Chapter 129 Abusee
Adalia succumbed to sleep, nestled securely in Maggie's embrace. There was a soothing aroma about Maggie that lulled Adalia into a sense of tranquility. Even as she slept, Adalia's tiny fingers clung to the fabric of Maggie's skirt, a poignant testament to her deep-seated insecurity.Maggie gazed down at the slumbering Adalia, an inexplicable sense of serenity washing over her. She gently laid Adalia onto the bed in the bedroom, taking care to remove her shoes. As she did so, she couldn't help but notice the worn, torn, and soiled state of the footwear. They were ill-fitting, far too old for a child her age.Parents, she mused, always love their children the most. Even the most neglectful wouldn't subject their children to such discomfort. Adalia's heels bore the raw evidence of the shoes' inadequacy, yet she hadn't uttered a word of complaint. The sight of Adalia's injured feet stirred a deep concern within Maggie.As she proceeded to remove Adalia's clothing, Maggie's eyes welled up with tears. Adalia's small frame was marred by a myriad of bruises. Linear scars, signs of choking, and countless minor wounds littered her body. The sight was a chilling testament to physical abuse.A tremor ran through Maggie's hand as she reached out to touch Adalia's injuries, pulling back at the last moment for fear of causing further pain. The tears she had been holding back finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks.Just then, the doorbell chimed, interrupting her sorrow. Wiping her tears, Maggie moved to answer the door. Standing on the threshold was Dulcinea."Maggie, how are you feeling?" Dulcinea inquired, her visit prompted by the news of Maggie's ill health. Upon seeing Maggie's tear-streaked face, she quickly asked, "Why are you crying?""Shh!" Maggie hushed her, gesturing for silence. "She just fell asleep. Please, keep your voice down.""She? Who is she?" Dulcinea asked, her curiosity piqued.Maggie briefly explained the situation, recounting how she had found the young girl in the complex. Intrigued, Dulcinea ventured into the bedroom to see Adalia for herself. The sight of the peacefully sleeping child stirred a strange sense of familiarity within her. It was as if she was looking at a younger version of Maggie.The sight jolted Dulcinea, reminding her of Arya's child, who had been sent away years ago. If that child had remained, she would be around Adalia's age now."Whose child is she, Maggie? If you've brought her here, her parents must be worried," Dulcinea voiced her concern."I've asked around in the homeowners' group, but no one has claimed her," Maggie replied, glancing at the sleeping Adalia. "She's been abused. Her body is covered in bruises.""What?" Dulcinea exclaimed, her heart aching at the sight of the bruised child. "Why would anyone harm such a beautiful little girl? Maggie, we need to call the police.""We'll discuss it when she wakes up," Maggie decided. "She's very withdrawn and doesn't speak much. I've only heard her say one sentence."Without a clear understanding of the situation, involving the police could potentially exacerbate Adalia's predicament. Dulcinea sighed, her heart heavy with pity. She glanced at Maggie, wondering about the fate of Arya's child. If she was suffering like Adalia, it would undoubtedly shatter Maggie's heart.Dulcinea felt a strange sense of relief that Maggie didn't remember the past. If she did, the pain would be unbearable. "Let's move to the living room and let her sleep a little longer," Maggie suggested.As they exited the bedroom, Maggie gently closed the door behind them. Dulcinea took the opportunity to ask about Maggie's health. "Maggie, why are you not feeling well today?"The question brought back the memory of Fiorello's deception, adding to Maggie's distress. She had no one else to confide in, so she turned to Dulcinea. Taking a deep breath, she confessed, "Dulce, I've discovered that Fiorello has been hiding something from me. He's been lying to me from the very beginning."Dulcinea's heart skipped a beat at the revelation. Could Fiorello's true identity have been exposed? She cautiously asked, "How did he lie to you? I thought you two were getting along well. Just a few days ago, you told me you went to see a movie together. Could he be having an affair?"
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