Tears welled up in Eloise's eyes, her frail body trembling with each word. "It... it was Tyler," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "He was chasing Arlo around with scissors. I tried to stop him, Mommy... but he got mad and pushed me down the stairs." Her little hands clutched the blanket tightly as though clinging to the last shred of comfort she had left.
My heart clenched painfully. My fingers balled into fists at my sides as I fought the rising tide of rage threatening to consume me. How could anyone—especially Simon—stand by and allow this to happen?
Eloise sniffled, her voice quivering as she continued, "Daddy said it was my fault... He left me here to reflect. He didn't bring me anything to eat..." Her voice broke and fresh tears rolled down her pale cheeks. "Mommy, I'm so hungry..."
I instinctively glanced at the small table by her bed. A plate with two hardened slices of bread sat there, untouched and cold. It was the only food my daughter had received all day. On New Year's Eve.
A lump formed in my throat and I felt as though I couldn't breathe. I reached out, brushing her hair tenderly. "Stay right here, darling. Mommy's going to get you something to eat."
I hurried out of the hospital into the cold, biting wind of the night. Most of the shops were closed for the holiday, their windows darkened and doors locked. Desperation gnawed at me as I searched street after street. Finally, I found a small food stall still open, its owner about to close up. I bought the last bowl of steaming beef noodles he had left.
Rushing back, I entered Eloise's room to find her sitting up, her wide eyes lighting up at the sight of the food. She devoured the noodles hungrily, each bite a reminder of how long she had been neglected.
I sat beside her silently, watching her eat while my mind churned with bitter thoughts. This was supposed to be a time for family, for warmth and joy, yet my daughter had been left in a cold hospital room, abandoned by the people who should have cherished her most.
When she finally finished, I stroked her hair gently. "Eloise, Mommy has to take care of something. Be a good girl and wait here, okay? I'll come back soon to take you home."
Terror filled her eyes as she gripped my hand tightly. "Mommy, don't leave me. Daddy doesn't want me anymore... Please don't go too."
I leaned down and kissed her forehead, my voice soft but firm. "Sweetheart, Mommy will never leave you. It's not Daddy who doesn't want you. It's Mommy who doesn't want him anymore."
***
The drive back home was a blur, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. My knuckles turned white and my jaw was clenched so hard it ached. I arrived at the house just as laughter rang out from inside, the glow of warm lights spilling through the windows.
Pushing the front door open with a bang, I stepped inside and the chatter instantly ceased. All eyes turned to me as I took in the scene: the long dining table laden with a lavish feast, twelve meticulously prepared dishes gleaming under the light. Tyler sat next to Evelyn, giggling as he clutched a piece of meat—meat that had once been Arlo.
Anger surged through me like a tidal wave. Tyler's eyes met mine and he immediately dropped the piece of meat, hiding behind Evelyn as though he sensed the storm brewing within me. Evelyn, noticing my glare, scowled and stood, her voice shrilled and accusatory. "Elsa! What do you think you're doing barging in here like that?"
Ignoring her, I turned my gaze to Simon, who was seated comfortably beside Raya, his arm casually draped over her shoulders. The sight made my stomach turn.
"While your bastard enjoys a feast, my daughter is lying in a hospital bed, starving and alone," I spat, my voice trembling with fury. "Do you seriously expect me to let this slide?"
Tyler began to wail loudly and Simon quickly stood, trying to shield both Raya and the boy. "Come on, Elsa. Don't overreact. Tyler's just a kid; he didn't mean any harm."
"Oh, yeah?" I hissed, my voice rising. "And what about Eloise? Is she not your daughter too?"
Simon opened his mouth but hesitated, casting a nervous glance at Evelyn. She took the opportunity to interject, stepping forward with an air of righteous indignation. "Tyler is my grandson—the heir of this family! Of course, Simon should value him more!"
Her words sent a fresh wave of rage coursing through me. I turned to Simon, my eyes blazing. "Is that what you think too? That Eloise doesn't matter because she's a girl?"
Simon avoided my gaze, but the silence was answer enough. Raya smirked, stepping closer to him. "Simon's just being practical, Elsa. You can't blame him. A son carries on the family name."
I let out a hollow laugh, the sound echoing eerily in the tense silence. My gaze fell once again on the table, on the sumptuous feast they had prepared while my daughter had gone hungry. Without a second thought, I strode forward and flipped the table over with all the strength I could muster. Plates and bowls clattered to the floor, shattering upon impact. Food spilled everywhere, creating a chaotic mess.
"If my daughter can't eat, then none of you will," I said coldly, my voice cutting through the stunned silence like a knife. "Nobody gets to celebrate tonight."
