Chapter 123: You Can’t Control Life
<.A city in Norvonna, almost twenty years ago.>
Ruediger was as young as twelve when he followed Felicia and Madeline to Norvonna. Despite being heartbroken over the situation at home, he knew nothing would change Matthew’s mind.
His father loathed his existence. The man wanted to see him no more.
Most likely, his father would be happy if he ended up dead.
On the very first day when Felicia and Madeline welcomed Ruediger to their abode, the former sat him down. She had something to say to him.
"You’re more than a nephew to me, Rudy. I’ll take care of you as how I do to Maddie. You can rely on me."
That was what Felicia told the anxious Ruediger, her gaze and voice full of maternal warmth as she tried to reassure him. Her blue eyes reflected the same hues as her beloved daughter.
"Thank you, Aunt Felicia... Thank you."
That was all Ruediger could say to Felicia. He was grateful enough to have her by his side when his entire family shunned him for existing—they misplaced the blame on him.
Felicia was already officially divorced from Martin when she took Ruediger under her wing. Aside from because of Madeline, she had no responsibility toward the Alvord family anymore.
Yet, Felicia opened her own home to provide a safe space for Ruediger.