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Novel Catalog
Chapter 24
Daniella motioned for Xavier to sit beside her. “Come, sit.”
Xavier walked over and took a seat next to her.
Once settled, Daniella sighed, shaking her head. “My daughter… she’s a pitiful child. Tony and I have been warned so many times to keep quiet about this, but we’re getting older. It’s time for Veronica to find someone who will care for her deeply.”
Though Daniella wasn’t Veronica’s biological mother, she had raised her with all the love and devotion of one. Veronica was everything to her, and she couldn’t bear to see her suffer any longer.
Daniella paused, her voice softening. “You see, we can’t let Veronica’s future be held back just because of Tony’s medical bills. We’re not going to be selfish about it, even if the Larsons might throw us out of the hospital.”
Daniella gestured to the photo on the table. “Look at how beautiful and adorable this girl is,” she said, a tender smile tugging at her lips. “This is my daughter, Roni.”
Xavier’s eyes flickered to the photo, his expression confused. “Roni? But… isn’t that Tiffany Larson?”
The name Tiffany Larson was well-known in their social circles—the epitome of grace and beauty, the ‘top beauty’ of the Larsons.
Daniella nodded. “Yes, she looks just like Tiffany, doesn’t she? The truth is, Veronica isn’t my biological daughter. I brought her home a few years ago. Her real parents are Floch Larson and Rachel Zimmerman, and Tiffany is her identical twin sister.”
Xavier’s mind reeled. “Identical?” he asked, utterly stunned.
He glanced back at the photo, studying the girl’s fair skin and radiant smile. It was so different from Veronica—the woman he knew had dark skin, thick eyebrows, and freckles. He couldn’t reconcile the two images. The girl in the photo was stunning, while Veronica… was, in his mind, far from it.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Daniella said, her pride evident. “My Roni is truly a beauty. But,” her tone shifted, and her face darkened, “a few months ago, Veronica’s biological parents appeared while Tony and I were hospitalized after a car accident. We had no money for medical treatment, and they offered to pay for it—but only if Veronica donated her bone marrow to their son, who was diagnosed with leukemia.”
Xavier’s brows furrowed. “So, the Larsons aren’t entirely bad, I guess?”
Daniella’s expression hardened. “Not entirely bad? My a*s! They offer us free treatment, but it comes with conditions. Roni has to donate her bone marrow, and she’s not allowed to reveal her resemblance to Tiffany. They want her to stay hidden, so she doesn’t overshadow their precious Tiffany. That’s why Roni looks the way she does now—like an ugly duckling.”
Her words were laced with bitterness, and she reached out, grasping Xavier’s hand. “Xavier, I know you’re a good person. I’m telling you this because I want you to know the truth. Veronica isn’t ugly. She’s beautiful, just like her sister. Please, don’t despise her.”
Xavier’s face was a mixture of disbelief and confusion. Veronica… beautiful? How could the woman he knew, who seemed so unattractive, really be the same as the woman in the photo?
He was still trying to process it when Daniella spoke again. “The Larsons warned us to keep quiet about all of this. If anyone finds out, they’ll stop treating Tony. But we can’t let Veronica’s life be dictated by them anymore. We’ve lived long enough. It’s time for her to have a chance at happiness, even if it means leaving Bloomstead and leaving us behind.”
Xavier’s anger simmered. “So, the Larsons are nothing but selfish, manipulative jerks!”
Daniella gave him a look, noting the sincerity in his tone. “Xavier, I can tell you’re not from an average family. You know the Larsons, don’t you? And your family’s not of a lower class either. You’ve got connections.”
Xavier paused, unsure how to respond, but Daniella continued. “Tony and I, we’re not equipped for this. We’ve dragged Veronica into a miserable life. I’m afraid, when we’re gone, there won’t be anyone to look after her. She’ll be alone and bullied by the Larsons.”
Xavier felt his chest tighten at her words. He had no idea Veronica had suffered so much. She had always been so strong, so independent, and yet here she was—caught in a life she hadn’t chosen.
“Mrs. Murphy,” Xavier said, his voice steady, “why do you trust me so much with all this?”
Daniella, her eyes softening, handed him the family photo. “I may be old, and my vision’s fading, but my heart is clear. Veronica is kind, upright, and hardworking. But life has been cruel to her. She’s had to suffer so much.” She sighed deeply, a tinge of regret in her voice. “I just want someone to care for her the way she deserves.”
Xavier’s gaze lingered on the photo, his mind racing. He hadn’t expected any of this. Veronica’s story, the sacrifices she’d made—everything was more complicated than he’d ever imagined.
“I understand, Mrs. Murphy,” he said quietly. “I won’t forget what you’ve told me.”
He handed the photo back to her, his voice reassuring. “Keep it safe. Don’t let anyone else get their hands on it.”
Daniella nodded. “I’ll keep it close. I miss seeing Roni’s real self—her true beauty. I want to remember her like this, even if she doesn’t.”
Xavier’s heart ached as he watched her tuck the photo away. He couldn’t help but feel protective of Veronica now, more than ever. He knew her life had been filled with hardship, and he felt a sense of duty to help her find happiness.
An idea struck him suddenly. What if I moved Tony and Daniella to another hospital? One with better care?
He looked at Daniella. “Mrs. Murphy, what if I covered the medical expenses for you both? You wouldn’t need to pretend anymore. Veronica wouldn’t have to hide who she truly is.”
Daniella waved him off. “Oh, forget it. Roni’s too proud. She’d never agree to it. Besides, Tony’s condition… there’s nothing more we can do. I’ve been wanting to leave this hospital for a while now, but Roni won’t allow it. She wants to take care of everything herself.”
They continued talking for a while, and then Daniella opened the door, preparing to leave the room.
Later that morning, Veronica rushed into the hospital, looking flustered. “Mom, I’m so sorry! I overslept…”
Her gaze shifted, and she froze. “Xavier? When did you get here?”
Xavier, feeling a mixture of surprise and resignation, gave a soft laugh. “Oh, I just arrived. Right, Mrs. Murphy?”
Daniella nodded, her voice warm. “Yes, yes. Roni, take Xavier to get something to eat. I’m sure he hasn’t had his breakfast yet.”
Veronica glanced at Xavier, still processing the events of the morning, and then at her mother, who seemed to be in a better mood now. She didn’t know what was going on, but she didn’t press the issue.
“Sure,” Veronica replied, managing a smile. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed—something she wasn’t quite ready to face yet.
