Chapter 7
Josephine stopped a cab on the street and struggled to make her way home.
But the moment she stepped inside, she was hit with a heartbreaking
scene.
Dorothy was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket like a wounded little kitten.
Nathaniel was right by her side, carefully feeding her medicine with a
spoon.
Catching sight of Josephine in the corner of his eye, Nathaniel looked up at her, his gaze sharp as a knife, filled with almost tangible disgust.
“You still have the nerve to come back?” Edward strode forward and slapped her hard across the face.
Josephine felt her head spin and nearly lost her balance.
“I know you weren’t happy when Dorothy came back, but she’s your sister. Playing a prank like this… what if you scared her to death?
“If Nathaniel hadn’t shown up in time, who knows what kind of disaster you would’ve caused!”
Dorothy was gloating inside, but outwardly she pretended to be kind. “Dad, don’t hit my sister anymore. I’m fine, aren’t I?”
“Stop defending this monster!” Edward’s chest heaved violently, his anger showing no signs of calming.
Josephine stood frozen, her ears buzzing.
1526
Chapter 7
121 Wouchers
The next second, Nathaniel, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.
“Apologize to Dorothy.” His voice was icy, like it could freeze into shards.
Josephine bit her lip.
She didn’t know where the courage came from, but she pushed back. “I won’t apologize.”
When the kidnappers tortured her, she had already understood.
The whole kidnapping had been arranged by Dorothy, just so she could pin the blame on her and make her the “evil sister.”
She did nothing wrong. So why should she apologize?
Dorothy sighed, pretending to be generous. “Forget it, Nathan. Maybe my sister didn’t mean it. I don’t want to ruin our relationship…
“She almost got you killed, and an apology is too much to ask?” Nathaniel stared straight at Josephine, the disgust in his eyes growing stronger.
When had Josephine become so wild, so defiant?
Edward was also enraged by her stubbornness.
He grabbed Josephine’s arm and yanked her forward like she was a stray kitten, dragging her to Dorothy’s side. It hurt so much she let out a muffled cry, and only then did he notice her arm was covered in burns.
His brows furrowed.
Just as he was about to ask what happened, Nathaniel’s cold voice cut in. “You hurt yourself just to frame Dorothy. Josephine, you’ve really taken ‘by hook or by crook‘ to the extreme.”
At those words, Edward’s doubt vanished instantly, replaced by even
Chapter 7
greater fury.
He shoved her down by the shoulder, forcing her knees to buckle as she
crashed to the floor.
“You should honor your parents who gave you life, yet you treat this family and me with such disregard!”
Josephine lifted her head numbly and met Nathaniel’s icy stare with no defense.
He held Dorothy in his arms, towering above her like a judge looking down on a criminal, while she knelt before him in disgrace, her dignity ground to dust.
For some reason, her stubborn gaze unsettled Nathaniel.
He repeated coldly, “Josephine, just apologize to Dorothy and I’ll let this go.”
Josephine gave a bitter laugh.
Her bloodshot eyes locked on Nathaniel as she said each word with force, “I’ll say it again. I won’t apologize. Kill me if you want.”
Nathaniel froze, and the last trace of pity in his eyes disappeared.
What followed was Edward’s endless storm of blows and curses.
Josephine was already weak. Within moments, she collapsed on the floor like a beaten dog, completely losing consciousness.
***
Josephine didn’t know how long she was out.
When she woke again, the living room was empty.
1526
Chapter 7
Enduring the stabbing pain all over her body, she pushed herself up from the couch and staggered back to her room to check her luggage one last time.
Just as she was about to close her suitcase, Dorothy’s voice came from behind.
“Do you like the farewell gift I prepared for you?” Dorothy leaned against the doorway, her lips curved in a cruel smile. “Actually, I wanted to keep you here until the engagement party so you could give me and Nathaniel your blessing. But Dad refused. He said you’ve shamed the Reynolds family, and he can’t stand you here another second.
“Josephine, once you leave this time, don’t ever come back. Without you, this family will finally be whole.
“Oh, and thanks for being my husband’s free plaything for two years. At least he wasn’t lonely when I was gone.”
Josephine pressed her lips together and said nothing.
With a click, the suitcase shut.
Along with it, the last shred of attachment she had for this family was sealed away.
Before dawn the next morning, Josephine boarded her flight overseas.
She left with complete resolve.
Before boarding, she deleted all of Nathaniel’s contact information
without hesitation.
The plane cut through the wide sky, leaving a white trail behind it, drawing a final line under her unbearable past.
Lateefa Khanam is a spirited writer who finds freedom in horse riding. She cherishes her mare and the newborn foal, calling them her little happy family.
