Chapter 2

Before leaving, Melanie made up an excuse to send the house security away just so I could sneak out and get surgery.

Since she was so sure I'd do that, of course, I'd go along with it.

Late at night, clutching my stomach, I knocked on Mom and Dad's door. "Mom, my stomach hurts so bad. Am I going to die?"

I curled up by the door, trembling like a wounded animal.

Mom and Dad already felt guilty about the decades of lost family moments. Seeing me come to them, they were both worried and surprised.

Dad saw my pale face and quickly scooped me up in his arms, rushing toward the door. "Don't be scared, Yvonne. We're taking you to the hospital. You'll be fine!"

The car sped through the night as I nestled against Mom's chest.

Feeling their concern and love, I felt a warmth I hadn't known in years.

Maybe if Melanie hadn't been in the picture last time, I might've had a happy life.

But the live comments kept flooding in at this moment.

"Yvonne's so dumb. Taking her parents to the hospital will only confirm she's pregnant and speed up her getting kicked out!"

"Science can't explain Melanie's system, and no equipment can prove otherwise."

"Make an excuse to leave while you still can. If you wait for the results, you're dead meat before Melanie even lifts a finger."

Mom noticed how stiff I was and asked worriedly, "What's wrong, Yvonne? Are you feeling any better?"

The comments kept urging me to turn back, but I just pressed my lips and shook my head. "It still hurts. Can you ask Dad to drive faster?"

At the hospital, after a series of tests, the doctor said it was appendicitis causing the pain.

In that instant, the flood of comments vanished without a trace.

I knew I'd made the right call.

Melanie's so-called "transfer system" didn't exist. Their only goal was to trick me into surgery.

Mom and Dad finally relaxed.

But I stared with wide eyes and fell to my knees before them in utter despair. "W-What's appendicitis? Is it some kind of dirty disease? I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I've brought shame on you."

Dad was shocked. "Yvonne, why would you think appendicitis is a dirty disease?"

Mom wiped tears away and helped me up with guilt written all over her face. "It's our fault for losing Yvonne back then. Growing up in the slums, she never learned common knowledge like this. We failed as parents."

I looked up uncertainly, still confused. "It's not a dirty disease? But Melanie said…"

I stopped mid-sentence like I suddenly realized something and lowered my head diffidently.

Mom and Dad grew more suspicious.

Dad suddenly remembered something and looked around. "With everything going on tonight, why isn't Melanie here? How thoughtless of her!"

Mom grabbed my hand. "Yvonne, what does Melanie have to do with this? Tell us. Don't be afraid. Did she hurt you?"

At that moment, tears broke free, and I sobbed uncontrollably.

"Melanie said she's always fooling around with men and wanted to take me to a club to meet them. I thought I must have caught some dirty disease, and that's why my stomach hurts. That's how it's always shown on TV!"

Dad looked incredulous. "Melanie's always been well-behaved. That can't be true…"

Mom nudged him and pulled me close. "Yvonne just came back, and she hasn't fought with Melanie. Are you saying Yvonne's lying?"

Silence filled the room as their expressions turned serious.

Soon, the assistant sent to investigate returned. His voice shook as he said, "Ms. Melanie did go to the Royal Club tonight. She booked a private room upstairs with a man. He's a—"

"That's enough!" Dad slammed his hand on the table, his chest rising and falling with anger.

As he stood up to leave, I stumbled off the bed and grabbed his sleeve, pleading. "Dad, don't blame Melanie. She must've been misled. Let's talk it out when she gets back tomorrow. She's young and proud. Confronting her now would only break her."

My words slowly calmed Dad down.

Mom looked at me with relief and murmured, "Such a thoughtful child."

The very last shred of doubt in her eyes vanished completely.

If I had pushed them to investigate outright, it might've backfired and driven a wedge between us. Only through this kind of "unintentional" approach could I truly maximize the impact.

The real show was about to begin.