Chapter 4
When he heard the door open, his face immediately darkened. “Where have you been? I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer. Hanging out so late—do you even care?” It was only then that I noticed dozens of missed calls on my phone. I forced myself to explain: “I just came from the hospital…” Angelo’s gaze scanned me from head to toe. My swollen belly was hidden beneath my down jacket, giving nothing away. He sneered, his tone cold and dismissive: “Sherry, you’ve really disappointed me. Do you even think before you lie? You just had your prenatal checkup a few days ago. What excuse is this?” I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, the bathroom door creaked open. Dora stepped out, wearing my pajamas. “Sister, where have you been? Mr. Greer couldn’t find you and was worried sick.” I froze, the words I wanted to say stuck in my throat. Turning my gaze to the man on the sofa, I silently begged for an explanation. He didn’t even bother looking up. His voice was casual, almost indifferent: “Dora’s lease ended, and she has nowhere to stay. It’s not safe for a young girl to be out alone, so I let her stay here for a few days.” Dora offered a bashful smile and added, “I didn’t bring any pajamas, so I borrowed yours.” Angelo paused, then looked at me with thinly veiled disdain. “Honestly, you’ve gained so much weight, you can’t even wear those clothes anymore. Why not just let Dora have them?” His words hit me like a punch to the gut, making my chest tighten with unbearable pain. I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t argue. I didn’t cry. Instead, I turned and quietly went to the bedroom. From the corner of my eye, I caught Angelo’s surprised expression—likely shocked that I didn’t throw a fit like usual. He followed me into the room, his tone softening slightly as he spoke. “Sherry, I’m just being honest. Why are you so upset?” “Besides, Dora is just a young girl. Why are you being so petty? You’re still the one I want to marry in the end, isn’t that enough?” His words, meant to placate, only made my stomach churn. I couldn’t believe the audacity, the condescension in his tone. When I didn’t respond, he stepped closer and reached out to hug me. Before he could, his phone buzzed. A voice message from Dora played aloud: “Mr. Greer, I think I’d better leave. It seems my sister doesn’t want me here. Please tell her not to let this ruin your relationship because of me—ah…” The recording abruptly stopped, and Angelo’s expression shifted, his face hardening with panic. Without a word, he grabbed his coat and pulled me out of the room. “Come with me to find Dora. If something happens to her, it’ll be your fault! You will apologize to her!” I protested, my voice shaking with frustration: “I didn’t make her leave! Why should I apologize?” Angelo ignored me entirely, dragging me outside. My body, still weak from surgery, stumbled as he nearly shoved me into the car. Leaning back against the seat, I felt the dull throb of pain in my body blended with the crushing weight of humiliation and grief. My chest felt tight, and I could barely hold back tears. Angelo, on the other hand, kept his face like stone, saying nothing as he drove. His foot pressed the accelerator to the floor, and within ten minutes, we found Dora on the roadside, collapsed. The car screeched to a halt. Angelo stormed out, dragging me along with him. My legs buckled under me, and I nearly fell. He didn’t care—he just shoved me in front of Dora. “Apologize,” he barked coldly. I stared at him, my eyes wide in disbelief. Dora, with trembling lips and tears pooling in her eyes, shook her head weakly. “Mr. Greer, I’m fine… There’s no need for her to apologize.” Her voice quivered, but I could see the faint glimmer of satisfaction in her gaze. Angelo’s face darkened further. He clenched his fists, his voice rising with fury. “I said, apologize to Dora!” Before I could react, he lashed out, kicking me hard enough to knock me to the ground. My head spun, my body breaking out in a cold sweat as sharp pain radiated through me. My vision blurred, my pale face slick with sweat, as I gasped for air. Still, he stood there, unmoving, demanding compliance.