The Lifespan Doll

Chapter 2

Even after the wedding, Judith refused to accept me. She wouldn't even let me into her house.

Victor went alone to visit her at Christmas and on other holidays.

No matter how many gifts I bought her or how much I did for her, she remained cold. More than once, she mocked me in front of friends and relatives for shamelessly throwing myself at her son.

Victor would take my hand. "Give her time. She'll accept you eventually."

Then, a year ago, Judith was hospitalized.

Victor begged me to look after her.

"If you care for her the way you would your own mother, she'll see what you're doing for her. You'll win her over. Nadine, I know you're tired, but you have to do it yourself. That's how she'll know you mean it and that you care. I can't spend my whole life stuck between you two. Please don't make this harder for me."

I sighed, feeling helpless.

I hired a caregiver for the day and looked after Judith myself at night.

I made her soup and gave her massages until I was exhausted.

All I got in return were cruel remarks and contempt.

Then, 3 months ago, she slapped me because I hadn't put enough salt in her chicken soup.

"You were the one who forced your way into this family. You should know what that means! You're lucky I don't make you wait on me on your knees, and you still can't be bothered to do this properly?"

Furious, I slammed the door on my way out. I hadn't been back to the hospital since.

I'd thought I'd never have anything to do with her again. Now she wanted to see me, apologize, and give me a present?

It was too strange. The whole thing made my skin crawl.

When she realized I wasn't going to take the box, her expression changed.

She turned away and squeezed out a few tears.

"Nadine, I understand why you're angry. But I'm dying. I have no reason to lie to you now. I mean every word of my apology. Please take the gift. I won't use it to make you come back and look after me. You don't have to forgive me. All I ask is that you visit my grave on holidays and light a candle for me."

She covered her mouth, her voice breaking. She looked utterly pitiful.

Victor tugged at my sleeve again, more insistently this time.

"Take the box. What are you waiting for? Look at her. Are you really still going to hold a grudge?"

Judith immediately pressed it into my hand again and watched me expectantly.

I pushed it away, my face set.

"I don't want it."

The room went deathly silent.

Judith turned her head, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"So Nadine won't forgive me, even on my deathbed. Fine. I deserve it! I deserve to go to hell with this guilt."

Paige stepped protectively in front of her and glared at me.

"Nadine Ellery, you've gone too far! You were the one who was desperate to marry into this family. So what if Mom looked down on you and never treated you kindly? She's still your mother-in-law. Looking after her and respecting her are your duties. She could treat you like that for the rest of your life, and you'd have no right to complain! Now she's giving you a family heirloom and practically begging for your forgiveness, and you throw it back in her face?"