Chapter 5

On my birthday, my parents came to visit.

As soon as my mom walked in, she praised the wedding photo on the wall.

"Look how beautiful this is, what a perfect match!"

Tristan looked at me in the wedding photo, touched his nose, and smiled sweetly.

"Bella didn't mind that I was dirt poor back then!"

I floated above their heads.

Remembering how I willingly endured hardship with him, I now found it utterly ironic.

Mom suddenly furrowed her brow and wandered through the rooms.

"What's this smell... so foul!"

She muttered to herself, coming to the basement door.

"It's coming from down there..."

Tristan covered his nose.

There really was a smell of dead rats that even perfume couldn't cover.

"Looks like Bella is still angry at me and wants to prank me."

"It's fine, I'll go clean the basement later."

Watching him lie and slander me without even blinking, I was so angry my chest heaved up and down.

Mom's expression changed as she nodded.

"It's our fault for spoiling Bella."

"Tristan is successful in his career, has a good temper, and dotes on Bella. He's a rare good man."

"With Bella married to him, I can rest easy."

Tristan's image as the good son-in-law was flawless.

Even my parents were completely fooled.

Dad shook his head angrily.

"This child... always causing trouble."

"Tristan is so busy with work, yet he has to indulge her tantrums."

"No way! Call her over here. I need to give her a piece of my mind!"

Aria seized the opportunity to come out and comfort them.

They chatted happily in the living room.

As if Aria were the mistress of this house.

No one noticed me.

She squeezed in, affectionately holding my mom's hand.

"Mr.Dream, Mrs.Dream, I'll help you talk to Bella."

"Mrs.Dream, can I chat with you? You remind me of my mom!"

"Would you accept me as your goddaughter?"

My mom readily agreed, then suddenly frowned.

"I have no problem with it, but we need to ask Bella's opinion."

"Bella is pregnant. We promise not to disturb her rest!"

"Right! We haven't seen our precious daughter in so long!"

The warmth on Tristan's face instantly faded.

He frowned and asked again:

"Mom, who did you say is pregnant?"

Mom smiled and repeated.

"Bella, didn't she tell you?"

Tristan suddenly remembered something, his face turning pale.

The faint stench grew stronger and stronger.

Irritation flashed in his eyes.

"Why is it... so foul?"

Aria immediately waved her hands, blocking their way.

"It's nothing, just meat that rotted in the cold storage..."

Tristan nodded too.

"Rats are running wild in the basement. Better not go down there yet."

But Mom's eyes were determined.

"What's to be afraid of! A few little rats won't eat anyone!"

"That stubborn girl Bella must be hiding down there. She doesn't even mind the stench!"

She even went around him, heading straight for the basement.

Tristan tried to stop her.

"Mom, don't go down there. The rats will bite!"

"Come back up! If something happens to you, Bella will definitely blame me!"

Aria's face turned deathly pale as she timidly grabbed my mom's hand.

But Mom sensed something was wrong and shook off her hand.

With a serious expression, she opened the cold storage door.

Instantly, a nauseating stench burst out.