Your Love, Under the Fading Night novel
Even though shes extremely wealthy, my daughter and I were locked in the basement for three days and nights without food. It was all because I forgot to tell her I bought a $5 pair of socks.
I used to think she was just emotionally cold. Until one day, her recently divorced first love came over with his son, asking to stay for a while.
That man accidentally ordered a hundred pairs of LV sneakers online. Then when the 0-00,000 bill arrived, my wife just signed the receipt and swiped her card without a second thought.
Another time, his son took my wifes Rolls-Royce for a joyride and crashed the million-dollar car into a wall. She didnt even care about the damage and got worried about the boy's injury instead.
If he likes it, Ill just buy him another one, she said with a smile.
When my daughter and I were finally let out of the basement, we saw my wife casually buying $3,000 worth of video game skins for that same boy.
When she saw us, her face tightened as usual. Did you realize your mistake? Next time you spend money, remember to report it first.
For the first time in ten years, I talked back. What if I dont? Are you going to divorce me again?
For years, divorce had been her sharpest weapon against us. She froze for a second, then said coldly, Yes.
Then lets do it, I said.
Theresa stared at me like she didnt believe what she heard.
Divorce? Just for something this small?
Correct.
Realizing I wasnt joking, my wife gave a short laugh, waved her hand impatiently, Dont be ridiculous Paul. I dont have time for your drama. Go bathe your daughter, she hasn't cleaned up for three days. Its embarrassing.
She seemed to forget she was the one who locked us up. Watching her walk away, my chest ached.
Daddy, Im hungry Why does that boy get to eat so many good things?
My little girl, Anne, clung weakly to my clothes, watching Gregorys son eat steak, pizza and snacks. Cedric was only a year older than Anne, yet twice her size.
Seeing my daughters pale face made my heart twist.
The three days without food didnt just starve us, they killed what little affection I still had left for Theresa. That was when I decided to take my daughter and leave.
Hiding in the corner, I nervously called my former teacher Billy Thorsen. He listened quietly to my story. For most of the call, he said nothing and that made my heart sank.
Until he sighed and finally said, I have a job for you. If you bring Anne, I can provide housing. The pay isnt much, but itll be enough for you two to survive.
Tears filled my eyes. Thank you, Sir. Ill definitely come.
Years ago, I disappointed Billy by giving up my design career and rejecting the big company he recommended. I chose to stay home and support Theresa over all those. Now, broke and desperate, he was the only one still willing to help.
Billy was abroad at the moment, but would return in a month. As soon as he came back, Id take Anne and leave this house for good.
For now, I just needed to find her something to eat. Three days without food made our bodies at the limit.
I went to our house butler and said politely, Please give me 30 dollars. I want to buy dinner for Anne. Shes fainted several times from hunger.
The butler didnt even look at me. Did you report your spending to Madam? Without her signature, I cant release any funds.
I looked around helplessly and noticed that Theresa was already gone. I then called her, but she didnt answer.
I begged the butler, Please, even just a piece of bread!
But it was too late. Anne had gone too long without eating and collapsed on the floor.
I panicked, holding her in my arms. Shes just a child! Please! I pleaded.
The butler didnt even glance at us. I'm sorry, sir. Without Lady Blooms approval, I cant pay for anything.
Desperate, I ran around the mansion asking everyone. Finally, a maid whispered, The Madam went out with Mr. Mars and his son.
Anne was only a child, after all. Three days without food or water and she was barely conscious.
Dad Im hungry, she whispered. Even speaking was too hard for her now.
Anne, stay with me! Dont fall asleep!
I shouted, shaking her gently. As I held her close, I searched online for news. Wherever the citys richest woman went, the paparazzi always followed, or so I hope.
Sure enough, the top trending post read: [Lady Theresa Bloom rents out an entire luxury restaurant to celebrate the birthday her first love's son!]
It was winder that time. The window was opened and the cold wind rushed in, cutting through my body like ice.
So... that woman could remember his sons birthday, but shed forgotten Annes? Ironic, her birthday was three days ago too.
That day, the weather suddenly turned colder. Anne was shivering. I bought her a $5 pair of socks without reporting it first. Exactly because of that, Theresa locked us in the basement.
She always said she was afraid of being poor, and thats why she controlled every penny we spent. She gave us luxury houses, cars, the best schools, but if we spent anything without permission, we would get punished.
