Chapter 4%
But Lena dodged her grasp, her gaze full of open provocation as she stared at me.
“She’s crying because there’s someone who shouldn’t be here.“I
I looked at the two of them, clinging to each other so naturally and so intimately.I
A pain so sharp that it stole my breath tore through my chest.I
How dare she! That is my daughter!%
I couldn’t control myself. I stepped forward, reaching out to take my daughter back.
But the moment I touched her, she burst into wailing cries.I
Victor immediately rushed over and yanked me away. “What are you doing?”
Thrown off balance, I stumbled back, knocking over the dining table. Food and drinks spilled all over me, drenching me in a mess of breakfast dishes.
I looked up, only to see Victor standing protectively in front of Lena, his eyes full of wariness toward me.
My parents also stepped between us, as if terrified that I would lay a hand on Lena.[
My heart turned completely cold.8
That wasn’t my daughter. That wasn’t my husband. And they certainly weren’t my parents.
Trefused the maid’s attempt to help me up. I rose to my feet slowly and numbly.
“Enjoy your meal. I won’t bother you any longer.”
Victor finally seemed to snap out of his daze and rushed forward to grab my arm.
“Anna, it’s not what you think. I only brought Lena back because I saw how down Mom and Dad were feeling. You have to understand their emotions. After all, Lena was their daughter for over twenty years. She’s already been punished. It’s time to
move on.”%
My father also stepped in to persuade me. “That’s right. It was the dog’s fault, not entirely Lena’s. She’s back now, just let her stay.”%
My mother, eyes red with tears, pleaded with me. “Yes, Anna. Please, don’t torment your mother anymore. Let Lena come home.“2
I stared at them, tears streaming down my face, my heart breaking into pieces.[
“Alright,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Let her come back.“%
Because this was always her home, the one who should leave… was me.
Everyone let out a sigh of relief.%
Victor walked over and pulled me into his arms. “Anna, I knew you’d be the most understanding. Didn’t you always want to meet my friends? Our wedding anniversary is coming up in a few days. Let’s throw a grand banquet to celebrate.“}
I knew what this really was. A welcome party for Lena.%
But it didn’t matter to me anymore.%
I forced a smile, looking at the expectant faces before me and added, “Let’s make it a welcome banquet for Lena too. That way, it’ll be even livelier.“%
Perhaps worried that my presence at home would upset Lena, Victor wasted no time. That very afternoon, he dragged me out of the house.%
“Just rest well and leave the banquet preparations to them.“%
“Don’t worry, Lena won’t outshine you. I’ll make sure this is the most unforgettable wedding anniversary for you.“%
In the past, Victor always told me not to compete with Lena, assuring me that since I was their biological daughter, the family would never mistreat me.”
But in reality, time and time again, they favored Lena.”
