Chapter 2
The moment I saw the new wife, I knew she was trouble.[]
The new wife had rosy cheeks and delicate features, hiding in Dad’s arms like a frightened deer. Dad protected her like she was a newborn baby.
So the instant he saw me blocking the path, he flew into a rage and kicked me:[]
“Filthy thing, get back to the courtyard!“[]
The new wife didn’t stop him. Instead, she laughed:“Oh my, is this the daughter from your first wife?“]
“Look how dirty she is, like a dog covered in mud!“[]
Dad found her hilarious and was in such a good mood that he had a servant toss me a piece of bread.]
I wolfed down the bread, and the new wife’s expensive dress brushed past my dirty face. I caught a familiar scent.[]
Everyone in the house said that the lord’s heart had finally settled.]
He looked at the new wife with a tenderness he’d never shown before, and the dungeon was no longer filled with screams at night.
The new wife was lively and got along with all the servants. In just two months, every trace of my stepmother had vanished.[]
Everyone stopped mentioning her completely. Though her family protested many times, they were ultimately silenced by royal decree.]]
So I hated the new wife even
Her very existence made the world forget the last person who ever cared for me so quickly.
Until this day, when she brought Dad to see me.[]
I was lying in the back courtyard sunbathing, filthy and messy all over, looking like a beggar.
The new wife covered her nose in disgust and said to Dad:[]
“Yesterday I went to a banquet at Earl Blackwood’s house, and the Countess asked me about this child.“]
“Their eldest son should be about her age.“]]
Dad gave his wife a meaningful look, then looked at me suspiciously:[]
“She looks like this, and she’s worthy?“]
The new wife reached out to touch me, then pulled back in disgust and had a maid wipe my face clean.[]
Dad seemed stunned for a moment, then his wife said excitedly: “She’s going to be a real beauty!“]
“I know you don’t like high–class ladies, but we need to raise one like this for your future career.“]
I didn’t know what the two of them were planning, only that I’d be living in
સલિલ કી
new wife’s courtyard from now on, with her raising me.
e.l
way, Dad finally relaxed:[]
The new wife found me disgusting and walked far ahead of me. Seeing her act this
“This little bitch always acts pitiful to get sympathy. Don’t be like Miller’s daughter…“[]
He stopped mid–sentence and just said: “Don’t be too good to her.“[]
The new wife had a maid heat water for my bath. Once we were alone, her smile turned
ax
4
*
Chapter 2
“Little Luna, you’ve suffered so much.” She seemed like a completely different person, reaching out to touch my tangled hair.[]
My heart was full of hatred. I grabbed her hand and bit down hard.[]
Blood filled my mouth, but she didn’t make a sound, just let me vent.[]
When I was tired, she slowly pulled her hand away and said: “I’m sorry I failed you.“[]
“Bad woman! Go away!“]]
I pushed her desperately, but couldn’t help thinking – if you don’t leave, Dad will kill you too.[]
He was this nice to my stepmother at first, but after taking her to the dungeon, he went back to his old self.
The new wife suddenly pulled me into her arms, her thin body trembling. She smelled like my stepmother.
I’d never seen anyone so strange. Finally I stammered out:[]
“Don’t touch me, I’m dirty.”
“I’ve touched things way dirtier and nastier than you.” The new wife let me go, tears in her eyes.
A moment later, she suddenly whispered:[]
“Do you want revenge?“]
I was startled and blurted out: “Revenge for who?“]
“Your stepmother, obviously. Who else?” The new wife realized something and stared hard into my eyes.]
I wanted to say – and my mother too.
The woman Dad loved most was Mother.
She was also the first person he killed.
