Chapter 2

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No Plagiarism!u6inwOXIYhhWoHgQfzsTposted on PＥNAＮＡ This is a door. It does not have any patterns, not even a simple stroke. Plain is the door, as well as the dining room behind it, which is filled only with tables, chairs, cupboards and few other pieces of furniture. Further inside the apartment is the bedroom. Once, lying in her crib all day long was a baby, with praises and blessings warming her heart. Next to the bedroom is the master’s room, where a couple used to love each other...8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW52AkQFp8 維尼

This door has been a silent guardian of this family for over twenty years. Behind it, despite their well-kept form, the pieces of furniture have lost their spirit they once had. Looking at the neglected furniture and the food getting cold on the dining table, Ha Yue couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. These tears were not for anyone to see but herself, so as to let herself reasonably become ‘the victim’. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cd9kbG1o4 維尼

As a ‘victim’, Ha Yue’s tears washed away the filth in her heart. She was not a responsible wife anymore, as she was a 'victim'. She was not an irrational mother anymore, as she was a ‘victim’... Every mistake had been forgiven, for she was a 'victim' shedding tears…8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzWrBz4liv 維尼

The emptied house made Ha Yue question herself, ‘What did I do wrong?’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd5AWtk7Tm 維尼

Instantly, memories of her daughter Charlotte and husband Chun Bong flashed before her eyes. Their faces fueled with anger, ferocity and sorrow… 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEvO2cnfOa 維尼

All negativity lashed out at once, their apoplectic screams ringing in the air. ‘You really messed it up!’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb3JJzNG2Z 維尼

For the last twenty years, she had always been content with her lot. Day and night, without a break, she had poured her heart into working for her family. Life was hard yet not miserable, since Ha Yue willingly did everything. Making meals, doing the laundry, cleaning the floor… These ordinary chores were the only thing she knew how to do, neither too much, nor too little. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh87K2cvmr 維尼

After making meals proficiently, Ha Yue waited for Charlotte to come back. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRlucK1nPc 維尼

‘Mum, I'm moving out.’ Across the table, Charlotte's cold words echoed around the room.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd2l3FVbsR 維尼

Ha Yue blankly sat in silence. She couldn't believe that Charlotte still had the courage to make such a bold statement. This wasn't her first time suggesting so. In fact, she had suggested this two or three times before, and she had been rejected every time.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AOd8VHDQ7 維尼

‘You don't even know how to take care of yourself.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCA2YezZO2 維尼

‘Were those words from the bottom of your heart?’ Charlotte's frosty tone provoked Ha Yue. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡprqUjCFZYU 維尼

They weren't, to be honest. Nevertheless, Ha Yue’s habit of hiding her feelings was in the way. ‘What do you mean?’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRARDPEZk6 維尼

‘You're afraid that once I've gone, you'll lose your share of the housekeeping money, isn't that right?’ Charlotte kept turning her face away from her mother. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOWZFP2UbT 維尼

Seething at her harsh remarks, Ha Yue kept a smile on her face. This was her terrifying trait—she could recover from extreme emotions instantly and calm down. Her smile, barely holding back her livid, did not relinquish any enmity. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhFS4gHKiN 維尼

The smile grew on Ha Yue’s face unnervingly, a bone-chilling tone wavering between her words. ‘Why is that so?’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FxYzo33zj 維尼

‘Because of you.’ Charlotte admitted frankly. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQe22euKxN 維尼

‘Right.’ Ha Yue nodded in response. ‘Do go on.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr2XwWoLvt 維尼

‘You don't think that you're wrong. That's the problem.’ Charlotte's answer was clear and simple. She knew the person in front of her inside and out, and no further explanation was needed.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7frh8t7mj 維尼

‘Is that it?’ Ha Yue sighed. ‘How can I support such a childish decision? No means no.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPkhwcyXQT 維尼

