Chapter 7”
He staggered back a few steps, his hand gripping my collar as he demanded, “What’s in this box?“@
I barely heard his words, lost in the suffocating pain.
“This… this can’t be ashes!” Laura cried, tears streaming down her face. “The ashes from my miscarriage didn’t look like this at all. She’s just lying to you!“}]
She gestured toward me, her voice trembling with false sincerity. “Sister is clearly upset that I was pregnant with your child, and she’s jealous of the sympathy I got when I lost the baby. That’s why she’s pretending the child died, to gain your pity. But sister, children aren’t just tools for you to win favor!“>
She wiped her eyes dramatically, continuing to spin her web of lies. “Are you trying to make me so sad that I’ll commit suicide?”
Patrick, who had gone pale earlier, now wore an expression of cold fury. “I’ve been too distant from you and Audrey,” he muttered, his voice dark. “So I brought Laura here to apologize, to make amends.“>
His eyes narrowed, and his next words were filled with finality. “But since you’re so stubborn, I’m done. Let’s divorce. I’ll fight for full custody of Audrey!“}
Laura smiled smugly, adding, “Yes, Audrey is so adorable. If I raise her, I’ll take better care of her than you ever could.”
Ifelt a surge of bitterness rise in me, but I was too numb to respond.
She pointed to the ashes on the ground, sneering. “What a pity. I’m afraid Audrey can’t even see her shadow now…“}]
“You’re a monster!” My body trembled with fury, and the hatred in my chest flared uncontrollably.
I lunged at her, but a bodyguard, stationed by Patrick, stopped me.}
Patrick looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and exhaustion. “Lucia, how long are you going to keep causing trouble?”
“Hang her outside the window,” he continued coldly. “Let the wind blow some sense into her. When she’s calm enough to realize her mistake, bring her down.”
The bodyguard tied me up and suspended me outside the window, my heart racing. Patrick, with a look of pity, took Laura and walked
away.
“Laura, I owe you so much,” Patrick murmured, his voice tinged with regret. “Once I divorce her, I’ll give you the wedding you deserve…”
I shut my eyes, sinking into despair. The wind howled past my ears.}
Patrick, I swear I will make you pay for the pain you’ve caused me and my daughter.}
Fueled by determination, I tore through the rope binding my hands and letting myself fall.”
“Ah!” My scream was drowned by the horrified shouts of neighbors and bystanders as I crashed to the ground, landing in front of Patrick and Laura.
The blood splattered across Patrick’s face, and he froze, his expression one of panic. He rushed toward me, trembling, his voice shaking.
“Lucia, Lucia… don’t scare me.“}
In the hospital, Patrick stood by my bed, his face unshaven, gripping my hand tightly.
“Patrick, you should rest,” Laura said. Her voice thick with jealousy, though she feigned concern. “If my sister wakes up and sees how worn out you look, she’ll feel guilty.”
“I’m fine. Patrick’s eyes were red. Regret laced his voice. “Lucia has always been so headstrong and possessive.“}
“I shouldn’t have been so careless. After getting drunk, I shouldn’t have been with you. I made you pregnant, and Lucia… she lost her mind from jealousy…”
His face twisted with guilt. “I should’ve never let that child stay. We should’ve aborted it. I was so caught up in trying to make you happy that I ignored Lucia and punished her time and again for your sake.”
Laura, looking taken aback, responded, “But she… she hurt me before. How could you stand by and watch me suffer at her hands?“}
Patrick’s gaze wavered, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “She’s my wife,” he said quietly. “She’s done so much for me over the past ten years. It’s normal for her to feel jealous and want to make things difficult for you after your return. You need to be patient with her for me.” Laura’s eyes filled with resentment, but she finally spoke up, a forced smile on her face.
“You’re right. If my sister wakes up, I’ll apologize to her.”
Patrick’s face softened with relief. “I’ll ask the doctor when Lucia can wake up.“}
As he left the room, he was stopped by the sight of Mr. Carlson being wheeled in.
He was stunned. “Grandpa? What are you doing in the hospital? Why didn’t you let me know?“?
Mr. Carlson fixed a cold, disappointed stare at him. “Do you even care about me? You’re so obsessed with that woman, Laura.“>>
“Grandpa!” Patrick’s voice trembled as he tried to defend himself. “Laura is my past. She was forced abroad by Lucia, and now she’s only dealing with her out of consideration for me. Please don’t hate her.“Z
Mr. Carlson wheezed in anger. “Fool! When you had that car accident, she ran off with the money and ruined the company! It’s not Lucia who’s done wrong, it’s you who’s wronged her!“}]
“Enough!” Patrick shouted, his patience worn thin. “Grandpa, you’re in the hospital. What about Audrey? She’s sensitive and introverted.