In that grand mansion, even a vase received more care than my daughter and me.
Now, Anne was foaming at the mouth from hunger.
The servants looked at us with pity, whispering to each other. I felt like a bird trapped in a golden cage, waiting to die.
Outside, the rain poured down. Annes condition was getting worse.
I clenched my teeth, lifted her in my arms and ran through the storm for half an hour until we reached the hotel that my wife owned.
It took me a long time to convince the staff that I was Theresas husband. The manager looked at me strangely but finally let us in.
When the elevator doors opened, I saw Theresa dining happily with Gregory and his son. The boy, Cedric, noticed Anne and smirked cruelly.
He lifted his soda and splashed it all over her. Where did this beggar come from? he shouted.
Anne froze, drenched in cola, trembling as she hid in my arms. Daddy, I want to go home, she whispered.
Theresa saw us, frowned in disgust and walked over. Who told you to come here? You look filthy youre embarrassing me!
Of course we did! She had locked us up for three days, we weren't even allowed to shower.
Theresa ignored Annes pale face. And continued speaking impatiently, Go home now. Dont make a scene here!
I held back my anger and said calmly, Well leave right away. Just please sign the note so I can get food for Anne before we go.
At that, Theresas expression darkened.
What family of three? Were not
I cut Theresa off. All I want is a small cake, a bowl of noodles and some sugar.
Before I could even finish, Gregorys son suddenly ran over. He grabbed the remaining cake from the table and smashed it right into my daughters face.
Stupid beggar! Who do you think you are? You dont deserve to eat Aunt Theresas cake!
Annes weak little body got hit by the cake plate and the sharp edge cut her forehead. Blood started dripping down and after starving for three days, she finally collapsed completely.
Anne!
I rushed over, holding my unconscious daughter in my arms. Theresa just stood there, not moving while Gregory was smiling proudly in the corner.
The anger in my chest burst like a volcano. You bastards! What gives you the right to eat while my daughter starves?
I flipped over the entire dining table.
Gregory who had been staying still and watched the entire drama, suddenly screamed. His eyes soon got red with fake tears.
Reesa, Paul is being so mean! Cedric and I never had such good food before and now hes wasting it!
Theresa ran over protectively to shield him, glaring at me.
Paulo! Have you gotten too comfortable being a rich mans husband? Greg and Cedric have been mistreated for so long by his ex-wife! I just wanted to treat them to a good meal! How dare you flip the table?
Gregory covered his face, pretending to cry. Dont blame him, Reesa maybe we just dont deserve good food.
The more pitiful he acted, the more Theresa defended him.
Her expression hardened as she called the restaurant manager and ordered coldly, Take these two to the kitchen. Make them wash every single dish tonight. They cant leave until theyre done. If you let them go early, I wont pay todays reservation fee!
The reservation cost at least $75,000. So, the manager immediately became nervous and surrounded us with staff.
I looked up at her with fury. Theresa, are you insane? Anne has low blood sugar! At least let her eat something!
Anne was still unconscious on the floor, weak from hunger, yet Theresa pushed me away and said icily, If you waste food like this, then when you finish washing dishes, you can eat from the trash.
I was too shocked to speak. Holding Anne, her forehead still bleeding, I followed the manager silently to the kitchen.
Theresa called after me, If you apologize to Greg and Cedric
No need, I interrupted.
Anyway, we would never be a family again. I said that only in my heart, then walked away without looking back.
In the kitchen, I washed dishes alone while carrying my unconscious daughter on my back.
Perhaps to get revenge, Gregory kept ordering a lot of dish that somehow requires dozens of plates to serve each.
Normally, there were only two or three hundred dishes to clean, but because of him, I washed from 6 p.m. until midnight.
Then another large basket of dirty dishes was brought in. The manager looked uneasy and whispered,
That man just treated all the restaurant staff to a bowl of birthday noodles.
By the time I finally finished, it was almost three in the morning.
Before I left, the restaurant owner stopped me and handed me a packed meal. Youve worked hard. Take this, let your little girl eat something.
That entire day, the only person who showed kindness to me and Anne was but a complete stranger.
I held back my tears and thanked him softly.
Outside the hotel, I sat by the flowerbed and opened the meal box.
