I said all of this to make our parents face reality. But instead of accepting it, they turned on me. Seeing that I was unharmed and standing there, they went wild. They accused me of everything.
“This was all Esmeray’s plan! It has nothing to do with Essie! She wanted to marry into a wealthy family and made us do this. Please, let the three of us go and take your revenge on Esmeray instead!”
I stood there, feeling stunned as I listened to their words. Any last trace of affection I had for this family was completely destroyed.
To them, the family only consisted of the three of them. I was never truly part of it.
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Who was the one who wanted to marry into a wealthy family? Who was the one who thought they looked like Mrs. Stewart and started daydreaming?
“I warned you three that Julian Stewart isn’t a fool, and rich people aren’t as blind as you think. They can uncover everything!”
“Shut up!” my dad shouted instinctively. “You wretched child, what right do you have to criticize Essie? You’re probably the one who snitched!
“You ruined everything for this family! What sin did I commit to raise someone like you? I should’ve drowned you in the river when you were born!”
My dad grew more and more agitated. He even stood up as if he were about to lunge at me.
But before he could move, Simon kicked him viciously Simon grabbed my dad’s hair with surprising strength. His expression was cold as he slapped him twice across the face.
“I told you, Ms. Esmeray is Mr. Stewart’s esteemed guest. Show her some respect. And let me make it clear–we already checked Ms. Esmeray’s phone.
“She knew nothing about your so–called plan and even wanted to report you to the police. The only reason she didn’t was because you beat her up.”
Hearing this, a huge weight lifted off my chest. Everything I had done to protect myself worked–I was no longer under suspicion. Julian wouldn’t target me now.
Despite his refined appearance, Simon had terrifying strength. My dad’s face swelled instantly, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
My mom lost all her defiance upon seeing this. She immediately fell to her knees, trying to pin all the
blame on herself.
“Please, Simon, show mercy and spare Essie! It was all our fault! She really tried to save Mrs. Stewart. She even donated her blood to her!”
“You mean when she deliberately ate mangoes before the transfusion?” Simon sneered. “She knew Mrs. Stewart was allergic to mangoes and still ate them. She was ensuring Mrs. Stewart wouldn’t survive. That’s truly considerate of her.”
I hadn’t expected Simon to uncover even that detail. The three of them grew even more terrified, and their arrogance from earlier was completely gone. Now, each of them was kneeling, one more
