For the next few days, Anastasia didn’t go anywhere. Edward stayed with her at home, keeping her company.
Just like before–taking her shopping, waiting while she did her nails, and even patiently watching her try on dress after dress.
The shop assistants looked at the handsome man in front of them and sighed. “Mr. Copeland is amazing. What man would do this much for his wife? I’m so jealous of Anastasia.”
Anastasia heard every word.
In the past, hearing that would make her blush and hide in Edward’s arms.
Now, she only gave a polite smile.
Edward frowned at her cold, distant expression.
He pulled her into his arms, tapped her nose gently, and asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Honey? You’ve been gloomy lately. Is something bothering you?”
She looked up at him, forcing a smile as she signed, “I’m fine. It’s just my period. That’s why I’m upset.”
His frown deepened.
To cheer her up, boxes of the newest designer dresses were delivered to the Copeland’s residence. He bought piles of jewelry too.
But Anastasia still didn’t smile.
Then came the notice from the kindergarten. A parent meeting. Parents would also join in a parent–child game.
Every year, Anastasia had gone. This time was no different.
But when she reached the school gate, she saw Thomas run straight into Priscilla’s arms, his face lit with a smile she had never seen before.
Her heart sank. She took a few steps forward.
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Chapter 3
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Thomas spotted her. His smile vanished, replaced with the usual snarl. “Go away! I don’t want you here! I don’t want a mute mommy at the parent meeting! I want pretty, gentle Priscilla!”
She had heard people call her mute countless times. But hearing it from Thomas’s own mouth still cut deep.
He had always despised her for not speaking, for making him lose face in front of others.
Yet Anastasia never loved him less. She even blamed herself, spoiling him in every way she could.
Priscilla saw it all, a glint of pride flashing in her eyes. “Sorry, Anna. Thomas is so clingy. He insisted on calling me yesterday. I really couldn’t say no.”
Anastasia’s face was blank. She ignored her and stood off to the side, waiting for it all to end.
When the crowd had mostly dispersed, she finally walked over.
She glanced around but didn’t see Thomas anywhere.
Instead, Priscilla came up, her face dark as she stared at her. “Didn’t you say you don’t believe Eddie loves me? Let me show you whether he believes you or me.”
In the next second, she grabbed a handful of wooden sticks used for crafts and stabbed her own palm fast and hard.
Blood dripped onto Anastasia’s skirt. Priscilla cried out, “Anna, how could you? Just because you hurt your hand and can’t play violin anymore, you want to make me the same as you?”
Edward and Thomas appeared at the same time.
The moment Thomas saw his beloved Priscilla hurt, he flew into a rage. He grabbed wooden sticks and threw them at Anastasia.
“Bad mommy! Bad mommy! You hurt Priscilla! You’re a bad mommy!”
Edward’s face darkened too. He frowned, as if he couldn’t believe gentle Anastasia would ever do such a thing.
Anastasia clutched her skirt, shaking her head wildly. She frantically signed, her hands trembling.
“It wasn’t me. There’s a camera. Check the footage!”
Edward followed her gaze. Sure enough, a surveillance camera hung above them
He was about to check it when Priscilla suddenly collapsed into his arms.
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Chapter 3
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Tears streamed down her pale face, her body trembling as if deeply wronged. “Why check? You think I’d stab my own hand with a stick? I’m not that stupid.”
Thomas echoed quickly. “Yeah! Priscilla would never do that to herself. It was Mommy, for sure!”
Just a few words–and Edward was completely convinced by Priscilla.
Back home, he had her wound simply dressed. Then he ordered Anastasia to apologize.
Anastasia numbly signed, “It really wasn’t me. I didn’t do it. I won’t apologize.”
Priscilla sobbed at the side. “If Anna won’t admit fault, then just forget it…”
The sight of her tears made Edward’s face turn grim. His tone left no room for refusal. “Anna, you’re being disobedient. You know what I hate most is being lied to.”
He ordered the servants to drive ten wooden sticks under her nails.
The agony cut straight through her, leaving her drenched in sweat.
She wanted to cry, to scream, but only hoarse, muffled sounds came from her throat.
In the end, she was locked in a sealed room.
No air, no light.
And she had claustrophobia.
The floor was cold. She curled into a corner, hugging her knees, tears flowing nonstop.
Just before she blacked out, she thought she saw that boy again.
He had once said he’d never leave her alone.
He had said he would always stand by her side, unconditionally.
He had said he’d never let anyone hurt her.
Yet now, the one who hurt her most was him.
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Chapter 4