‘I'm childish? Do I have to follow everything you say, so as not to be childish like you?!’ Charlotte's voice raised an octave.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡk569LGgqFc 維尼

‘Is that how you treat your elders with your belligerent attitude? Isn't that childish?’ Ha Yue kept hold of her smile, ready to wallow in the sweet taste of victory.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAjVEL3uON 維尼

‘I'm not you, you old vixen!’ Charlotte screeched. Tears brimmed up her eyes and surged up to her heart as they wretched in agony.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9be1C5WWgt 維尼

Ha Yue finally won. Completely defeated, Charlotte dashed into her room, the loud slam of the door marking her final attempt at releasing her anger violently. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCYdmQysXk 維尼

In a flash, Ha Yue's triumphant smile crumbled back into pieces of memories.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0f2HuVkuo 維尼

‘I'm not you, you old vixen!’ Oddly enough, there had been a time when Ha Yue had uttered the exact same words to her mother. She had been in her late teens, even younger than Charlotte was. Her mother was a traditional woman, who believed everything had to work accordingly.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpx1qXyBDq 維尼

‘Rules, rules, rules. It's all about rules, isn't it? Am I less important than those stupid rules?’ Young Ha Yue vented indignantly.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuaNSxmCry 維尼

‘You'll understand their importance someday, like I do.’ Her mother’s sincere words ended the conversation that impacted Ha Yue profoundly. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtcdkFwUyl 維尼

She became like her mother now, an old vixen to the letter. This was no other than destiny which everyone has to go through. She doubted her beliefs at first, but now she was completely convinced. There was only one difference though. She was much harsher than her mother had been, since she had unfortunately been granted the role of witnessing her mother’s tragic end—left behind by her husband and daughter.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2ZX9TBgoB 維尼

Fear silently reigned over Ha Yue's mind. Was this fate? If so, she would have to work very hard to change its courses, so as to break her ill-fated future. She had to be tougher than her mother had ever been, and that would mean constraining her husband and daughter. Especially Charlotte, as she would walk the same path as her. The only way to protect her was to be a good role model, a good woman—a better woman than her mother.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2SGWMF08s 維尼

‘Is our sweet little girl throwing a tantrum again?’ Chun Bong came home.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3geNYuOm6o 維尼

‘She's sleeping now.’ Ha Yue smiled tenderly.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfbm79Bczo 維尼

Chun Bong loosened his tie, and ate the soup Ha Yue made. ‘Our honey bear's being too capricious,’ he sighed.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPLNjBNW8R 維尼

‘Don't worry,’ Ha Yue shook her head. ‘She'll understand my efforts someday.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡucsqveHbgX 維尼

‘Oh!’ Chun Bong put his bowl of soup down abruptly. ‘It's payday today!’ He took out his cheque.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡOebeCAJO56 維尼

‘Let's spend it on…’ Ha Yue's eyes widened with joy, with a tint of delight dancing across them.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXbxWgxgGT 維尼

‘Alright…’ Chun Bong gestured with his eyes, signalling her to lower her voice, not wanting Charlotte to hear what they said. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfjiV0xDds 維尼

‘Okay then.’ Ha Yue gave him a stern look. ‘I'll go there tomorrow.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21zXGAzZ6H 維尼

As night fell, wrapped around Chun Bong's arms, Ha Yue remained sleepless as she kept thinking how to cope with tomorrow’s affair. Her troubled thoughts lurked and clouded her mind, which were then turned over and over again as the night went on. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3D9Ido8if 維尼

‘Can you… this time?’ Chun Bong asked, delighted to see Ha Yue return home. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpDljO2eZW 維尼

‘Yeah.’ Ha Yue looked him in the eye, but something amiss was in the air. When had Chun Bong become such a coward? He was even worse than herself! Back in the day, he had been the popular, masculine heartthrob at school. Yet now, he actually… lacked the courage to see his creditor and needed his wife to do it for him!8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCeqhaDgkd 維尼

