Chapter 224 Driven to Desperation
When Dorothy demanded an in-person apology, Susan was stunned.
Dorothy's plan was clear: humiliate Susan by making her admit she bought a fake bracelet for Amanda. This would tarnish Susan's reputation, making Henry and his circle look down on her.
Dorothy's plotting ran dark and twisted. Susan shuddered, realizing just how low Dorothy was willing to stoop.Catherine quickly suggested, "Susan, I'll get some gifts for you to take when you apologize to Dorothy's in-laws tomorrow."
But Susan stood firm. "Mom, the bracelet I bought for Amanda is real. I did nothing wrong, and I won't apologize!"
Dorothy chimed in, "Mom, look at Susan's attitude! She did something wrong and still talks like this."
Catherine, now angry, insisted, "You have to go, no matter what!"
"I did nothing wrong, and I absolutely won't go," Susan replied, refusing to humiliate herself.
In a fit of rage, Catherine slapped Susan, the sound echoing in the living room.
Stunned, Susan covered her face and said, "Mom, do you really think I would give Amanda a fake bracelet? Why don't you believe me?"
Catherine, regretting her actions but still siding with Dorothy, said, "If you still consider me your mom, you'll apologize to the Thompson family tomorrow!"
Susan, feeling defeated, stepped back, unable to believe Catherine's lack of trust.
Dorothy stepped forward, pretending to be kind. "Susan, don't make Mom angry. Just go to my in-laws' house for me, okay?"
Seeing through Dorothy's act, Susan pushed her away. "Stop pretending, Dorothy. I see how malicious you are. I won't apologize for something I didn't do!"
With that, Susan retreated to her bedroom, locking the door behind her. Tears streamed down her face as she leaned against the door.
Despite her turmoil, Susan knew she couldn't prove her innocence right now. She had only shown the bracelet to Catherine briefly, who couldn't tell if the one Dorothy brought back was the same.
Susan had put the receipt in the bracelet box, considering Dorothy might return it. Dorothy probably took it, leaving Susan defenseless.
Just then, Spring woke up crying. Susan knew she couldn't afford to be heartbroken. Spring needed her. She quickly checked Spring's diaper, found it wet, and changed it. As she nursed Spring, the baby stopped crying and smiled sweetly.
Spring's smile gave Susan strength. She couldn't let this false accusation ruin her reputation, which would affect Spring's future.
Dorothy left at some point, but the atmosphere at home changed. Catherine was colder towards Susan, though she still cared for Spring. Susan knew Catherine was angry and disappointed, but without proof, explaining was pointless.
Catherine's coldness was tough, but with a three-month-old baby, Susan had nowhere to go and not enough money. She realized she needed her own house, car, and financial independence. Emotions and family were important, but she needed stability for herself and Spring.
Susan felt like a weight on Catherine's shoulders. She didn't hold it against her; after all, Dorothy was her daughter too, leaving Catherine torn. Susan knew she had let her mother down many times and hadn't been the perfect daughter.The biggest worry on Susan's mind was how to provide for Spring. With a baby so young, working seemed impossible, yet without a job, money wouldn't flow in. She felt stuck in a bind.Then, another event pushed her further into despair. One morning, as Spring dozed off, Susan completed the laundry and took a moment to relax on the balcony. Being on the second floor with windows wide open, she inadvertently overheard the neighbors gossiping.
The neighbors loved to chat about household matters, especially significant events, spreading news throughout the building. Having lived there for years, Susan knew every household had been the subject of their idle chatter.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
