I raised my head and drew in a sharp breath. For so many years, Dad has been giving me the cold shoulder. He rarely ever speaks nicely to me, yet the only time he softened his tone is because of Crystal. What have I done wrong to receive such treatment?
“Dad!” I could not help but sob. “You would sacrifice everything I have just for Crystal? I’m human too. I’ll get hurt!”
“This is an expedient strategy!” insisted Nathan.
“Yeah, so what you mean by an ‘expedient strategy’ is that my cousin will steal my husband away from me and ruin my family? Not only that, but I also have to resolve her scandals and admit that I’m the mistress, right? I have to send my husband to her, bestow him upon her, and wish her eternal happiness, huh?”
The anger I had suppressed for a long time finally erupted. I roared, “Dad, there’s nothing else for us to discuss. Since she dared to do it, why should she be afraid of others talking behind her back? Don’t even think about getting me involved in tomorrow’s press conference!”
I pushed open the car door and got off angrily, ignoring Nathan’s furious yells at me.
For so many years, I lived like an orphan. When I was bullied at home, no one would protect me. After getting married, I was still bullied. Even then, everyone ignored me. Sometimes, I did not even know why I was living anymore. It was as if the entire universe wished for my demise.
If something bad happened to Crystal, it would be my fault. If something bad happened to Yvette, I would be at fault. I was to be blamed for everything.
When I returned to my house, I stood at the entrance and relaxed my stiff back. Only here would I have a chance to catch my breath and feel at peace. I took out my keys and opened the door, not noticing a man standing in the shadows.
After I pushed the door open and entered, someone forcefully shoved me inside from behind and slammed the door shut. I stumbled into the house and collapsed, almost hitting my head on the table.
When I turned around, I saw Lyle standing in the middle of the house, his eyes bloodshot. His shadow was cast on the ground, looking like the devil whom I would never escape from. I felt fear grip my heart.
“Lyle, what are you doing?”
“Why didn’t you come home? Why did you destroy everything in the house? Yvonne, are you done kicking up a fuss?” Lyle walked forward, grabbed me by the collar, and tossed me onto the couch.
“Home?” I chuckled. “I don’t have a home. I have a husband whose thoughts are always preoccupied with another woman, who detests everything I do. Is that home?”
I was already fed up with Lyle’s unreasonable nonsense and unpredictable temper. He could put up such an affectionate act sometimes, making it seem as if we were so deeply in love. Yet, he could also say the most vicious words, breaking my heart every single time.
At that moment, he was glaring at me coldly, his eyes betraying a look of hurt and disappointment. He was the one who had done something wrong, yet he still acted so high and mighty. I did not know how he found this place, nor did I think he went to investigate my address because he loved me.
“I’ve known Crystal for so many years. You know that, right? Why are you kicking up a fuss now?” Lyle scanned the house and saw two cups coasters on the table. His expression changed as he suddenly charged into the house.
“Yvonne, are you hiding a man here? I knew you were starting to be restless. We haven’t divorced yet, but you’re already so eager to live together with another man, right?” Like a madman, he kicked the bedroom door open.
My heart skipped a beat. If Christopher was actually in the room… If he got caught in the act by Lyle, my efforts in suppressing everything would be wasted. Lyle could team up with Christopher to force me into signing the divorce contract and shoulder the burden of guilt.
I rushed forward with all my might. I hugged him from behind and dragged him toward the living room. Blocking the entrance of the bedroom, I yelled, “Have you already gotten into the habit of framing me? When you and Crystal were hugging each other in front of so many people, why didn’t you say that to yourself? Get lost!”
