Chapter 10
.
My husband’s beloved first love instigated her son to bully my daughter.
My heart shattered upon seeing my daughter crying uncontrollably. So, in a fit of rage, I slapped them hard.
When my husband arrived, his first love twisted the truth, accusing my daughter and me of being the ones who bullied and attacked them.”
Without giving me a chance to explain, my husband threw me and my daughter away in a so–called Women’s Virtue Class, demanding that we learn how to behave like proper ladies.
Half a year later, he came with some people to take me home.
I served tea and water, spoke in a soft voice and kept my head lowered, not daring to meet anyone’s gaze.}
Everyone said the program was remarkably effective. I was becoming more and more like a proper lady, so different from my once bold and overbearing self.
Until the day I knelt on the ground and said, “Among all of us here, I am the most dignified. Would any of you like a taste?“}
My husband was furious and slapped me across the face. “Vivian, didn’t I send you there to learn proper manners? I did it for your own good. How dare you treat me like this?“}
“Are you deliberately acting this way just to disgust me?“}
I smiled numbly like a fool and said, “Isn’t this what you wanted, sir? A well–mannered, cultured lady?”
My husband shoved me roughly and demanded, “Where’s our daughter?”
In a daze, I replied, “Our daughter? She’s been gone for a long time…“>
***
“Vivian, you have a guest,” one of the mentors‘ voice rang out beside my ear.
I shivered uncontrollably.
Alas, another guest was here.}
In Women’s Virtue Class, students were not allowed to refuse guests. Even a moment of defiance would be met with harsh punishment. Here, I learned two things. Obedience and submission.}
The mentor said only by learning to obey would I ever have the chance to leave.}
I walked toward the living room with my head lowered.
Then, a group of familiar faces came into view.
My husband, Damien Montclair, came here with his friends and his beloved first love, Veronica Sterling.
After half a year of discipline, my mind had become dull and numb.
Following the mentor’s teachings, I bowed deeply the moment I entered.
Then, with practiced movements, I poured tea for everyone and served it to them one by one.
Damien nodded in satisfaction. “This Women’s Virtue Class truly lives up to its reputation. You’re much more sensible now.”>
“If I had known this place was so effective, I would have sent you here much earlier.”
Keeping my head lowered, I replied softly, “You’re right, Mr. Montclair.”
The moment he heard me call him Mr. Montclair, Damien frowned in confusion.
He then spoke in a calm tone, “Although Veronica is gracious enough not to pursue the matter of you and your daughter beating her, you shouldn’t be shameless enough to pretend it never happened.”}
“I’ve transferred half of the company shares that belonged to you and your daughter to Veronica. Consider it compensation.”
I lowered my head and stayed silent.
Damien snapped impatiently, “Vivian Winslow! Don’t you think you owe Veronica an apology?”
His harsh voice startled me. Trembling, I instinctively knelt before Veronica. “Ms. Sterling, I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
Thud! I knelt down hard in front of Veronica.}}
This was the rule in Women’s Virtue Class. It did not matter who was right or wrong. When scolded, you had to kneel, lower your head and admit your mistake.
Only by confessing quickly and humbly could you avoid harsher punishment.
Over time, this response had become a reflex engraved into my bones.
Damien yanked me up roughly. “Vivian, what the hell are you doing?”
Temfied, my face turned ashen and my body trembled uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Damien’s hand loosened slightly. “Vivian, what’s wrong with you? I’m your husband. Why are you so afraid? Why are you looking at me like that?”
Veronica quickly played the wronged victim and said, “Vivian must still resent me. She’s mocking us on purpose.“}
