Chapter 45: Elizabeth Talks About Ambrose Mom

"Ambrose? No," Ava replied, shaking her head.

Elizabeth nodded, a look of understanding crossing her face. She gazed at Ava thoughtfully before speaking again. "I know sometimes you must hate me because I'm the one who got you into this marriage with Ambrose. I'm sorry for hurting you, Ava."

Ava took her mother's hand, squeezing it gently. "I've never hated you, Mom. You're my mother, and nothing can change that."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes softening with relief and gratitude. "Let me tell you something, Ava. Over twenty years ago, Ambrose's mom and I were best friends. We sat at the same desk in school. Do you know what? She always defended me like I was her sister. After all, we were both orphans. So many times, she would take the blame and get me scot-free while she got punished."

Ava was stunned, her eyes widening in surprise. She knew her mother and Ambrose's mom had been classmates, but she had no idea they had shared such a tight bond.

"There was this scholarship progr