Chapter 3

Chapter 3

[1] My mother had a beautiful name too.

She was called Mia, a name that carried all the hopes and love of her parents.

But in their mouths, she was just a cursed dead woman and "Rena's mom."

How ironic.

Mom, you stayed in this living hell for me.

It wasn't worth it.

So let me be the one to destroy everything with my own hands.

Two months later, the new mom was pregnant.

When she found out, her body trembled as she looked fearfully at Dad, crying as she spoke.

"I've thought it through. For the sake of the child, I'll live well with you."

"But when the child is born, we must move to the city and let the child go to school there."

"I'll have my dad buy a house and bring the whole family over."

Dad had always wanted to move to the city and live a wealthy life.

But without money, it was just a pipe dream.

Her words hit the mark for Dad.

Grandma and Dad were delighted, exchanging excited glances and readily agreeing.

But she remained constantly downcast, and the village neighbors said this wasn't good for the baby.

To ease her mind and help her rest during the pregnancy,

Dad agreed to allow her regular outings.

The condition was that I had to accompany her.

The new mom refused, making only one request: that I take care of her closely.

Dad naturally agreed.

I thought I would face a torrent of revenge, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps it was the overflow of maternal love due to pregnancy, but she looked at me with gentle eyes.

Not only did she share the nourishing chicken meat Grandma prepared for her with me, but she also let me sleep on the big, soft bed, under a warm, fluffy quilt.

She even read me bedtime stories.

Even though I had caused her so much trouble, she didn't retaliate but treated me so kindly.

I was surprised, let alone my overly suspicious Dad.

He suspected the new mom was trying to win my sympathy and seize an opportunity to escape.

He threatened me in private.

"Remember what I told you before. Keep a close eye on her. If she runs away, you'll join your deceased mom down there!"

"Of course, if you take good care of her, you'll naturally get to eat meat."

"Rena, you are a clever child. You know what to choose."

I hung my head, nodding fearfully, trembling uncontrollably.

Dad snorted.

"Look at you, so useless. You really are a disgrace."

With that, he walked away, smoking a cheap cigarette.

I lifted my head, unable to suppress the smile spreading across my lips.

Dad, you got one thing right.

I am a clever child.

So don't use my beloved mother to threaten me.

[2] A few days later, the new stepmother, in a rare moment of tenderness, tried to charm Dad. She prepared a table full of delicious dishes and gently shook his arm, her face displaying a playful, childlike charm.

"Darling, I want to contact my dad," she said softly.

Dad immediately became wary. "Why?"

Her eyes flickered for a moment, but she quickly fixed them on Dad with a bright, innocent gaze. She had a face that men couldn't resist, very alluring. But Dad clearly sensed something was off.

A once pampered young lady who never lifted a finger for any household chores suddenly cooking a feast was enough to raise anyone's suspicions.

The new stepmother said, "I've been away for months. If my dad finds out I'm missing, he'll definitely call the police."

Dad stared intently into her eyes, casually dismissing her plea. "I've already used your phone to send a message to your dad on Whatsapp, saying you went back to school early."

"I've also reported your safety regularly. There's no need to call."

Their exchange was intense, a back-and-forth that made me nervous, my palms sweating. But the new stepmother remained calm.

"But my dad and I have a video call every month. It's been two months now, and he must be worried."

"Check our chat history if you don't believe me," she said confidently, without a hint of deceit.

Dad wavered but still didn't agree. She pressed on, "I'm pregnant with your son. The baby needs nutrition, and we don't have enough money for supplements or check-ups."

"If I ask my dad for some money, our situation will be much better."

"You can't escape your responsibilities. Stop worrying."

The mention of money made Dad's eyes light up, and he finally nodded in agreement. He handed her the phone, insisting she make the call in front of him.

The new stepmother shook her head. "That won't work."

"My family is very traditional. My dad wouldn't let me live with a man before marriage."

"If he sees you, there's no way he'll give me any money."

Her reasoning didn't convince Dad, but he couldn't argue. He had no choice but to agree, but he made me go in to monitor her.

Being young, I could follow her into the room and, with the right angle, remain unseen by the person on the other end. Even if they saw me, I was just a child, easily explained away.

She didn't say anything suspicious, just reassured her dad and asked for a hundred thousand dollars. After hanging up, she looked tense, subtly turning the screen and quickly typing a message.

From my angle, I could see the phone screen clearly. I saw the distress message she was sending.

I blinked, glanced at the barely noticeable, red-light-flashing camera in the corner of the room, and then, with all the strength I could muster, shouted, "Dad, come quick!"

"Mom is calling the police!"