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Greatly alarmed, Chun Bong gently wrapped his arms around her, whispering, ‘It’s alright dear…’ over and over again.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtSx4joX2B 維尼

Alright? Was it really alright? 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlMZlXEiMt 維尼

Sometimes, Ha Yue felt that she loved Chun Bong too much, up to the point where it defied logic. If that wasn’t so, then why would she go to that shady place and help him pay his debt back to the loan shark? Honestly, she deeply feared that place, especially that loan shark. The scumbag kept ogling at her chest. What a disgusting act. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf65w77u6N 維尼

The male main character in television series always protected his female counterpart, shielding her from danger. Why then, did Chun Bong without fail, hide behind her while she had to dodge bullets on her own? The more she thought about it, the more confusing it was to her...8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb7Wt242iI 維尼

Alright? Was it really alright?8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6xbLLHSfF 維尼

For the next few days, Ha Yue continued to treat Chun Bong the same, yet her mixed feelings kept growing in her heart. She still loved him, just not that much.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡeopBsslhRB 維尼

At the same time, she also doubted whether he still loved her as much as he had before.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdYpu0CNV1 維尼

Looking at herself in the mirror, Ha Yue felt only distress. The last time she had a good look at herself was twenty years ago, which was the day before her wedding. At that time, she had been only twenty years old, her youthful look radiating with beauty. With her flushed rosy cheeks against soft supple skin, she was a fair lady without a hint of dark circles or freckles. The wedding dress refined her grace even more. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eyWKzQE1u 維尼

Yet now, she was only seen as a ‘worn-out drudge’, a ‘housewife’, or an ‘aunt’, these names rising and falling around her, lingering around her ears persistently. Despite this, she couldn’t blame what people had to say, because it was the truth… No wonder all men loved young and pretty women! 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKw4aOYEDE 維尼

She didn’t cry, as there wasn’t any evidence suggesting that Chun Bong was having an affair. Nonetheless, the very thought of him had its seeds planted and rooted in her, skulking at the back of her mind. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SgzmQ6rhl 維尼

‘I mustn’t think of him like that!’ Ha Yue mentally slapped herself. ‘Twenty years of seeing each other day and night. Our love definitely isn’t a fraud after all! He must still love me!’ Was this self-comfort? Or self-hypnosis?8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡidlCEvt2Dx 維尼

Chun Bong didn’t do anything wrong, but did she? Why must she suffer with the pain of having this wicked thought—this wicked thought that should have never existed in the first place alone? This was pure torture, yet it proved that she still cared about him and loved him. That’s why she could not ask him, directly or indirectly, or else it will break her family apart. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuJg2hYien 維尼

Carrying heavy bags of groceries, Ha Yue finally reached home. On her way home from the market, she stopped for two seconds nearly every step, spending every second on letting her imagination run wild. In the end, a journey worth fifteen minutes took forty five minutes. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdhvhmPjpF 維尼

Feeling worn out, after leaving the door and iron gate ajar, Ha Yue lay down on the floor flaccidly, and without skipping a beat, cried her eyes out. The bitterness wasn’t washed away by her tears though. Her own whimpers only served to drive her to the extreme—Chun Bong didn’t love her anymore.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNLiSVI1VN 維尼

‘Charlotte has left home for seven days already. Aren’t you worried?’ Chun Bong almost screamed out loud. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN00tRBDGG 維尼

‘Mmhm.’ Ha Yue weakly let out a faint sound.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgcsLJDFj9 維尼

Honestly, Ha Yue’s worries were no fewer than Chun Bong’s. In spite of this, she could only feel how mentally exhausted she was. If Charlotte was determined to be independent, then naturally she wouldn’t be found easily—Ha Yue felt nothing but a sense of helplessness. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaCr3yCvte 維尼

‘What do we do now?’ Chun Bong paced to and fro; the sound of his footsteps was irritating. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfqymoQuYJ 維尼

