The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1643

"Did you see him?"

"No." The woman spoke softly.

Bertha frowned slightly, her voice tinged with concern. "Well, now that he found you, why won't you see him? I know you've always cared about him."

The woman's voice grew somber. "I don't know how to face him, nor do I want to hear anything about his family. He's successful, and I can see him on the financial news sometimes. That's enough for me."

Bertha sighed. "If you were really content, you wouldn't be losing sleep and calling me in the middle of the night to talk. Marlinie, you know, besides your son, that man from the Howard family has been looking for you too. He still cares about you, and you care about him too, right?"

The woman's tone turned sarcastic. "He cares about me? If he did, would he marry another woman so easily? Don't cover for him!"

"But I heard that their marriage has been in name only for a long time. A few years ago, he sent her to live alone in Howard Mountain Villa by the river, and she can't ever return."

The woman remained silent. "Their affairs have nothing to do with me anymore."

Bertha knew further persuasion would be futile. "Alright, I won't push. In a few days, the situation here will be sorted out, and I can come see you. We can talk then."

The woman hummed in agreement. "Did you help with Lea's homework?"

"She only finished one of the assignments you gave her. She's been quite cranky lately. It’s been causing me a lot of worry."

The woman reassured her. "Don't worry, Lea is a good kid. She won't disappoint you when she grows up. But that stepdaughter of your husband's is not so easy to handle. Be careful."

Bertha paused. She was touched and comforted by her friend's concern. "Yeah, I know. I will."

"I told you that it's not easy being a stepmother, yet you married a man who's always in trouble for love."