Chapter 4

He looked at me without expression, his gaze cold, as if I were a disobedient pet. Then he dangled another offer in front of me: "Maren, you're smart, so don't be stupid. You should know very well that if you walk out of this house, you'll have nothing."

"I had someone find a prettier dog. It will be sent to you later."

He added offhandedly, as if he were doing me a favor: "If Carson gets too rowdy, let Rosamund help you take care of him from now on. I've already had a room cleaned out. She'll be staying here starting tonight."

In Desmond's script, I was supposed to thank him, overwhelmed by his favor, and then arrange everything perfectly for Rosamund, playing the role of a virtuous and sensible woman.

But I was truly exhausted.

"Leave those things to the housekeeper. I have to go."

Rosamund stepped out from behind Desmond, her voice soft and light. "Since Ms. Harlow doesn't welcome me, I suppose I should just leave."

"Ms. Harlow is a lady of prominent birth. A child like me, who only came along when my mother remarried into the family, naturally isn't worthy of your attention."

She hadn't taken more than a few steps before Desmond stopped her.

"Why put yourself down? Whether a woman lives well or not depends entirely on what a man thinks." He glanced at me and scooped Rosamund up in his arms.

Soon, those kinds of noises drifted out of the study. Hearing it in broad daylight was enough to make anyone blush.

Carson made a face at me. "I want Rosie to be with my dad. She's not a vain, bad woman like you."

I stared at the little thing. I had raised him with my own hands, and I wanted to hear just what else he could come up with. "Is that what you really think?"

"Of course it is!"

Carson didn't hide the slightest bit of disgust in his eyes, his tone absolute.

He scoffed. "Don't think I don't know anything. Back then, it was you who lusted after our family's money and used every trick in the book to seduce my dad! You broke my mom's heart and made it so she couldn't even rest in peace when she died!"

"You bad woman, I'll never forgive you! One day, I'll get revenge for my mom with my own two hands!"

I caught sight of the small cross hanging around his chest. I couldn't articulate the feeling in my heart, and it ultimately melted into a sigh.

Carson had been sickly since childhood. So he could grow up well, I personally prepared every bite of food he ate and every drop of water he drank.

When he was three and suffered from a relentless high fever, I stayed at the church all night praying, begging the pastor to bless this cross before putting it on him.

I taught him how to speak and walk. I played with him and read with him.

When it was cold, I put extra layers on him; when it was hot, I fanned him.

Ten years of care couldn't even compare to a few poisonous words from an outsider.

"There are some things you might only understand when you're older."

I paused, then continued, "But it doesn't matter if you never understand... because from now on, we won't be seeing each other again."

Under Carson's bewildered gaze, I made a phone call.

Soon, a man sped over on a motorcycle, executing a beautiful lean before stopping steadily right beside me.

I stepped up to the bike and glanced back.

The bold letters spelling out "Hastings" gleamed so brightly in the sun that they hurt my eyes, just like the very first day I walked in here.

I knew that after I left, another woman would move into this house.

But none of that had anything to do with me anymore.

The man had stepped off the bike and said respectfully, "Ms. Harlow, I've finished the maintenance on your motorcycle."

I nodded, said, "Thank you," and threw my leg over the seat.

Carson stared at me blankly. "You..."

I didn't speak to him, merely letting out a long breath.

Soon, I would be able to leave this place.

The place that had trapped me for ten years...

Just as I gripped the handlebars, preparing to leave.

Carson raised a toy gun, aimed it right at me, and pulled the trigger.