Chapter 2
After I finished speaking, not only did Eiden doubt me, but even my own parents didn’t trust what I said.
“Margaret, don’t act like this,” my mother said, looking uneasy.
She added, “Look at your situation. You have no money, no name, no status. The only kind of man you’ll marry is some nobody, and that would destroy our family’s name. Patnick Woodworks took years to build up. Don’t throw it all away by doing something foolish.”
“Don’t be angry at Lillian. You’ve been gone for three years with no word. We all thought you were…”
Yeah. Just three years. That’s all it took for them to give up on me.
I just find it ridiculous.
I stared at the family portrait. The date showed it was taken the I went abroad for chemotherapy.
year
after
By just the second year, they’d already found my substitute. They let another woman take over the room I shared with my husband and become
the mother of my children.
And that substitute? She used to be my best friend.
Lillian clung to my mother’s arm, her face full of tears. “Maybe I should leave. This was Margaret’s home, and now that she’s come back, it’s only right I give everything back to her.”
“Enough,” my mother cut in sharply, then softened as she turned to
Chapter 2
comfort her. “You’re the daughter I chose. This is your home too. You’re not going anywhere.
“As for Margaret…”
When she turned to mention me again, my mother paused. I could tell she felt a little guilty.
I didn’t want to make her feel worse, and I was about to say I’d stay at a hotel instead. But out of nowhere, someone dumped a bucket of dirty water right on my head. I got shoved from behind and hit the ground on iny knees.
Then, my son, Dilan Warrick, threw the bucket at me, stuck out his tongue, and mocked me with silly faces.
“Bleh, you stinky woman! You made Mommy leave! You stink! You’re so gross!”
My knees throbbed with sharp pain as soon as they touched the water- one of the side effects of chemotherapy. I quickly reached out, trying to help Lillian up, but Eiden knocked my hand away without hesitation.
He stood like a guard in front of Lillian and Dilan, glaring at me. “Margaret, if you’re mad, take it out on me. Don’t lay a hand on my family.”
My father was shaking as he stood in front of Lillian protectively. He said, “If you want to hit someone, then hit me. I’m already half–dead anyway! Go ahead, beat me to death if you want! You ungrateful girl, do it! Hit me!“.
Callie started bawling. “I don’t want that bald monster to be my mommy! I want Mommy Lillian!”
Chapter 2
Watching all six of them standing there like one big happy family, I suddenly felt lost, like I didn’t belong at all.
Back when I was getting chemotherapy for three years, it was like torture every time. It felt like walking through fire and knives. My new skin that grew back was so raw that even holding my phone could peel it off. Sometimes the pain was so awful, I wished I could just die and be done with it.
But then I’d think of my parents. Of Eiden, the man I loved. Of my kids‘ sweet little faces. And every time, I just couldn’t let go.
I wanted to live, to get better. So that when I finally saw them again, I wouldn’t have to worry about infections. I could just hold them tight, the way I always dreamed of.
But now…
I looked down, trying to stop the tears from falling, and glanced at the wound on my thigh, which had gotten worse and was completely ignored. by everyone. I gave a quiet, bitter smile.
Why should I even bother going back home?
Maybe it would’ve been better if I’d just died in that hospital bed. At least. then my family will be happy.
My mind started to drift, and before I realized it, one of my legs had already stepped out the window.
No!
All of a sudden, I snapped back to reality. I yanked my leg in, but my knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the floor. My chest was tight, and my heartbeat felt like it was about to explode.
Chapter 2
I had fought so hard to survive this illness. How could I let go just because of those horrible people?
“Hahaha!”
Laughter suddenly echoed behind me.
I turned my head and saw everyone staring. Dilan was curled up on the sofa, laughing so hard he was crying.
“Look at her! That bald monster is hilarious! Hahaha! She tried to throw herself out the window but didn’t dare and fell on her butt!”
Lillian gave me a cold, mocking glance. “Margaret, even if you’re jealous of me, do you have to fake a suicide attempt? It’s pathetic, and no one’s even willing to play along with you.”
Eiden’s expression was cold. “If you’re really going to jump, then go ahead. Who are you trying to fool? Your mom, dad, and kids are all right here. Lillian has heart disease. What if you scare her? You’ve spent the last three years living comfortably abroad. Did you forget how to behave properly?”
08
