-Chapter 20: A Hidden Past 

Seeing John’s continued silence, Lily laughed, a hint of resentment in her voice.“Oh, so now you’re giving me the silent treatment?” 

Seeing the tears welling in her eyes, John panicked.“Lily, I couldn’t…” “Couldn’t what? What could possibly be more important than our children? Did you even spare a moment to care?” If a responsible adult had intervened, Andy and Amy wouldn’t have been at odds at the banquet. They should have been close. 

Lily’s eyes welled up. 

“Eily, that summer, on Windbreaker Island in the western Pacific, we found a passenger’s ID and signs of habitation. I spent three months searching.” 

The signal was poor; John’s calls were intermittent. He returned empty–handed. Every lead. brought hope, then crushing disappointment and grief. 

children while our 

you 

were gone. 

“I’m sorry, 

sorry, Lily. I 

Lily. I failed to care for 

John’s voice choked. He looked at Lily with pleading eyes, opening his mouth to speak, then closing it again. His posture conveyed a deep sense of abandonment, like a lost puppy. 

“You must blame me. I’m sorry.” 

Lily looked at the moon, recalling that her flight had been a night flight, the moon as full ast tonight. 

“I don’t blame you.” She reached out and hugged him. 

John buried his face in her waist, his arms tight around her. Lily stroked his neck gently. This Tragedy separated our family for fifteen years. But it was also fortunate; we’re reunited after fifteen years.” 

She was alive; a miracle. Compared to John’s neglect, her fifteen–year absence paled in significance. She, her six–year–old son, and toddler twins were victims, but John suffered the most. She couldn’t blame him. 

“John, let’s make our family whole again, okay?” 

“Okay.” 

They remained embraced for a long time; the moonlight was beautiful, the breeze gentle. Late at night, 

John opened his eyes, gazing at Lily, her breathing even and peaceful. Remembering their conversation, he gently kissed her forehead. She was still so kind. 

He silently took his phone and texted Andy. 

[Seeing you and Amy, she was very upset. She cried.] 

Andy was still awake, having just parted ways with Cody. He’d been sitting on the sofa. After reading John’s message, he remained silent. He understood the unspoken message. 

I don’t want to talk about the past. Don’t worry about it.] 

Seeing no reply, Andy scoffed, tossing his phone aside. He’d guessed correctly. He lay back, staring at the ceiling, remembering Lily touching his hair at the banquet. That smile was so familiar, echoing a recurring dream of his mother smiling and touching his head, saying she was 

Chapter 20: A Hidden Past 

back. 

He went to the refrigerator. The freezer contained only one box of dumplings. He took out two.. pork ribs. It was the sweet and sour pork ribs Lily had packed for him at the banquet. He carefully arranged the ribs in the refrigerator, treating them like precious treasures. A microwave beeped; the ribs were heated. He ate slowly, his eyes welling up. Tears fell onto the table. 

-Mom really did come back. 

The next day, Amy woke up with dark circles under her eyes. She’d tossed and turned all night, réplaying the events of the banquet. Just as she was drifting off, her phone buzzed. Bella had replied. 

[Amy, your mother is back? When did this happen?] 

It was infuriating. Usually, she would ignore it, but the word “mother” was too glaring. [She’s not my mother! I’m going to sleep!] 

She turned off her phone. Bella was confused. She tried contacting Amy again, only to discover! everyone believed Lily was John’s new girlfriend! 

Bella realized that if Lily had returned, she looked exactly the same, shockingly unchanged by fifteen years. She regretted not staying to observe. 

Bella went to the Janson mansion, believing the woman wasn’t Lily. She wanted to clarify the misunderstanding; failure to secure overseas approvals would cost the company dearly. She needed John’s connections. 

But she was denied entry. Previously, she could enter freely; this time, the butler refused. “Ms. Hill, we’re not receiving guests today. I’m sorry.” 

The butler intended to bar her from future visits. John had instructed him to enforce rules on everyone who previously had free access to the house, referring to Vivian and Bella. I’m here to see Amy” She’d planned to use Amy as an excuse, but her phone was off, “Not allowed.” The butler was unwavering. 

Bella was furious. She saw John’s car leaving and tried to chase after it, but it sped away, ignoring 

her. 

She suddenly realized her dependence on Lily; even ten times North Star’s market. cap couldn’t to the Jansons‘ influence. Regret washed over her; why had she shifted the blame to 

compare 

Lily? 

Her face pale, she left dejectedly. 

“She’s clearly not given up.” The butler told Lily during breakfast. 

Lily wasn’t concerned; Bella was insignificant now. She was meeting Andy! 

John left early for work; Lily slept in. After getting ready, she saw a message from Andy, requesting a meeting. She readily agreed. 

The location was familiar. Then she remembered; International Road was opposite J&J Corporation!