Chapter 159

Irene was convinced that she had failed as a mother. She could not stay with her son in the days immediately following his birth, let alone give her son a complete family. "Your father…" Sheryl began just then. That was when Irene looked up at her mother, and saw the terrible look on her face. She must have been crying. "Sorry, Mom," she said apologetically. "I should have told you sooner so that you can see Dad one last time." Shery did not blame her—Irene had mentioned Lionel's condition before, but she paid no heed. Breathing a long sigh, she said, "I'm unhappy and feel much grief against him, but he's gone now, and it all ends with him. That's why I'm here—I should be there to send him off as his wife." Then, handing Tommy's belongings to Irene, she said, "Tommy is still very young. Take him—I'll go back to Spencer Mansion." Irene was worried. "I should go with you—" "No. Tommy is just a baby—he should not spend too much time with the dead. I'm fine on my own." Sheryl s