Chapter 3

I blinked at Diana before looking down at the smashed pumpkin that had fallen to the floor. I smiled at her and said, "There's been a misunderstanding. It was time for me to get up and prepare breakfast for everyone.

"Also, there's no need for you to worry. I won't die even if I stab myself with this type of knife."

Diana was shocked by my words. She was just about to question me further when Elise called out to her.

"Diana…"

Diana turned to look at Elise.

When Elise knocked the knife out of my hand, the blade had sliced across my sleeve. The torn fabric exposed my inner arm, which was covered in layers of hideous scars. It was easy to tell that some of the scars came from wounds where the blade had been dug deep into the flesh.

The scars were signs of self-harm.

An apologetic smile stretched across my lips as Diana and Elise stared at me in horror.

"Did I disturb the two of you? I'm sorry. I'll be quieter next time."

Diana and Elise exchanged looks with each other but didn't say a single word. Instead, they ordered a maid to escort me back to my room, keeping an eye on me until I was tucked in bed.

…

The next morning, I was woken up by Diana.

She looked like she had stayed awake for the entire night. There were dark bags under her eyes.

She looked oddly somber when she said, "I'm taking you to the private hospital on the fifth floor of the manor, Connor. Elise has brought in a team of professionals. They'll be giving you a check-up."

I obediently followed Elise and cooperated with the doctors as they conducted a thorough check-up on me, including blood tests, ultrasound scans, and CT scans. They also examined the gruesome scars that littered my body, taking notes and pictures.

A female doctor with a kind face sat opposite me, asking me questions in a gentle voice. She asked about my sleep, my appetite, my emotions, and my scars.

I was very well-behaved. I answered the questions that I could and apologized when I couldn't.

The steward always told me that my apology would seem more sincere if I got onto my knees. Unfortunately, I couldn't kneel since my legs were crippled.

After the check-up was over, the three of them sat together and looked through the report.

I didn't know what was written in it, but I could see their faces turning upset.

The number in my vision had counted down to "25:18:03" when Diana finally put down the report and approached me.

She spoke to me softly as if she were afraid of spooking me. "The doctors said that your body is really weak, Connor. You need lots of rest to get better.

"They've also looked over your wounds. They're really serious. You'll have to be patient because the treatment will take a long time. But you don't have to worry. No one will ever hurt you again while you're here.

"I'll hire the best doctors and give you the best medicine. I'll take good care of you until you're back in top condition and heal all these wounds."

I pointed at Diana, reflexively wanting to say that she and the others would hurt me while I was in the manor.

But Diana misunderstood my gesture. She held my finger and pressed it against her chest. "Don't be scared. We won't hurt you, Connor."

Her words sounded strange and ridiculous to me.

My life for the past three years was like a living hell precisely because they had banded together to hurt me.

Andrew and Finn were waiting in the living room after we left the fifth floor. Andrew had brought Finn home while we were distracted. He had also learned about my condition.

He picked Finn up and shoved him into my arms, saying, "I can tell that you've been in low spirits recently, Connor. Here. Finn will make you feel better.

"Kids are full of energy. You'll feel better just by looking at him. Although you're sick now, you'll have your own children in the future."

I looked at Andrew's smiling face. He looked like a completely different person from the tall and intimidating man who had blocked the helicopter's exit.

I wondered if he had also been sent to the estate but swiftly dismissed the idea. Diana and the others wouldn't do that to him.

Finn dug his nails into my skin. Children didn't know their own strength. But it seemed that he understood what Andrew wanted him to do.

"Hug me, Uncle Connor!" Finn called sweetly as he continued to dig his nails into my skin with all his might.

Someone had intentionally shaped his nails into short but sharp points. As a result, he only needed to exert a bit of strength to make me feel like I was being stabbed by small blades.

Finn dug his nails into me over and over again. The sharp stings of pain felt unbearable. I could feel myself bleeding where my skin had split open.

I had no choice but to try to give Finn back to Andrew.

"I'm in bad shape. I'm scared of dropping him. You should carry him instead."

Andrew nodded. "You're right. Your body is still weak. You should rest as much as you can," he said softly. "Come here, Finn. I'll carry you."

I had just passed Finn back to Andrew when he suddenly loosened his hold, causing Finn to fall to the floor.

I was still frozen in shock when Finn let out a bloodcurdling wail.

Andrew slapped me hard across the face. "Why did you drop my child, Connor?" he demanded.