Chapter 7 Leaving the Country
Joey stopped a car by the roadside and struggled back home.
No sooner had she stepped in than she saw a scene that stabbed her heart.
Willette was curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, looking like an injured kitten.
Humphrey was beside her, feeding her medicine spoon by spoon with
extreme care.
Noticing Joey out of the corner of his eye, Humphrey looked over at her with a gaze as sharp as a knife, filled with almost tangible disgust.
“You have the nerve to come back?” Henry strode forward and slapped. her hard across the face.
Joey felt dizzy and nearly fell over.
“I know you’re upset about Willette coming back, but she’s your sister. Are you not afraid of scaring her to death with this prank?
“If it weren’t for Humphrey arriving in time, who knows what kind of mess would’ve happened!”
Inside, Willette was secretly pleased but pretended to comfort Henry “Dad, don’t hit Joey. I’m fine.”
“Stop defending this brat!” Henry’s chest heaved violently; he was clearly furious.
Joey stood frozen where she was, cars ringing.
Chopper 7 Lang the Country
The next second, Humphrey finally spoke up after being silent all
along. “Apologize to Willette.” His tone was extremely cold, like ice. forming around him.
Joey gritted her teeth.
With some unknown courage, she retorted, “I won’t apologize.”
She realized during the kidnappers‘ torture that Willette had arranged everything to frame her. She didn’t do anything wrong; why should she apologize?
Willette sighed and feigned magnanimity. “Forget it, Humphrey. Maybe Joey wasn’t intentional. I don’t want our sisterly bond to be ruined…”
“She almost killed you! Is asking for an apology too much?” Humphrey stared straight at Joey; his disgust grew even more intense.
“When did Joey become so wild and uncontrollable?‘ he wondered.
Even Joey’s dad got angry at her stubbornness.
He grabbed Joey’s arm roughly and dragged her in front of Willette like a chicken until she winced from pain. Then he noticed numerous burn
on her arm.
frowned tightly.
Just as he was about to ask what was going on, Humphrey’s cold voice cut in, “For framing Willette, you went to such lengths, Joey. You’ve really outdone yourself with ‘anything goes.“”
When he heard this, Henry’s confusion instantly cleared, replaced by even stronger fury.
He grabbed my shoulders and shoved hard, forcing me to my knees.
with a thud. “Seems you’ve got no regard left for this family and for me!”
I raised my head numbly, meeting Humphrey’s icy gaze head–on.
He had Willette in his arms, looking down at me like I was a criminal, while I knelt before him, my dignity crushed to dust.
Humphrey felt an inexplicable discomfort from my stubborn gaze.
He repeated coldly, “Joey, just apologize to Willette, and I can let this
go.”
I laughed at that.
My reddened eyes glared at Humphrey as I said firmly, “Again, I won’t apologize. Do your worst.”
Humphrey was stunned; the last shred of pity in his eyes vanished.
What followed was my father’s relentless, storm–like beatings and scolding.
Already weak, I soon collapsed like a stray dog without a backbone, losing consciousness completely.
Joey didn’t know how long she was out.
When she woke up, the living room was empty.
Enduring the searing pain all over, she propped myself up with her hands on the sofa and wobbled back to her room to double–check her luggage.
Just as she was about to close the suitcase, Willette’s voice came from
Chapter 7 Leaving the Country
behind.
“Enjoying the farewell gift I prepared for you?” Willette leaned against the doorframe, her lips curling in utmost disdain. “I originally wanted to keep you till the engagement party, let you wish me and Humphrey well. But dad wouldn’t hear of it; he thinks you’ve shamed the Smith family and doesn’t want you here for even a second longer.
“Joey, once you’re gone this time, don’t ever come back. After all, this family is only complete without you.
“Oh, and thanks for being my husband’s free toy for two years, keeping him company during the days without me.”
Joey bit her lips tight, saying nothing.
With a click, the suitcase closed, along with the last shred of attachment to this home, sealed away forever.
The next day before dawn, she boarded a flight abroad.
She left decisively.
Before boarding, she deleted all contact with Humphrey without hesitation.
As the plane cut through the vast sky leaving a white trail, it marked the final end to her miserable past.
