They Celebrated Her Rescue, No One Noticed I Was Missing novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“I figured it out eventually,” I said quietly..

“It wasn’t that my mother didn’t love me.”

I looked up at them.

“She was never my real mother to begin with.”

:

“When I found out my biological parents were still alive, I spent every dollar I had on a new outfit. I wanted to

look decent when I met you. I didn’t want you thinking I was trash.”

“The night before, I didn’t sleep at all. I kept telling myself that I finally had parents who wanted me. That I’d have a brother who would protect me.”

I let out a breath.

“I thought life was finally going to get better.”

A faint, bitter smile touched my lips.

“And then Audrey dumped coffee all over that dress.”

“The day we met, I lost my dignity. After that, I never gained your affection.”

Margaret was already sobbing, shaking her head, whispering apologies through tears.

At the door, Caspian stood frozen beside Richard.

I set my cup down.

“I know why you brought me back. You’re afraid Mrs. Vance will die with regrets.”

“You told me how excited she was about the pregnancy. How you argued over baby names. How you planned gifts and imagined the future.”

I met their eyes,

“But I can’t feel any of that.”

“Because none of it was for me,”

“It was for Audrey.”

“All I ever got from this family was suspicion and resentment. Honestly, you never should have come looking for me.”

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I turned and walked out.

Behind me, Margaret’s voice broke apart..

“Evelyn… I’m sorry… Mom is so sorry… I don’t dare ask for forgiveness… I just hope someday you’ll come see

me…”

“So I can know my daughter is living well…”

I didn’t respond.

Outside the hospital, someone suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace.

“Thank God. Thank God you’re okay.”

It took me a moment to recognize him.

Ethan looked exhausted. His eyes were bloodshot. His beard untrimmed.

We had been apart less than two weeks.

It felt like years.

“Let go,” I said flatly.

He shook his head.

“No. I won’t. I’ll never let you go again.”

I slapped him hard.

The sound echoed.

I looked straight at him.

“Ethan Sterling. Are you even thinking right now?”

He leaned closer.

“If that helps, hit me again. Or maybe I should buy you a fly swatter. Your hand will hurt.”

I cut him off.

“We’re divorced. Don’t push me into hating you.”

His body stiffened.

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Slowly, he released me.

“Evelyn, I handled Vanessa. For real this time. I was wrong. I can’t lose you. Please. Just give me one more

chance.”

I laughed quietly.

“And then what?”

“So you can tell me again that I deserve to be unloved?”

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