When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 270

Seeing April’s face crumple like that just about shattered Nicholas. He shot Victoria a cold, sharp look, then scooped April up and carried her back to her room.

April kept her head down, shoulders drawn in, like she was waiting for punishment.

Nicholas set her gently on the edge of the bed and knelt so they were eye to eye. His voice softened. “April, as long as Daddy’s here, nobody’s going to hurt you. You don’t need to tiptoe around anyone, not even her.”

“This is your home, sweetheart. Even if you mess up sometimes, it’s okay. You’re safe here.”

Tears welled up in April’s eyes. She threw her arms around his neck, her voice barely above a whisper. “Daddy.”

Nicholas hugged her tight, guilt twisting in his chest.

He’d already taken April to see one of the best child psychologists in the city. The doctor said April was doing better than expected, but years of being overlooked had left her fragile and unsure of herself.

She was terrified of her mother, but at the same time, completely dependent on her. Breaking free would take time. That was part of why Nicholas had insisted Victoria stay.

Once April was asleep, Nicholas went to find Victoria.

He couldn’t believe Victoria would go against his wishes and seek out April for no reason, so he came in ready for answers.

“What happened just now?”

Nicholas kept his voice low, but it filled the room with tension.

Victoria’s lips trembled, but she forced herself to stand tall. “I told you, I was only taking her back to her room.”

“And I told you not to be alone with her unless I say it’s okay.”

“She’s my daughter. You can’t keep us apart.”

“Right back at you!”

Nicholas’s glare was icy, his jaw clenched. “Why drag April into our mess? She’s just five. She didn’t do anything wrong.”

Victoria sucked in a shaky breath, her eyes suddenly flashing with anger. “Stop acting like you’re so perfect. If you hadn’t done what you did to me back then, I wouldn’t be like this. April wouldn’t even exist.”

The words left her, and she completely fell apart.

Her legs gave out and she sank to the floor.

She hated Nicholas with everything she had, but she couldn’t fight him. Her son was still in the hospital, waiting for surgery.

Victoria’s breaths came in ragged sobs. “Maybe I’m a terrible person… but I didn’t have a choice…”