“Mr. Finck, I’ve already prepared a gift for Grandpa Marcel. And your stomach’s been acting up lately don’t drink at the party, okay?”
Seraphina had said everything I, as Mrs. Finck, should’ve said. So, I stayed silent.
When we arrived, Seraphina got out of the car with us and was the first to greet Grandpa Marcel. He looked at her with clear fondness, his face lighting up when he saw the scroll she’d brought–an elaborate longevity painting. It was obvious this wasn’t her first time visiting.
As for me, I didn’t want to force myself into a scene I didn’t belong in.
Grandpa Marcel had never liked me. He believed I’d tricked Magnus into marrying me. That
belief had never wavered.
The painting was large–delicate and detailed.
As Seraphina pulled down its cover for Grandpa, she slowly stepped back to give him a full
view.
I tried to step out of her way, but she moved faster and bumped straight into me.
With a startled cry, she stumbled and fell down the stone steps, dragging the painting with her. The painting fell and tore in half.
Magnus immediately rushed to her side. “Sera! Are you okay?”
Seraphina clutched her arm, wincing in pain–but her gaze locked on me. She didn’t even have to say a word.
That was enough for Magnus. So, he turned to me. “Evelyn, I didn’t know you were capable of something this cruel. Apologize to Sera! Now!”
Grandpa Marcel was furious, his face turning red. The ruined painting had clearly upset him. Grandma Bella turned on me with scorn.
“Evelyn, what is wrong with you? Do you really hate this family so much that you’d make a scene at your grandfather–in–law on his birthday?”
Soon as Magnus helped Seraphina back up the steps, he approached and slapped my
-face.
I didn’t even have time to react.
His voice was icy. “I should never have spoiled you the way I did. It’s made you completely out of control. Apologize.”
I held my cheek and slowly looked up–only to catch the faint, triumphant smile on Seraphina’s lips.
I didn’t even want to defend myself anymore.
I lifted my head and looked directly at Magnus. “I’m sorry. It was my fault.” Then I added,
“Well? Are you all satisfied now?”
With that, I walked away.
:
2/2 15.2%
Magnus’s expression faltered. His lips parted slightly, like he wanted to say something, bu
he didn’t.
I made it alone to the front gate, but just as I was stepping outside, a car pulled up in front of me, blocking my way.
The back window rolled down.
It was Sven. His voice was low, “Get in.”
Before I could respond, I heard Magnus calling from behind me. “Evelyn!”
I turned to see him standing a few feet away, his expression cold, dark.
“I dare you to get in that car.‘
Chapter 6
I hesitated at first then opened the door and got in.
Behind me, Magnus‘ voice grew louder. “Evelyn! Get out of that car right now!”
I didn’t move.
Sven suddenly leaned in close. He gently turned my face toward the light, his fingers brushing the side of my cheek.
His brows knitted together when he saw the mark. “He hit you?” His voice was quiet, but full of restrained anger.
He suddenly unbuckled his seatbelt, clearly ready to get out of the car.
I grabbed his arm. “What are you doing?”
He turned back to look at me, his face tense. “What do you think?”
God–was he really going to fight Magnus? For me?
I kept my voice low. “Just drive. I don’t want to be here anymore.”
And I really didn’t want to see Magnus again.
Sven paused, but then finally turned the key and pulled away.
In the rearview mirror, I saw Magnus striding toward the car. “Evelyn! If you leave now, don’t bother coming back!”
uss ning
