When Left

When she left, He went crazy 

Chapter 172: Jerry Likes You 

2 

My heart felt as though it was being squeezed by an unseen force. 

Seeing the melancholy etched in Jerry’s expression, I instinctively rose on tiptoe, extending my hand to ruffle his hair. But midway, I paused, coming to my senses. Our eyes met, his brown irises solemn, and I reassured him softly, “She wouldn’t blame you.” 

For a fleeting moment, Jerry’s eyes brightened, but as my hand hesitated, they dimmed once more. “You’re not her; how could you possibly know what she’s thinking?” 

Ive been through something similar,” I confessed, lowering my gaze. “We both had once secure lives, only to lose our parents and be left to fend for ourselves, struggling to survive.““ 

I looked back at Jerry and smiled gently. “If I were her, I wouldn’t blame you. She probably wouldn’t either.” 

Those who had endured hardships could truly empathize. Jerry waiting for so many years was already more than enough. 

Jerry was somewhat moved, and for once, he wasn’t sharp. “Have you found it hard all these years?” 

“When I was a kid, yes.” I replied, taking a deep breath. I glanced around the room, a wave of familiarity washing over me, and I smiled. “Later, I got used to it. These past few years, living with the Valences has been so comfortable that I can’t say it’s been hard.” 

Jerry glanced at me. “So, are you happy every day?” 

I laughed silently and walked into the yard. “Mr. Hammer, most people are just trying to live their best lives. How can anyone be happy every day?” 

Jerry looked thoughtful. “Really?” 

I turned the question back on him. “What about you, are you happy?” 

Jerry also stepped out, closing the door behind him, and gave me a sidelong glance. “Don’t you know?” 

Jerry wasn’t happy. He probably hadn’t been since Bella disappeared. 

I shrugged, choosing not to continue the conversation. 

Jerry led me to Claire’s yard. “Claire wants you to stay here, but if you prefer a hotel, I can talk to her.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I shook my head. “No need. I’ll stay and keep Claire company.” 

Maybe because I had never experienced the care of elders growing up, I cherished my time with Claire. It felt warm and comforting rather than awkward. 

Jerry was much busier in Maple Valley than in Jacquar. In the afternoon, he left after taking a phone call. 

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Chapter 172: Jerry Likes You 

Once Jerry left, Claire looked at me meaningfully. “Hope, do you have any feelings for Jerry?” 

I was startled by the directness of the question and quickly responded, “No.” 

Claire’s eyes sharpened. “Is it that you don’t have feelings, or you don’t dare to?” 

I lowered my head, looking at the neatly laid wooden tiles, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to answer. 

1 hadn’t thought about this question. After my divorce, I only wanted a peaceful life. Love wasn’t on my agenda. Although there were moments when Jerry’s touch stirred something within me, I quickly shut those feelings down. 

Claire patted my shoulder gently. “Tell me the truth. Don’t be afraid to speak up just because I’m Bella’s grandmother. Jerry has waited for Bella for over twenty years; that’s more than enough for Bella and us. From now on, I hope he can live well. 

After a moment of silence, I replied, “I haven’t thought about it, and I don’t dare to. Besides, he likes Bella. We’re best 

suited to be friends.” 

“Don’t dare to think about it?” Claire paused, reflecting. Ignoring my last comment, she asked, “Is it because you’ve 

been divorced?” 

I looked up in surprise. “You knew?” 

Claire smiled warmly. “Sweetheart. If I didn’t know your background, do you think I would have welcomed you into our home? I’m well aware that your ex–husband is Christopher Valence.” 

A thought struck me, and I couldn’t help but ask, “When Ms. Harris brought Christopher Valence back last time, did you already know?” 

Claire raised her eyebrows with a mischievous glint. “I made sure to put him through the wringer! He couldn’t even protect his own wife; he deserved it.” 

I nodded in agreement, “That’s right, he deserved it.” 

Claire sighed deeply, “Listen to me, Christopher Valence may have his merits, but he’s too calculating. Being with him would be too exhausting and painful.” 

“Claire, we’ve already divorced.” I smiled faintly. 

Claire probed further, “Have you really given up on him?” 

“Yes, I have.” I glanced down at my abdomen, the memories still raw, and said bitterly, “We almost had a baby. But he chose to save someone else over me, and I lost the baby.” 

That was when I completely gave up on him. 

A broken mirror remains shattered. No matter how meticulously you piece it back together, the cracks serve as a stark 

mirror whole again. reminder of past wounds. Only those who haven’t truly given up believe they can make a brok 

Claire’s eyes lit up. “Then you should consider Jerry! I guarantee he’s the kind of person who, once he cares about 

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Chapter 172: Jerry Likes You 

something or someone, is steadfast and loyal.” 

I smiled helplessly. “Claire. I’m not ready to think about that right now.” 

Being let down, betrayed, and abandoned once was enough. 

Claire hit the nail on the head. “Do you think you’re not good enough for him because you’ve been divorced?” 

1 nodded. “Yes.” 

Even the Lewis family tried to deter Cecil from pursuing me. Let alone a prestigious family like the Hammers. 

“How can someone young like you be more old–fashioned than an old lady like me?” Claire gave me a reproachful look. “Let me tell you, how a man or a family treats you never depends on whether it’s your first marriage or your appearance. It’s all about your character. The more problematic a family is, the more they rely on superficial things to prove themselves. Don’t worry; the Hammer family isn’t like that.” 

Claire’s words hit home, slowly settling in my heart. With Jerry, maybe it was because I knew I could only ever be a substitute, so I never allowed myself to consider more. It was better for me not to dwell on this matter. Even if the Hammer family wouldn’t object, I would only be inviting trouble. 

The next day, I went to the Hammer family estate to deliver clothes to Grace. Jerry wasn’t there. Avery was, and she invited me to stay for lunch. Her playful antics repeatedly made Grace laugh. 

After lunch, Avery took me to a room and cautiously asked about Cecil’s preferences. 

I raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Didn’t you agree to your brother yesterday?” 

Avery shrugged. Just pretending to comply.” 

I nodded. “Alright.” 

But I didn’t know much about Cecil’s preferences, so I could only share a little. Avery took notes seriously. Once we finished, she put away her notebook and suddenly said, “Hope, Jerry definitely likes you.” 

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