I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Meredith had features that were exquisitely defined, adding a somewhat sculptural depth to her appearance. When she heard Tessa’s words, Azure glanced at Meredith too. “You know what, she does look a bit European. Meredith, are you sure you know nothing about your parents?”

Meredith, an orphan, had lived all her life without any familial claims emerging from the shadows.

Shaking her head with a smile, Meredith responded, “Don’t flatter me too much. I was born and bred in this city, never been to France. I really don’t think I’m European.”

Though she said this, deep down, a flicker of hope sparked again about her biological parents. She couldn’t help but wonder who her parents really were. Her resolve, once weakened by the example of Justin, was now reignited.

After seeing Tessa off, Meredith headed to the hospital to visit Justin. Upon arrival, she didn’t see Fiona and casually asked, “Where’s Fiona?”

Justin replied, “She just left, probably to buy something. I didn’t ask.”

As Meredith sat down, she inquired, “Has your mom come by since the last time?”

Justin was reticent, finally responding after a pause, “I rented an apartment for my mom and Gemma to stay.”This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Meredith was momentarily at a loss for words. Settling Mrs. Thatcher and Gemma only meant that Mr. Thatcher and Tristan would perhaps remain burdensome. All the efforts seemed fruitless now.

Sensing Meredith’s brewing anger, Justin quickly added, “I’ve made it clear to my mom: just her and Gemma, and she shouldn’t give the address to anyone else, or I’m leaving them alone entirely.”

“You think Mrs. Thatcher can just leave Tristan, who’s paralyzed, under a bridge without care?” Meredith inhaled deeply. “Justin, there are many ways to be kind, but your kindness is misguided and brings trouble. Your wounds haven’t even healed yet and you’ve forgotten the pain?”

“Gemma had a fever, no place to stay, and it’s so hot out there. What if she gets heatstroke?” Justin explained, “Gemma hasn’t been to school for days. This instability isn’t good for her.”

“It might sound harsh, but Gemma isn’t your daughter. Even if you want to help, wait until this blows over, then think of a compromise. Doing this now negates all your previous efforts,” Meredith couldn’t help getting angry.

Meredith didn’t even need to visit the apartment Justin rented to know that Tristan must be there as well. So much effort, and yet everything seemed to have reverted back to square one, except Mr. Thatcher got a few days behind bars, and Justin-who knows how long he’d stay in the hospital?

“Meredith, you can’t talk about Justin like that,” Fiona intervened as she entered. “You know he has a soft heart. He’s dealing with his family; he can’t just ignore them. I made mistakes, and you forgave me. Don’t hold it against them. Rather than letting this continue, why not just rent them an apartment and give some living costs monthly?”

“You agree with this?” Meredith glared at Fiona.

Mr. Thatcher was unreasonable, but still he’s Justin’s father, and suing him was futile. They wouldn’t go back to their hometown. “What Mr. Thatcher did does not make sense, but he’s Justin’s father. Taking a hard line doesn’t work; you have to soften, gradually wear it down,” Fiona continued.

Meredith looked at Justin and Fiona, suddenly not wanting to say another word. By letting Mr. Thatcher stay, Justin was inviting endless trouble.

Now, Meredith regretted ever gifting Justin that apartment-it was her misstep.

Standing firmly, she had thought, was the best approach; disentangle Justin from Mr. Thatcher’s family, leverage public opinion, and send them back to their hometown. Justin’s stance was crucial-first, he must send them back, and if his heartache grew, he could provide Mrs. Thatcher a monthly amount of money. Given the Thatcher family’s situation, applying for government assistance was feasible, and Gemma’s schooling could be resolved.

But now, it was all for naught.

Justin and Fiona was playing saviors.

Meredith said aloud, “Fine, I won’t interfere anymore. But don’t blame me if something else happens.”