I fed Anne bit by bit until she finally regained a little color in her face. Yet, she was still weak.
Her small head rested on my shoulder as she whispered, Im sorry, Daddy. Its my fault. I shouldnt have wanted those socks.
She was only five years old and yet she already understood too much of this mess.
Hearing her apology felt like acid burning through my chest. Its not your fault, Anne. Dont ever think that.
I soothed her gently and carried her all the way home.
As soon as I opened the door, Theresa stood up from the couch where shed been sitting. Where have you been? Why so late?
She was holding a small piece of cake, her face showing a trace of regret. The butler told me it was Annes birthday the other day. Why didnt you tell me?
I lowered my eyes. What was there left to say?
The old Theresa used to remember every special day like Annes birthdays, our anniversaries, even silly dates like our first kiss or the day we held hands. Now, there was no place for us in her heart.
Seeing me silent, Theresa tried to smile as she handed the cake to Anne.
Look, Anne, your favorite cake! But the girl who once adored her mother instinctively pushed it away and gagged.
Anne was frightened. She still remembered how Gregorys son had smashed a cake into her face.
Theresas face darkened with embarrassment.
Unable to hold her temper, she snapped at me, Youve spoiled her! She wont even eat cake now. What does she want, caviar? Gregory was right! Making you wash dishes was the right thing to do!
That was the last straw. I couldnt hold my anger anymore.
Do you know why Anne cried? Because that cake youre holding was what Gregorys son didnt finish. You gave her the leftovers!
My voice was calm, but every word was sharp as a knife. Theresa froze, stunned.
After a few seconds, she stammered, Im sorry, I didnt mean it that way. Anne, Mommy didnt do it on purpose
I didnt want to hear more. Exhausted, I carried Anne back to our room and said only,
Remember to sign the divorce papers.
That sentence enraged Theresa further. She smashed the cake and grabbed my wrist tightly.
Divorce? Stop being ridiculous! Its just a piece of cake! Why cant she eat it?
I lost control and shouted, Its a blueberry cake! Anne is allergic to blueberries! Do you want her to die?
Theresa froze, speechless. I forgot Im sorry.
She tried to take my hand. I made a mistake, but I wont agree to the divorce. Ill make it up to you both. Lets go celebrate her birthday properly, okay?
She grabbed us and began calling a restaurant to book a table while gently stroking Annes hair.
Then, suddenly, Gregory came out of his room, clutching his stomach.
Reesa, my stomach hurts! he groaned.
Theresa immediately let go of me and hurried to him. The tiny smile that had just appeared on Annes face vanished again.
Theresa supported Gregory, saying anxiously, It must be his old stomach problem. It can get serious, I cant ignore it.
I said nothing.
Meanwhile, Theresa was already rushing out to start the car.
Only Gregory and I were left in the hall.
Suddenly, he unbuttoned his shirt, showing off a chest full of kiss marks. He crossed his arms and looked at me with a mocking smile.
You useless old man. Why are you still clinging to Reesa? No wonder she doesnt want to touch you she says you smell like an old man.
Im three years younger than her, stronger, full of energy. Do you know how crazy she is when shes with me? If you had any self-respect, youd leave her.
I spoke coldly, Dont worry. I have no interest in breaking up a pair of trash lovers.
Gregorys smile froze. He suddenly slapped me hard across the face.
Who are you calling trash?!
Dont touch my dad! Anne, frightened but brave, rushed forward to block him. But at that moment, Gregory pretended to fall down the stairs as Anne accidentally brushed against him.
Theresa, hearing his scream, ran into the room. She saw Gregory lying on the floor crying and immediately lost her mind.
She kicked me viciously. What did Greg ever do to you? You just cant stand him! Did you tell Anne to push him? You petty, jealous man!
Anne didnt do anything! We didnt touch him! I said, shielding my terrified daughter.
But Theresa didnt believe me.
Gregory pulled at her sleeve, pretending to cry. Forget it, Reesa. Pauls just jealous because I have a son. He told us to get out. Its fine Cedric and I can live on the streets if we have to.
Theresas anger burned hotter. Who said youre leaving? This house isnt for Paulo to control!
She turned on Anne and shouted with rage. Kneel down! Apologize to Uncle Greg!
