. You will always be a part of the Goldstein family now. So, how could I ever bear to hurt you?
“But when it comes to Eve, it’s different. She’s important to us both. Taking a step back will be better for all of us. Please, just give in this once. When everything is settled, you can do whatever you want to. I promise I won’t stop you, okay?”
Mark squeezed Isabelle gently on the shoulders. In his dark grey eyes, a glint flashed through. Looking at her, he said, “Promise me, Belle. Please.”
“N-No… I can’t… I really can’t.” Seeing him like this, Isabelle’s expression changed drastically. This was a sign that he was about to lose his temper. If they continued talking about this, she knew she was going to get in trouble.
Hence, she decided to just say yes for now, and go back on her words later on.
It had been years since someone spoke up for me. I never realized how nice it was to have a father to rely on. My eyes welled up with tears. It was at this moment that I finally accepted him into my heart and acknowledged him as my father.
I did not want them to fight over me. They were already in disagreement, and I did not want things to get worse. I mulled it over and decided to interrupt them. I went over and shouted, “Mom, Dad, morning.”
Seeing me come over, Mark instantly retracted his gloomy expression. “Why didn’t you give me a heads up before heading out? I’ve barely seen you around, and you haven’t been answering your phone either. You silly child. Don’t you know that your family will worry about you?”
“I went out to have a discussion with several of my artist friends. We were all having so much fun that I forgot to give you a call. Sorry for making you worry.”
I warmly grabbed onto his hand. This was the first time I was standing so close to him. “Dad, don’t argue with Mom over me anymore. You guys love each other so much. I don’t want to see your relationship fall apart over me.”
“Silly girl. You are my daughter, so it is only right that I stand up for you. I wasn’t around for you when you were younger, and you suffered a lot. Now, I just want to give you what you want.” Mark gently patted me on the head and sighed.
“Oh, Dad!” I called out with a sob.
“Hmph!” Hearing our loving conversation, Isabelle rolled up her sleeves and left the garden.
