When he saw me, Nicholas’s eyes showed panic, then he quickly walked toward me.
“Lily, don’t misunderstand. The hotel’s medical staff just gave me the medicine.”
“I made you worry. I promise I won’t do it again … ”
Before he could finish, I threw the medicine bottle in my hand straight into the trash can. Without further ado, I took out the blank divorce agreement I had brought and handed it to him.
“It’s fine. The property manager just said the owner’s signature is needed for the air conditioner cleaning.”
Nicholas looked confused for a moment, but still signed it without reading.
After he signed, I turned and walked away with the divorce agreement.
Abigail spoke to me in a calm voice, “Lily, it’s been a long time.”
“Don’t leave so quickly. You probably don’t know yet. Today is the celebration banquet for the company’s listing. You came at the right time, so please stay and celebrate with us.”
“After all, this company is Aunt Winona’s years of hard work.”
I stopped for a moment when she mentioned the company. This was the last thing my mother left me before she passed away. If the accident five years ago hadn’t happened, I would have to be the one hosting this party ...
A sharp pain suddenly hit my chest and a waiter led me to a seat in the center of the front row.
Soon, the celebration started. Abigail, dressed in a luxurious gown, walked onto the stage slowly with Nicholas beside her. She picked up the microphone.
“Let’s warmly celebrate the successful listing of Lovett Group. Now, please enjoy our company’s tenth-anniversary video.”
As soon as she finished speaking, my loud scream echoed through the entire hall.
The large screen around the venue started playing a video. It showed several rough hands grabbing my skin and my body was covered with bruises.
The man’s face in the video was blurred, but my bare skin and the blood were clearly shown. Anyone watching would think I was some kind of ‘slut’.
At that moment, the nightmare I had buried in my memory came back with full force. My whole body trembled as I sat frozen. Suddenly, a crowd of reporters came running in with their cameras. Countless flashes shone straight at my face.
“Mrs. Atwood, we heard that five years ago, you went to the hospital due to having too many partners, which caused your kidneys and uterus to be removed. Do you feel you are suffering the results of your own actions?”
“Mrs. Atwood, your mother started Lovett Group to support women being independent and respectful. But your appearance in this video is the complete opposite of her beliefs. Aren’t you afraid she passed away with sadness?”
“Mrs. Atwood, do you still have the courage to face Mr. Atwood and your son? If I were you, I would have ended my life already. A woman like you isn’t worthy of being a wife or mother!”
***
As they shouted, many people ran at me and pushed me down.
Someone even pulled up my shirt, exposing the scar on my stomach.
“Oh no, how disgusting. Look at that ugly scar!”
“Hurry, take a photo. Everyone needs to see what happens when you don’t respect yourself!”
Shame covered my whole body. I clutched my clothes tightly and gasped in pain.
But they didn’t stop. Some even started a live stream, pointing the camera at me and asking loudly:
“Mrs. Atwood, you’re not answering. Do you feel too ashamed?”
Many cameras kept taking pictures of me while I lay there helpless. Just as I was about to give up, two loud voices came from behind.
“Get out! Move! Who gave you the right to film her, you monsters!”
Nicholas shouted and rushed over. He took off his suit and wrapped it around me.
Damon, who should have been at school, stood in front of me with his small arms spread wide.
“Bad people, you bad people! I won’t let you hurt my mother!”
