In this household, Edwin’s word was law. Even Miguel didn’t dare go against him–Caroline? She had even less say.
But Caroline didn’t even glance at Liam. Her cold, steady gaze remained locked on Edwin’s face.
“You want me to go back to how things were before? Could you be more specific–what exactly do you mean by ‘before‘?
“You mean waking up before dawn every day to cook breakfast for everyone, then packing lunch to bring to Helen at the office, rushing home early in the evening to cook dinner, and staying up late into the night making hangover broth for you after your business banquets–is that what you mean?”
“That’s right,” Edwin replied without hesitation, not sensing a single issue with that arrangement. He paused, adding, “You don’t need to keep,doing that delivery job. Tomorrow morning, I go back to work at the company. As for your position–listen to whatever your Liam arranges.”
Caroline’s lips curved into a mocking smile. “And if he assigns me to clean the toilets, Edwin–would that be appropriate?”
As she said this, her eyes slid toward Liam.
If she followed through and obeyed their so–called arrangements, she could already guess what would happen–Liam would make her scrub toilets, just like he’d said before.
And Edwin wouldn’t care in the slightest.
Waving impatiently, Edwin said, “I’ve made myself clear. What job you do is up to your Liam. That’s the end of it. Now go wash up and get to bed early. I hope you won’t let me down.”
Earlier, he’d heard from Liam that Caroline had become stubborn and disobedient–but seeing her now, she didn’t seem that bad.
In fact, the fact that she even asked the question meant she was somewhat listening to him. He stood up, thinking the conversation was over.
But Caroline opened her mouth again. “Sorry, Edwin, but I must disappoint you this time.”
Edwin had just lifted his foot to take a step when he stopped mid–motion, his leg freezing in the air before coming back down. He turned, towering over her. “What did you just say?”
Caroline lifted her head, locking eyes with his harsh stare–completely unafraid. “I said, from now on, I’m not cooking for this family anymore. I’m not delivering anyone’s meals. I’m not staying up late waiting for you to come home. And since I’ve already left the factory, I have no reason to go back.”
With every sentence she spoke, Edwin’s brows drew tighter and tighter.
By the end, his eyebrows were practically knotted together.
It was like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard–such cold, detached words from Caroline. He stood frozen for several long seconds before finally squeezing out a few words.
“Do you even know what you’re saying?”
1/3
10:42 Sun, May 4 BG •
Chapter 75 The Real Me
His voice was low and calm–but it carried the weight of a coming storm.
93%0
+8 Pearls
Caroline, however, remained perfectly still, her tone composed. “Of course, I know. I’m an adult now. I have my own life and my own goals. I won’t waste my entire existence on things that hold no meaning”
She emphasized the last part–things that hold no meaning.
She wanted him to understand–this wasn’t about her being unwilling to help her family.
It was about the fact that no matter how much she gave it was never enough. Worse—they acted like she owed them. Like it was her duty.
If that was how it would be, what was the point of giving?
Edwin crossed his arms, furious to the point of laughing bitterly. “Wow. Haven’t seen you for a little while. Look at you–you’ve really grown a backbone!”
Caroline answered calmly, “I haven’t changed much. I’ve always been like this. I just used to hold myself back too much–never dared to be my real self.”
She used to never talk back. Now, she was flat–out refusing to do anything for the family.
Back then, she’d been obsessed–thinking that the less her brothers loved her, the harder she had to try to win their affection.
She’d poured her heart into it, only to end up bruised, broken, and dying alone.
Looking back now, how foolish she’d been.
Wasting her life on things that were never hers to begin with. Things that were never worth it.
Hearing that, Liam cut in with a snort. “What, are you gonna tell us next that you’re not the real Caroline, that you came from another world or something?”
He was clearly mocking her–but Caroline just smiled and said, “If that helps you understand, sure.”
Getting a second chance at life was like being reborn.
Same body, same soul–but she would live completely differently from now on. To her, it was like becoming someone new.
Liam suddenly burst into laughter. “Lazy. That’s all this is. You’re just lazy and trying to dress it up with some fantasy crap–what do you think this is a drama show?”
At that moment, Edwin cut in. “Caroline, we’re family. We should work together to build a better, more harmonious home. That’s what our parents would have wanted more than anything. They loved you the most when they were alive–you really want them to be restless in their graves?”
When he brought up their parents, a flicker of irritation passed through Caroline’s heart. “Don’t use Mom and Dad to guilt me. Your idea of a harmonious family? That’s just you forcing me to suffer while everyone else gets to be comfortable. Sure, it’s a good deal–for you. But it’s never been good for me.”
