Chapter 20
I sprinted after them as fast as I could, but just as I reached the men’s restroom, someone stepped in my way.
“Miss, this is the men’s restroom. The ladies‘ is over there!“>
I looked up at the sign and felt a wave of panic surge through me. I prayed desperately, ‘Oh god. Please. Please don’t let Dad see Killian.‘
But the heavens didn’t give a damn.”
The second Dad stepped out of the restroom and saw me standing outside, everything unraveled exactly like it had in my past life. He stormed straight toward me and slammed his hand around my throat, nearly lifting me off the ground.
He cursed, “You ungrateful little brat! Who the hell gave you permission to divorce Killian?!“}
I gasped, clawing at his arm, kicking and struggling to break free. But the harder I fought, the deeper his fingers dug into my skin like he wanted to snap my neck.
Just as I was about to lose consciousness, Mom rushed over.
She kicked him off me and yanked me into her arms like a human shield. She was so furious her voice echoed off the walls.
“Brody! Are you fucking insane?! Zadie is your own daughter! How can you treat her like this? You’re worse than a beast! If you ever lay a hand on her again, I swear to god, I’ll divorce you right here, right now!“>
Grandpa and Grandma rushed over next, standing in front of me like guard dogs. Grandpa lifted his cane and whacked Dad right in the knee with a loud crack, scolding him furiously.}
“That’s right! You lay another finger on my granddaughter and I’ll break your goddamn legs! I don’t care if you’re my son or not!”
But instead of showing remorse, Dad glared at me like I was some filth.
“That little slut deserves it! A woman like her deserves no sympathy!”
Then he barked at me, ordering, “You’d better go link that TrustPay account to Killian’s new partner now! If you don’t, I’ll forget you’re my daughter! From this moment on, you’ll be dead to me!“}
Halvard’s eyes got agitated when he heard that.”
“Dad, are you insane?! Killian cheated on her! He’s a piece of shit, and you’re siding with him? Have you been fooled by his lies? I just don’t get why you’re treating my sister this way! Why the hell should she hand over her hard–earned money to that homewrecker?“}
Hearing that, Killian gave a devilish grin.
“You think I’m lying? Then why not hear the truth for yourself? If I’m lying, I’ll sign the divorce papers right now and leave without a penny!” he taunted.
“Fine! Just for saying that you’re willing to leave empty–handed, I’ll hear what you have to say!” Halvard retorted. “I’m not gonna let my sister’s money go to you and your mistress!“}
When he started marching toward Killian, panic shot through me.”
I ignored the pain in my neck and grabbed onto my brother’s shirt with all the strength I had left.§
“Brody, please. I’m begging you. Don’t listen to him. Just listen to me, okay?“”
He wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and smiled so gently it hurt.
“Zadie. What are you so worried about? We grew up together. You’ve always treated me better than Mom and Dad ever did. It’s just words, alright? You just wait and watch me make that crap leave with nothing.”
As he reassured me, he gently pried my fingers off. He went on walking toward Killian.
Watching his retreating figure, I clenched my teeth hard.”
‘No. Killian’s words… They’re too powerful. I’m going to lose my brother all over again!‘
Seeing how distressed I looked, my grandparents and Mom tried to comfort me. But when they saw the look that slowly overtook my brother’s face, they fell silent.}
Memories from my past life surged back–Halvard’s hands pinning me down mercilessly.
On instinct, I bolted toward the lobby’s exit, only to be struck at the back of my head by a thrown bottle of body wash.
I lost my balance and crashed to the floor, blood began trickling down my face from my forehead.
Halvard rushed over, but instead of helping, he grabbed both my wrists tightly.”
His eyes were bloodshot, and he jabbed his finger into the wound on my head.“]
“Run? You actually dared to run? Do that one more time and I’ll break your damn legs, Zadie!” he threatened.
I gritted my teeth through the pain and asked bitterly, “Brody… I’m your sister. We grew up together! Why? Why would you believe Killian over me? Why?!“}
“You’re not my sister!” he shouted in my face. “I don’t have a selfish, spiteful sister like you! My brother–in–law just wanted to learn some French–he was close to his tutor, so what? How could you accuse him of infidelity? You’ve ruined his reputation! You’re nothing but an evil woman!“}
10:40 AM C
