A Ruling Passion – Chapter 1542

“I didn’t feel a tinge of sadness when my husband died. In fact, I just felt elated, I was emancipated. There’s nothing I wanted more than to flee there, and I stopped for no one and nothing until I finally made it home. But then I realized something, I can’t stop hating him. He’s dead already, and yet I can’t cease to hate. Hell, I wish I had defaced him and crushed his bones into powder. And that’s when I learned, you can’t dissolve and let go of real hatred so easily; it’s nigh impossible. So, how could Arianne stop hating you? How is it possible for her to not only transverse hate but to come to love you? I don’t understand. I don’t believe it...”

By this point, Shelly seemed to have lost control over her emotions, devolving into a crying mess.

Mark took a piece of tissue for her. “I understand now, Aunt Shelly. It’s alright, trust me. I’ll talk to Arianne about this, and she’ll definitely understand you, she’s very rational,” he comforted gently. “Aunt Shelly, you should let go of the pains of the past. I know it’s a history of agony and trauma, but you’ve escaped that nightmare already. You’ve stepped out of the abyss and are now safe in a place where light doesn’t die. So, please... Discard the beliefs you have formed while you were in a very dark place and refrain from being unnecessarily allergic, okay? Because I can assure you, your life is on the right, positive track now. Even if you can’t find it in you to trust Arianne right away, you should still endeavor to know her better. I’m confident that time reveals everything as it will to you.”

Shelly nodded. “Please help me tell her I’m sorry. I was the one stepping over lines last night, and I almost... I almost hit her. I truly want you to live happily ever after, Mark I have no other family and children, so I see you as though you’re my own flesh and blood. I will not let any harm come to pass,” she said. “I might not be able to accept her right now, but I promise you, I’ll work on it. All I hope is that she truly loves you and wants to spend the rest of her life with you. Now, I’ll admit that I have some... uh, minor psychological problems. It’s easy for me to go down a slippery slope into the extreme, but I’ll try to control myself as best I can and not start a fight with her. Perhaps today, I should seek a therapist and begin treatment as soon as I’m able. I don’t want to cause any more trouble to you.”

“I see. To be honest, I can tell, your mental state might need some help,” Mark replied, nodding. “I bet it was the effect of the trauma in your past. If that’s the case, I’ll drive to work myself today and leave Brian at your service. You’re not in a state to drive right now, so I think it’s better if you let him take you anywhere you need. Oh, and may I ask you one last thing?”