Chapter 4

By the time I arrived at the Harris family home, everyone inside was happily gathered around the table, enjoying dinner.

The moment Noelle saw me, her expression darkened. She stormed over and shoved me.

"Lilian, why are you here again?

"You spread lies on social media, accusing Cheryl of being the other woman. Haven't you made her suffer enough?"

I lost my balance and crashed to the floor. A sharp, agonizing pain shot through my wrist.

Joseph stepped toward me.

The next second, Cheryl wrapped her arms around him and spoke in a soft, trembling voice, her eyes turning red.

"Lilian, please stop clinging to Joseph.

"He’s my husband and the father of my child."

I grabbed the edge of the table and struggled to my feet, ready to speak, but Joseph's mother, Hannah Hariss, had already walked over.

She gave me a contemptuous once-over.

"I know you saved Joseph's life all those years ago.

"However, he has spent more than enough money on you over the past few years to repay that debt.

"Don't think that just because you broke a leg, you can cling to him forever and force your way into the Harris family.

"Considering your background, you aren't fit to set foot in our home."

A wave of undisguised laughter erupted around me.

Standing in the middle of the room, I felt as though I had been stripped naked and put on display for everyone to mock.

However, I no longer had the energy to care about my humiliation. I turned to Joseph, my voice hoarse.

"Just give Yvonne her kidney back, and I promise I will never show my face to you or Cheryl again for the rest of my life."

More shameless laughter rang out around me. The humiliation was almost enough to swallow me whole.

"Mom, that’s enough." Joseph frowned as he tried to stop her.

My expression remained numb.

"You can all relax. I won't entertain any more foolish fantasies.

"I'm only begging Joseph to save my sister.

"If you give Yvonne the kidney, I promise I will never bother him again for as long as I live."

The moment I finished speaking, Joseph's expression darkened. Noelle, meanwhile, looked as though she had just heard the funniest joke in the world.

"So, after all that drama, you still can’t bear to let go of your cash cow, Joseph.

"Lilian, calling you a parasite isn't even an exaggeration."

My face went pale, and my nails dug deep into my palms.

However, for Yvonne's sake, I had no choice but to swallow every last insult.

"I can sign a promissory note.

"I will pay back the treatment costs and the surgery fees.

"Just give Yvonne the kidney first. She really can’t wait any longer."

Someone nearby chimed in sarcastically.

"What are you going to pay it back with?"

"Now that you’re no longer with Joseph, you probably can’t even support yourself."

Laughter erupted all around me. It felt as though someone had forced my head down and ground my face into the mud.

Joseph merely looked at me, his expression cold and indifferent.

"Lilian.

"I made myself perfectly clear on the phone."

My heart sank a little further with every passing second.

Of course I knew what he wanted.

He wanted me to admit in front of everyone that I was the other woman. He wanted me to take the last shred of dignity I had left, tear it to pieces with my own hands, and lay it at Cheryl's feet.

The taste of blood filled my mouth. After a long struggle, I finally forced the words out.

"I'm sorry.

"I should never have posted that update.

"I'm the one who has to stay hidden. I'm shameless. I'm the one who kept clinging to Joseph..."

Every word felt like swallowing a razor blade.

However, I had no choice. Yvonne was still lying in a hospital bed, waiting for someone to save her life.

Someone nearby raised a phone and eagerly began recording my humiliation.

"What good is an apology if it is only words?"

"You took Cheryl's place for five whole years, and now you want her forgiveness? Then bow your head and admit your wrongdoing in front of everyone!"