Chapter 4

So, the place I'm not allowed to enter even with broken legs, Jolene can easily access.

Just because her mannerisms resemble Lily's, and she talks about Lily's past, it's as if their loved one is still alive.

The three of them chat and play happily in the greenhouse.

For a moment, I even saw in Dashiell's eyes a tenderness and affection I had never possessed.

I silently walked to the laundry room, where a few servants were admiring the harmonious scene in the greenhouse while making snide remarks:

"Some people have no shame when it comes to pleasing Mr.Thompson, but unfortunately, our Mr. Thompson and Miss Tina don't fall for her act. In the end, she still has to wash clothes for her husband's mistress. Tsk, tsk, tsk, how ridiculous."

"If you ask me, her previous miscarriages were probably caused by the same thing. Miss Tina was just the scapegoat. Isn't she just afraid of having a son and losing her value as a baby-making machine, getting kicked to the curb by Mr. Thompson? What a schemer."

"Still, Miss Carlisle is well-educated and cultured, and she was our former mistress's close friend. With Mr.Thompson, no wonder Mr. Thompson likes her."

I ignored their mockery and picked up a basin of warm water.

Just as I was about to put the coat in, the basin was kicked over, and an entire bucket of ice-cold water mixed with ice cubes was dumped on my head.

Having just had surgery, the shock of the ice water made me dizzy and disoriented. Fresh blood began to flow from below once again.

Tina shook the water off her hands and, noticing the blood on my pants, taunted:

"Is that all the blood you can muster? What a shame. Just you wait, one of these days I'll make sure you die in a pool of your own blood."

I shivered uncontrollably from the cold. Tina looked at me with disdain:

"You cheap whore, always so dramatic. It's just a bit of ice water, what's with the pity party? Who are you trying to impress? My Aunt Jolene said this coat can only be hand-washed in cold water!"

Hearing her words, I suddenly remembered that year when I was bedridden with menstrual cramps, throwing up and having diarrhea.

Because of Dashiell's cold and indifferent attitude towards me, the Thompson family's servants couldn't be bothered to take care of me. They wouldn't even pour me a cup of hot water.

It was two-year-old Tina who toddled up to my bed and said in her baby voice:

"Auntie, this is the warm milk they just made for me. It's still hot. You drink it, and your tummy won't hurt anymore."That precious child, once so understanding and sweet, now wishes nothing more than my death.

I tossed my coat into the ice water bucket and said flatly:

"Had enough fun? If you're done, go on now. Don't touch the cold water or you'll get a stomachache later."

With that, I picked up the bucket, turned, and went back to the bedroom, closing the door behind me.

Fighting through the discomfort, I finished washing the coat and had the butler deliver it to Jolene. Then I packed all my belongings into a suitcase.

As I stood up, a wave of dizziness hit me and I collapsed.

When I opened my eyes again, it was the next day.

Mrs. Gevano sat by my bedside, holding a thermos, her brow furrowed as she stared out the window.

I leaned out to see Jolene accompanying Tina, teaching her about snakes as they fed her pet snake.

Tina hugged her waist adoringly:

"Aunt Jolene, you know so much! You're as amazing as my mom, and you're not even afraid of snakes. You're way better than some evil cowards. I like you."

"Why don't you get together with my dad? That way I could hear stories about my mom every day!"Jolene pinched her cheek playfully and said with a grin:

"That's great! Not only will Tina get to hear your mom's stories every day, but she'll also have some little brothers and sisters to play with."

She belatedly lifted her head, flashing an apologetic smile my way, though her eyes were unmistakably challenging:

"Miss Gevano, I'm just teasing Tina. Don't take it seriously, okay?"

"Oh, by the way, thanks for washing my coat yesterday. It's spotless - way better than my housekeeper could do. Though I don't need it anymore since Dashiell bought me several new outfits to make up for it."

Tina shot me a glare and yanked Jolene away: