Chapter 2

Half a month ago, I heard Auntie Iris quietly sobbing in the kitchen.

I was truly surprised because Auntie Iris was usually cheerful, optimistic, and sociable. I couldn't imagine what had upset her so.

I hadn't even asked when my mother-in-law came out with Adeline from a room, standing on the second floor, looking down.

"I told you not to put soy sauce in the egg pudding! Are you trying to harm her?"

Her words practically crushed Auntie Iris.

"It's okay, Genevieve~" Adeline softly looped her arm through Genevieve's, "My sister likes soy sauce in her egg pudding. Maybe Auntie Iris is just used to making it that way. I don't mind having it with soy sauce too; I actually like it."

I wanted to gag.

Look at her, just like a manipulative character from a palace drama.

Genevieve smiled kindly and patted her hand, comforting her.

"Don't pretend you don't want what you can't have. You dare touch our Declan family heir!"

I was so fed up with her nonsense that I didn't even want to respond. I just took Auntie Iris's hand and hugged her. "I'm sorry, Aunt Iris, for the trouble. I'll pay your full salary for this month, plus half a year's as a bonus, and you can work for my friend instead."

Aunt Iris looked tearfully at me, wanting to speak but holding back. I waved her off, understanding everything.

How could I not understand?

Later, Genevieve, seeing I ignored her, brought out her son Declan to confront me.

Declan, without a word, launched into his usual routine, questioning me right away.

I've had enough. Ten years, and he's always been like this!

Every time, without knowing the full story, he'd blame me, say I was wrong. Whenever I tried to have a proper conversation, he'd side with his mother and their family, treating me like I was invisible, just a figment of air in an unknown world.

Even if I were an ancient turtle, I'd still be fed up!

I stormed up to the second floor, ready to confront that manipulative woman.

But before I could reach her, Declan blocked me. I hadn't even raised my hand when he grabbed and held it tight. After struggling fiercely, I lost my balance and tumbled down the stairs.

The outcome was worse than before.

I broke my right leg, had multiple bruises, and although I didn't bleed much, I'd still need a hundred days of rest, confined to a wheelchair.

Genevieve, despite my condition, still wanted me to deliver egg pudding to Adeline.

I quickly contacted the system, asking if it had any medicine to heal my leg fast.

I didn't want to return just to lie around.