Chapter 2

"Get Theo out here to see me!"

Nora kicked over a kettle on the floor, scalding Hazel's arm with hot water. I floated in front of Hazel, trying to shield her, but it was futile.

"Brat, if you don't tell me where Theo is, I'll beat you to death!"

"Does he dare to do what he did but not face it now?"

Hazel cried out in pain, pushing Nora hard, shouting, "You're a bad person, go away."

The child's heart-wrenching cries made my heart ache.

Nora tightly gripped Hazel's arm, scoffing, "Bad person?"

"The bad one is your cowardly dad. Even a dog would protect its owner, but Theo just screamed at me."

Hazel's big, round eyes widened, her little mouth stubbornly retorting.

"Bad Auntie, don't insult my dad!"

"When your dad was with me, he cheated and had you, a little bastard. Do you think your family is any good?"

"Look at what you're wearing, where you live. It's karma. No wonder he doesn't want to see me."

Standing in the shadows, listening to Nora's insults, I knew she would hate me, but I didn't expect it to be so deep.

Listening to Nora's disdain, Finn's smile grew wider. He pulled Hazel aside, adding, "Nora's right. Cheating bastards like Theo deserve nothing good."

"He won't face you because he's ashamed. Even if he's dead, he deserves to be in hell."

That moment, I regretted teaching Hazel to be so sensible. She could partly understand such horrible words.

But Finn's shove triggered Hazel's asthma. The little girl clutched her chest, gasping, and staggered back inside.

Meanwhile, Nora laughed maniacally, holding the asthma inhaler from the table, "Theo, if you don't come out, your little bastard is going to die soon."

Hazel struggled to stand, trying her best to get up.

"Is this child stupid? Having an attack and not thinking to use the inhaler."

Following Hazel's gaze, I saw a painting hanging in the hall.

I felt a lump in my throat. Panic made my ethereal spirit tremble violently.

Watching Nora get closer to the painting, Finn stepped in front of her.

"Nora, it's getting late. I don't think Theo will come out. Let's just go back."

She stopped advancing, turning her gaze to Hazel, who was gasping on the floor.

Hazel's small face was unnaturally pale, her head hitting the hard cement floor with a thud.

Nora kicked Hazel once. "Brat, stop playing dead."

With no response in the room but the ticking of the clock, she finally panicked.

She picked up Hazel, carrying her outside. I spun in circles in the air, desperate. Hazel needed to get to a hospital immediately.

As Finn walked, he tried to block the way.

"Nora, she's Theo's daughter. He doesn't care if she lives or dies, so why save her?"

"I'm keeping this brat alive. I don't believe Theo will abandon her. It's my business; stay out of it!"

Hazel was placed in the back seat, and I floated into the car.

Just as Nora was about to get in, Finn held her back.

He looked at her, his voice hoarse, "Nora, today was supposed to be our wedding photo shoot."

"I hired the best photographer, spent months preparing custom suits and dresses, and invited our parents to witness this beautiful moment."

"Nora, come with me. Theo and this child have nothing to do with you now."