Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Andrew said to Tracy, Tracy, come here. He held Tracy and asked softly, “Did you push Jennie
Tracy glanced at Yedda, then at Andrew, and whispered. “No, it was just play–fighting among classmates. Jennie has pushed me too”
Hearing this, the anger that had been building up in Andrew’s chest dissipated a little.
Yedda said. “Andrew, it’s just a kids game. You shouldn’t take it seriously. I’ve already talked to Tracy, and III bring her to apologize to Jennie someday.”
Tracy chimed in Tm sorry, Daddy. If Jennie pushes me again, Tracy will never fight back.”
Andrew said, “It’s okay, Tracy. From now on, when we see Jennie, we’ll just let her have her way.”
Tracy nodded.
Andrew felt the contrast between the sensible Tracy and the willful Jennie was too stark
Yedda felt she had played the victim long enough and spoke in a weak voice. “Andrew. I know it’s just kids playing. We adults really shouldn’t interfere. After all, the world of children is still very innocent
“But Rachel put the video online, and now many people misunderstand Tracy. There are all kinds of vicious curses. Isn’t it a bit too much for a sick child?”
Tracy said, “Mommy, don’t cry. It’s my fault. I will let Jennie hit and push me in the future”
Andrew said. “Alright, Tracy, 1 will make Jennie apologize to you. After that he called Racel. He said, “Rachel, where are you? Bring Jennie to the hospital to apologize to Tracy right now!”
Rachel asked, “Andrew, are you out of your mind?”
Andrew warned, “Rachel, you know my temper. Don’t push me!”
Rachel sneered, “Oh, really? Then come find me. I’m at Noble Estate.”
Andrew, goaded by Rachel’s brazen tone, decided to confront her
Yedda suggested. “Andrew, this is ultimately a kids‘ issue. Tracy and I will go with you.”
Andrew frowned. He asked, “Can Tracy even leave the hospital?”
Yedda had no choice but to give up the idea
Noble Estate was a famous resort in Belgimia, known for its serene environment and high–end services. Only the wealthy and influential came here, especially for its private hot springs, which were famous for romantic dates.
Andrew wondered why Rachel was in such a place. On the way there, his mind was filled with images of Rachel and Charles being affectionate. He was restless and agitated.
When Andrew arrived at the appointed place, he pushed the door open and scolded without preamble, “Rachel, how can you be such a mother? Leaving your child behind and openly having an affair.”
Rachel, who was sitting cross–legged making coffee, moved with practiced grace. The contrast between her stillness and Andrew’s agitation was striking. After brewing the coffee, she poured a cup and placed it opposite Andrew, gesturing for him to sit.
Andrew was in no mood for coffee. He stormed over and threw the teacup across the room. He said. “Rachel, I just don’t get you. Tracy is on the brink of death, and you’re sitting here sipping coffee? How can you be so heartless?”
Rachel took a sip of coffee, seemingly unfazed by Andrew’s outburst. She said calmly. “Every day, countless people die in this world. Am I supposed to mourn for each one of them?”
Andrew was speechless. He said, “But Tracy is innocent!”
Rachel asked, “Does that make Jennie guilty?”
This left Andrew speechless. He just said, “Stop beating around the bush. Jennie
save Tracy, no matter whati
Chapter 33
Just then, a resounding voice came from outside, saying. “Over my dead body. The wooden door opened, and Richard, leaning on a cane, walked in.
Andrew asked, “Grandpa, why are you here?”
Richard said, “You good–for–nothing. If I weren’t here, you’d really stoop to such inhumanity. What, planning to lay a hand on me too?”
“Grandpa, the video online is fake. It’s just kids‘ play–fighting. A little friction is normal,” Andrew tried to explain.
Rachel said, Tm ashamed that Jennie has a father like you!” She threw a Barbie doll at him, tears in her eyes
Confused, Andrew picked the doll up and accidentally pressed a button on the doll’s chest. Through the speaker came Jennie’s intermittent sobs. She said, “Daddy, where are you, Daddy? I miss you so much. Won’t you leave me, will you?”
Jennie’s choked voice, transmitted through the electronic device, was heart–wrenching
The second recording was a cacophony of taunts. A girl said. Jennie, your daddy doesn’t want you. Your mommy’s a bad person, that’s why your daddy doesn’t want you and your mommy.”
Andrew thought, “The voice is all too f
familiar—it is”
is Tracy. He looked up at Rachel in shock
Rachel glared back, her face pale.
Andrew heard Jennie say in the recording, “You’re lying. I won’t let you speak ill of my mommy. My mom is the best person in the world. My dad would never leave my mom and me.”
Tracy said, “Is that so? But your daddy is with my mommy now. He’s my daddy now. He buys me Barbie dolls and plays with me!
Jennie said. Tracy, don’t talk nonsense. My daddy won’t leave me. This is the doll my daddy bought for me.”
Tracy said, “It’s just a doll. Give it to me.“
The sound of static crackled as Tracy likely grabbed Jennie’s toy.
F
Then, Tracy said, “Hit her, hit her hard!” It was followed by intermittent sobs and laughter.
One could only imagine how helpless Jennie felt at that moment. She didn’t understand why her daddy didn’t want her anymore. Why had her daddy become Tracy’s daddy?
Rachel said, “Andrew, you’re quite the father, letting the bully of your daughter take her kidney”
Rachel’s voice was calm bat cutting, leaving Andrew too pained to utter a word. He muttered, “Where’s Jennie? Where is she?”
Rachel said, “You’ll never see her again in this life.”
Andrew said, “Rachel, I’m Jennie’s father. What gives you the right?” | ||
Rachel retorted, “The right? Just look at the doll in your hand. Give up on that idea.” With that, she got up and walked out of the room without looking back.
Andrew wandered the streets, dazed and haunted by Jennie’s shrill cries. Frank, who followed behind, watched quietly without approaching. When Yedda’s call came again, Frank handed over the phone.
Yedda cried, “Andrew, has Rachel forgiven you? Tracy couldn’t wait any longer. Andrew, Tracy is truly innocent, we can’t…”
Andrew cut her off. “Is Tracy really innocent?”
Yedda asked, “What do you mean?”
Andrew reminded her, “The restroom, the blue Barbie doll‘
Hearing this, Yedda’s heart skipped a beat. She wondered why Andrew knew about those. But she quickly suppressed her panic. She said. “Andrew, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
“But if Tracy has done something wrong. I’ll apologize for her. She’s just a child. What bad intentions could she have?”
Andrew thought for a moment and said, “Alright. I understand. I’ll look for a new kidney donor.” With that, he hung up.
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