“Help!”
I flailed around and saw Nate standing by the bathtub, staring at me with icy detachment.
I had just climbed out of the bathtub when Nate jumped into it himself.
“Daddy! Help me!” He screamed, “Auntie’s trying to drown me!”
When Kevin burst in, he saw nothing but his son thrashing in the water in a “terrified" state.
Cora cried and hugged Nate. "Kevin, how could Kelly hurt our child like this?"
Kevin was in rage. Without distinguishing right from wrong, he forced my head back into the water.
“How dare you lay a hand on my son?” His voice sounded distant, like it came from far away. “Let me show you how that feels!”
Then he barked, “Lucy, call my assistant. Tell him to cut off all payments for Kelly’s father and daughter’s medical bills at the hospital. This is her punishment.”
Water flooded into my lungs and my vision grew blurry.
Am I… really going to die like this?
“Sir! Mr. Jameson is here. He said it’s urgent!”
The butler's knock on the door saved me.
Kevin let go of my head and I collapsed in the bathtub, coughing violently. Water mixed with blood trickled out of my mouth and nose.
He shook his hand in disgust and said, “Clean yourself up. You'll accompany me to the banquet in half an hour.”
Dripping wet, I stood before the wardrobe and with my trembling fingers, I tried to pick out a dress.
Kevin impatiently knocked on the door as he urged me, "Hurry up! The banquet starts at seven o'clock. Don't embarrass me.”
In the end, I chose an old dress from three years ago. It was a gift from Kevin on our fifth wedding anniversary. I hadn't bought new clothes in years.
"Are you going to wear that?" Kevin furrowed his brows as he eyed me up and down. “Never mind, just go like that.”
In the car, I curled up in the corner, my wet hair sticking to my cheeks.
Meanwhile, Kevin was staring at his phone the entire time and his lips curving into a gentle smile from time to time. Without looking, I knew that he was chatting with Cora.
***
The Imperial Hotel was brightly lit. Just as I was about to link my arm through Kevin’s, he quickened his pace and walked toward a group of women adorned with jewels at the entrance.
Cora was wearing a custom-made gown from the latest collection, looking like the hostess surrounded by admirers.
“Mrs. Dawson, you look absolutely stunning tonight!” a wealthy matron gushed.
I froze in place.
Kevin naturally wrapped his arm around Cora's waist and said, “I'm sorry, everyone, my wife is feeling unwell and arrived late.”
“Who is this?” someone asked, pointing at me.
Cora covered her lips and laughed. “Oh, she’s not important.”
I stood there like a complete fool in the middle of the red carpet, while water still dripping from my skirt, leaving water stains across the expensive rug.
