Chapter 4

Unbearable pain started throbbing in my abdomen when Eason threw me a sharp look.

I was trying my best to be as compliant and docile as I could so that Dorothy could have a better time in the future.

When Eason heard Joanne's footsteps fading away, he walked over with his arms across his chest.

"If you hadn't kicked up such a huge fuss with Joanne in private, I would have moved in a long time ago. You think you'll make her feel bad by pretending to be magnanimous? Do you really enjoy being made a cuckold?"

He was trying to provoke me with his mockery, but I bowed my head and said meekly, "You're overthinking. I said that I welcome you to move in. I give you and Joanne my blessings. Just be good to my daughter."

Eason saw that his words had no effect on me and spat in frustration, "I'm warning you, you'd better know your place in this house from now on!"

I packed some clothes and daily necessities before leaving the room.

Joanne stopped me at the stairwell. "You're just taking this much?"

"These are the only things I need," I said flatly.

I knew what she was referring to.

Our wedding photo, the paintings she did, the suits she custom-made for me, as well as various souvenirs we brought back from our holidays.

Those items used to be my beloved belongings that I would painstakingly clean by myself and refuse to let even the maid touch.

Yet, I was bringing none of them with me.

She pointed at the room. "Don't you want anything else?"

I looked plainly at her. "They're too heavy. I can't move them all."

She suddenly shoved me aside, bounded up the stairs, and rushed into the room. She then threw the wedding photo, the expensive suits and souvenirs down from the second floor.

Everything was smashed to smithereens from that height.

The maid stood quietly at a corner, not daring to step forward to stop her.

I pretended not to see what Joanne did and stepped on all the debris on my way into the nanny's room.

Eason was looking on with jealousy.

When I shut the door, I spat a mouthful of blood out.

I was left with my final week. I was so exhausted, I didn't have the energy to care about them.

The next day, Joanne stood outside the nanny's room and said, "Eason said that his daughter couldn't sleep last night. Dorothy will move in to stay with you so his daughter can take Dorothy's room."

Joanne had decorated Dorothy's princess room by herself when she brought me home. She once said that she wanted to give our daughter the very best.

Rage rose in my chest, but I suppressed it after a moment's pondering.

I simply said, "Got it."

Dorothy had stayed with me in that basement room for three years. The nanny's room was way better than that.

As long as she could grow up well in this family, I would be content.

Dorothy wiped the tears from the corner of my eyes, ever the sensible child she always was.

"Daddy, I just want to stay with you. I don't mind not having that room. My favorite room is the room with Daddy in it."

I hugged her tight before taking another painkiller.

A few days later, I heard that Eason's daughter fell gravely ill.

A psychic was called in to do a reading.

"Three years ago, your family welcomed a premature baby girl, right?

"This baby girl is possessed by a deep, malevolent wrath. She's about three years old now, I suppose.

"If you don't drive her out, disaster will strike your family and you'll have no peace!"

Eason went on his knees and begged for Dorothy to be thrown out of the house for his daughter's sake.

I tried to stop them from doing so, but Joanne yelled at me, "Miguel Jensen, how dare you go against me! I'll have Dorothy sent away today!"

I could no longer hold myself back.

I raised my hand and slapped Joanne hard.

I rushed over and kicked Eason to the floor.

"You beast! I swallowed my pride and took everything you dealt me for the sake of my daughter. How dare you make a problem out of her?!"

I punched Eason's face repeatedly.

"I wish I could skin you alive!"

By the time Joanne could react, Eason was knocked out cold from my attacks.

She tried to restrain me with all her might.

Somehow, I mustered enough strength to shake her off and glare at her with bloodshot eyes.

"Joanne Shields, lay a finger on my daughter again…and I won't spare you even after I die!"

With that, I spat a mouthful of blood on her face before collapsing and losing consciousness.