Chapter 3

I had no idea what to say in response.

Lorelei might have been young, but she wasn't a fool. Vincent had ignored her time and time again. He would even discipline her without reason on occasion. No matter how much Lorelei loved him, she knew he would never return that love.

I nodded and pulled Lorelei into a tight embrace. This was all my fault. I had overestimated my worth and unknowingly dragged Lorelei into these hardships.

That night, I brought Lorelei with me to the Porter residence. When we entered the building, I saw Vincent sitting beside Christine. Victor sat cradling Charlie, a bright smile lighting up his face.

But when Victor noticed us approaching, his smile vanished, replaced by an icy stare. I was used to his coldness by now, but I still held Lorelei's hand and led her toward him.

"Happy birthday, Victor. Lorelei picked out a present just for you."

Timidly, Lorelei offered him the gift box. He barely spared it a glance before telling the maid to take it away and set it aside.

Charlie snatched the gift box from the maid and exclaimed, "Grandpa, I want to see what she gave you!"

Before Victor could say anything, Charlie tore the box open and lifted the pipe inside. "Grandpa, she gave you a pipe! She wants you to smoke more! Didn't the doctor say you must quit because your lungs are weak?"

He spun around and glared at Lorelei. "You chose this on purpose, didn't you?"

Lorelei's eyes reddened upon hearing his accusation. "No, I didn't. The pipe—"

"That's enough," Vincent cut her off sharply. "Grace, if you have nothing better to do, you should educate yourself more. The Porters spend a fortune supporting your lifestyle—not so you can teach your daughter to disrespect her elders!"

"I didn't do that! Daddy, I just wanted to give Grandpa a present! Grandpa said he likes pipes, so that's why I chose this. I didn't know what the doctor said! I'm sorry! It's not Mommy's fault!"

I was shocked. I never thought Lorelei would raise her voice to defend me. But her outburst only enraged Vincent further.

He raised his hand as if to strike her, but I swiftly grabbed his wrist to stop him. In retaliation, he slapped me hard across my face.

"Grace Atkinson! This is what happens when you disrespect the Porters!"

Victor scoffed. "What an unpresentable woman."

Seeing Lorelei's tear-filled eyes, I pulled her close and shielded her in my arms. Through gritted teeth, I said, "Even so, you were the ones who chose me. I never begged to join your family!

"We're through, Vincent Porter! I don't want you or the Porter family anymore!"

Vincent sneered. "Are you really willing to leave? Your salary is pathetic, Grace. How do you plan to survive with so little money? Don't make empty threats.

"Get out. Stop embarrassing yourself."

"Fine. I'll go."

I lifted Lorelei into my arms and turned to leave. Before I walked away, I took off my wedding ring and threw it at Vincent. Enraged, he grabbed the ashtray and hurled it at me.

I couldn't dodge in time. Pain exploded in my forehead as warm blood trickled into my eyes, staining my vision red.

High-pitched shrieks mixed with angry shouting and frantic screams filled the air.

I was surrounded by chaos.

My vision darkened as I staggered backward. Moments later, I collapsed and lost consciousness. Just before everything faded, I thought I saw panic flashing in Vincent's eyes.

When I woke up next, the world was still dark. But I felt a small hand tightly holding mine. A long while passed before I realized I was in the Porter residence's guest room. Lorelei was sobbing quietly next to me.

I raised my hand and touched my head. The wound had been bandaged, but dizziness lingered.

"Lorelei," I called softly.

"Mommy, don't die! They said you might never wake up again! I was so scared!"

Lorelei threw herself into my arms. I held her close as anger burned hot in my chest.

From outside, I heard a birthday song being sung. Lorelei and I were alone in the guest room. Without hesitation, I picked her up and slipped out through the back door.

Vincent, I truly want nothing more to do with you.