Anne had already suffered so much that she got weak and sick. Worse now, she was being humiliated again.
I couldnt stand it any longer. I rushed forward and punched Gregory square in the face.
You scum!
Enough! Theresa immediately protected Gregory while pointing at me and Anne with a furious look.
Like father, like daughter. Youre both just cruel and jealous. You cant even tolerate a poor father and son!
Butler! Stop their living allowance for one month! From now on, they can only eat the leftovers from Greg and Cedric!
I glared at her, but Theresa just said coldly, If you dont eat, then starve. Report to me when youre dead.
That night, Gregory ordered the servants to move Anne and me into the small servants room in the garden.
It was November and suddenly heavy snow began to fall. Anne didnt have a warm coat and after school, she caught a bad cold and soon developed a high fever. Seeing her burning hot face terrified me, but the butler still refused to help.
With no other choice, I carried Anne all the way to Theresas company to ask her for money for the hospital.
But I waited for a long time and caused the security guards stopped me at the entrance.
Im Theresa Blooms husband. Let me in!
The guard laughed, looking me up and down. Impossible. Lady Blooms husband works inside, hes her personal assistant. Theyre very close. Who are you, a beggar pretending to be him?
Employees walking by whispered and pointed at me. My clothes were old and thin; I looked nothing like the husband of a rich CEO.
I clenched my teeth and said, Then call him. I want to meet her husband.
Oh, hes right there. I looked up and saw Gregory, wearing a silk shirt, stepping proudly out of the elevator.
Everyone greeted him respectfully:
Good afternoon, Mr. Mars.
Gregory, I need to see Theresa!
Gregory looked at me as if hed never met me before and shouted, Whos this beggar? Security! Throw him out! Hes probably a thief trying to sneak in. I dont know this man.
The guards immediately changed their tone and grabbed me roughly.
At that moment, Theresa walked by. She saw everything, but she turned her head away, pretending not to know me.
Watching her walk away, my heart went completely cold. The guards threw me out of the building.
I waited outside for hours, through the cold and wind, until the sky turned dark. Finally, Theresa and Gregory came out together.
Seeing me still there, Theresa frowned. Why are you still here? Why did you cause trouble at my company today?
Meeting my cold stare, she spoke again, as if explaining something reasonable.
I only gave Greg a job as my assistant because I felt sorry for him. He needs to support his son.
But youdressed like thatif people know youre my husband, what will they think?
Greg only asked the guards to remove you so my reputation wouldnt suffer. Dont be angry at him.
At that point, I didnt care about their lies anymore. I only cared about one thing: Anne.
Anne has a fever. Its getting worse. She needs to be hospitalized.
Theresa froze for a second. Where is she? Ill call the hospital.
She took out her phone, but Gregory stopped her.
Reesa, kids get fevers all the time. Why waste money going to the hospital? You work so hard. Dont throw money away.
I stared at him in disbelief. Gregory, who jokes about a sick child?
Enough! Theresa snapped. Gregs right. You always exaggerate.
She pulled out one hundred dollars and threw it at me. Buy some medicine from a pharmacy. You and Anne are still being punished. Dont try to use this as an excuse to get money.
Without another word, she turned away, got in the car with Gregory and drove off.
But one hundred dollars wasnt even enough for registration and medicine.
That night, Annes fever got worse. Her body was burning hot and she was drifting in and out of consciousness.
I carried her to the hospital and used the last of my money for a basic checkup.
The doctor warned, If shes not admitted immediately, it could be dangerous.
Desperate, I sat outside the hospital, calling Theresa over and over again, but every call was rejected.
After nearly a hundred tries, I finally realized she had blocked my number.
I broke down on the sidewalk, holding Anne tightly, begging her not to fall asleep.
Then, from the hospital TV, a news report came on:
[The director of the Bloom Group has rented out the entire Disney resort for a mystery woman and child, It's a loving family outing!]
People nearby commented with envy, That must be Lady Bloom with her husband and child. They look so happy.
I stared blankly at the screen, feeling something die completely inside me.
When all hope was gone, my old teacher finally saw my message and rushed back from out of town. He paid the hospital fees for us.
That night, Anne was saved.
When I returned home, I packed our things, left the signed divorce papers on the coffee table and took Anne away from that house. Forever.
Theresa, from today on, there will be no place for you in our world.
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