The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1776

Bertha wrapped her arm around her emotionally unsettled best friend, gently comforting her. "Sometimes, life throws us curve balls that we never see coming." She started, "But Marlinie, I truly believe that Ellinor is a sensible girl. She will understand. You shouldn't have run away like that."

Marlinie took a sharp breath and shook her head. "No, I just don't know how to face her. She was so young back then, so she wouldn't understand why her mother would abandon her or why she was sent to live with strangers. I truly owe her an apology for leaving her alone all these years."

Bertha, a mother herself, understood her friend's guilt and gently patted her back. "Those days are over. Look at Ellinor now. Did you see how well she has turned out? She's strong and independent. You should be proud of her."

Marlinie straightened up and wiped away the tears that had started to fall. "I am proud of her, but that doesn't make up for the years she spent alone. She could've been raised in a loving home, not having to be so strong while relying on me. Speaking of it now is too late; I need to do something for her to make up for those lost years."

Bertha looked surprised. "Marlinie, you don't need to carry this burden. Ellinor is a sensible girl. She will understand."

Marlinie shook her head. "No, I need to do something for her. Come, Bertha. I need you to come with me somewhere."

Caught off guard, Bertha asked, "Where are we going?"

"You'll see when we get there." Marlinie took her friend's hand and led her daughter out of the coffee shop.

...

The Mendoza family’s residence.

Marlinie found the house based on the address she had remembered.

Bertha, looking at the old mansion through the car window, asked curiously, "Marlinie, who are we here to see?"