Chapter 3
Suddenly, everything outside went quiet.
I held my breath, frozen against the door.
That’s right–if I was so unbearable in his eyes, why did he even bother keeping me around?
A long silence stretched on before Vivian’s cautious voice broke through. “Isaac?”
Isaac’s reply was as cold and sharp as a blade, cutting straight through me.
“The Hoffman family is one of the top families in New York. Their connections have done wonders for my career over the years…”
I pressed my hand tightly to my chest, unable to stop the tears from streaming down my face.
So that was it!
www
All these years, it was never about me. It was always about the Hoffman family.
In a daze, I remembered the year Grandpa had that sudden heart attack. It was Isaac’s bold surgical plan that saved his life.
I’d fallen for this young, talented doctor at first sight.
All I did was send a thank–you card, and Isaac began to pursue me relentlessly.
He never once asked for the Hoffman family’s help–not openly, at least.
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All those favors and behind–the–scenes arrangements were things I did for him, quietly, without his knowledge.
How laughable. I’d always worried he’d refuse them if he ever found out.
The kitchen door swung open. Isaac was visibly startled when he saw me, then furrowed his brow.
“You’re crying over making soup? Get out of here. You’re annoying to look at.”
I fought off the dizziness and staggered toward the bedroom.
The moment I opened the door, a chill crept up my spine.
The sheets had been changed to a frilly pink lace set–the one I hated
most.
My photo on the nightstand had been replaced with a studio portrait of some stranger’s baby.
In the closet, not a single piece of my clothing remained.
Isaac’s voice came from behind me.
“The guest room is too small. Vivian needs the primary bedroom now that she’s pregnant.”
Vivian chimed in timidly, “Lori, you don’t mind, do you? Don’t worry, once the baby’s born, I’ll…”
“Oh.” I cut her off, my voice flat. “Where are my things?”
Isaac looked away.
“I had the housekeeper move them to the storage room. The nearest guest room will be the nursery, so pick another one to stay in.”
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I was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”
289 Vicheke
In the storage room, my designer gowns were tossed carelessly on the floor, and jewelry was scattered in the dirty corners like worthless junk.
I took a deep breath, casting a mocking look at Vivian as she followed me
- in.
“So desperate you couldn’t even wait for me to leave?”
A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face, but she quickly replaced it with an innocent expression.
“Lori, what are you talking about? Isaac told the housekeeper to pack your things–I didn’t do anything.”
I let out a cold laugh, pointing to the muddy shoe print on one of my dresses.
“And this? Was that the housekeeper too?”
“So what if it was me?”
She suddenly dropped her voice, eyes flashing with malice before she feigned fear and backed away.
“Lori, please I’m begging you, just let me go!”
With that, she let out a startled cry and pretended to fall backward.
Isaac rushed in just in time to catch her.
Vivian immediately clutched her stomach and started sobbing.
“Isaac, I didn’t do anything. Why did Lori push me? Thank goodness you got here, or the baby…”
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“I didn’t push her!” My throat tightened as I tried to explain.
Rage twisted Isaac’s features as he stormed over and slammed me against the wall, his hand locked around my throat.
“You think I’d believe you? Vivian would never use the baby to set you up! When did you become so vicious?”
His grip was so tight I could barely breathe. Gasping, I forced out a few words.
“I… really… didn’t…..”
“Enough! I don’t want to hear your excuses!” He let out a bitter, furious laugh and threw me to the floor. “Go back to the Hoffman family and be
their spoiled princess! Come see me when you’re ready to admit you were wrong!”
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