Chapter 4

My dad sighed, echoing my mom's words, acknowledging that Lizbeth had paid a heavy price, and I shouldn't be too petty and should forgive her.

So, was it my fault that I nearly lost my life? I lowered my eyes, expressing my dissatisfaction through my actions.

Sensing my emotions, Vaughn gave me a cold look for the first time. "Cecelia, your mom is old. Why are you giving her attitude? It's been six years, and it’s true that you took Lizbeth’s identity and had enjoyed a life that wasn’t yours for over twenty years. You shouldn’t blame your mom. After all, blood is thicker than water."

"No matter what, a mother can't sever her love for her child. Besides, it was your parents who owed her."

"How about this? We prepared a suburban villa specifically for Lizbeth back then. This weekend, I’ll take your parents there as another way to commemorate Lizbeth. If you don’t want to go, that’s fine. Then the three of us will go. Is that okay?" His tone was consultative, but carried an undeniable insistence.

I looked up at the three of them. Vaughn’s face was stern, and though my parents didn’t speak, their somber aura was unmistakably intense as if refusing would be unforgivable.

"Alright, you guys go ahead. She is still Mom and Dad’s biological daughter. I also bear part of the responsibility for what happened back then, so it's reasonable for you all to make this trip." I calmly complied, and Vaughn immediately beamed with joy.

"I know my wife is the kindest and most gentle. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to prepare your favorite food before we leave." My mom wiped her tears with one hand and hugged me with the other. "Cecelia has always been kind-hearted since she was little. On behalf of Lizbeth, thank you. We, as parents, owe her an apology." Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I trembled and buried my head in my mom’s embrace, feeling numb all over.

They felt sorry for Lizbeth. Hence, I brainwashed myself and had been guilty for six years. To this day, even I almost understood Lizbeth’s extreme actions. Deep down, I felt as if I owed her something, which justified her stabbing me with a knife. But switching children wasn’t my wish. It wasn’t a sin I committed, nor did my biological parents maliciously swap children.

I indeed enjoyed more than twenty years of an luxurious life that wasn't mine. If Lizbeth wanted, I could immediately leave the Shillington family. I never thought of competing with anyone. What did I do wrong to deserve their heartless treatment?

A pang of pain gripped my chest as I rushed into the bathroom to vomit, with Vaughn following closely behind to pat my back.

"What’s wrong? Didn’t you just have a check-up today? What did the doctor say? Is there something wrong with your stomach? Get treatment immediately. Don’t delay." His tone was tender and affectionate. I couldn't help but wonder whether he was truly concerned about me or worried that I might be pregnant.

"Vaughn, I'm pregnant." I managed to utter these words despite my discomfort.

"You’re going to be a father soon. The doctor said that getting pregnant under my condition is a blessing. Are you happy that we are finally going to have our own child?"

As my words fell, Vaughn's smile froze as he tried to find any trace of jest in my expression, but there was none.

"Cecelia, don’t joke about this kind of thing. It's not funny. Didn’t the doctor say your body isn’t suited for pregnancy?" His voice trembled, and his eyes were filled with undisguised panic.

So, this man was my husband.

"I'm not joking. Aren’t you happy?" Holding onto the last bit of hope inside me, I awaited his response as Vaughn composed himself and looked at me seriously.

"Honey, the doctor already said your current physical condition isn’t suitable for having a child. Let’s terminate it. What would I do if something happened to you?"