‘She can suit herself!’ Ha Yue was desperate. ‘Let’s pretend that she never existed in the first place!’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi2FAjVa1q 維尼

Or else, what should she do? 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC9CcxJDqc 維尼

Thinking back, hints had been prowling from the beginning of the whole incident. The problem was, Ha Yue had never thought that Charlotte would ever do that—she was just a child incapable of anything! Sadly, the truth lay in front of her eyes. Not only did her own daughter actually carry out her plan, she also successfully destroyed her first line of defence.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU4Wkht2YL 維尼

All of a sudden, Ha Yue leapt to her feet from the sofa, blatantly ignoring Chun Bong, who was still pacing around, and barged into Charlotte’s room.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXsnYZehBu 維尼

Twenty years ago, young Charlotte had been wrapped in bundles of blankets. How cute she had been! Smile at mummy! Smile… Yet, as she grew up, her cute smile disappeared over the years, while she learnt how to cry, lie, become emotional… Why would a child with a pure heart turn into who Charlotte was now? Was it because of her? Charlotte had confessed her hatred towards her more than once, then why was she still not aware of it? 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡRONMXFyVu5 維尼

‘You don't think that you're wrong. That's the problem.’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cj8RP7MOW 維尼

No! It’s not like that!8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eamyo0HYz 維尼

‘Excuses!’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoqJ1fMfBk 維尼

Charlotte’s voice was crystal clear, yet there was no sight of her...8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9qmtkRre4 維尼

Her weeps of sorrow were dry, as her throat croaked out ‘Ah… ah…’ Her heart could ache no more, for it had already fused together with pain, becoming one all together. Her eyes could shed no more tears, followed by blood seeping into her vision. A world of red, supposedly filled with joy, but Ha Yue couldn’t see herself in it anymore...8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrX0ppRJz0 維尼

Fainting—8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdZjfawXoS 維尼

When she woke up, she realised she was blindfolded. Still, Chun Bong’s voice was clear enough to hear.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkrjcWkSfS 維尼

‘An eye disease? Does it cause blindness?’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7BRwKWYjg 維尼

After eavesdropping, Ha Yue shivered in fear. In less than a second, she calmed down. ‘What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over,’ she thought. She could finally feel her heart at ease once more. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbMpCKoW0E 維尼

Since Charlotte didn’t want to see her, then so would she. Since Chun Bong grew tired of her, then so would she! 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ436Lr0ono8 維尼

After being discharged from the hospital, Ha Yue still had to be blindfolded and Chun Bong held her up on the way back home. This house, once familiar, now became oddly strange in a day’s time. Ha Yue wasn’t scared though, for everything was in the palm of her hands. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPoar13EAU 維尼

‘Chun Bong, leave me alone now! I don’t want you by my side anymore!’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRvUJhsgiT 維尼

‘What’s wrong?’ Chun Bong was startled. ‘You don’t have to worry about being a burden!’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQGNVOIIqh 維尼

‘Just go!’ Ha Yue kept a straight face. ‘I don’t love you anymore.’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVrU2frdxg 維尼

‘Please don’t say that…’ Chun Bong put his arms around her. ‘Don’t…’8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13YlItOrwt 維尼

‘I don’t need a man who only knows how to hide behind me.’ Ha Yue curled her lips into a wry smile as she felt Chun Bong’s entire body shake. ‘Don’t tell me that you still want me to settle your debts on your behalf after I’ve gone blind, do you?’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn48mskROh 維尼

Chun Bong gave no reply. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡAObm9lAIiM 維尼

‘Bullseye! Am I right? You don’t actually love me. You used me as a mere tool, wanting me to control Charlotte’s finances, then finally adding my money to settle your debts…’ Ha Yue’s smug expression was written all over her face. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5Isp40aYn 維尼

Before long, Chun Bong let go of his grip, not even turning his head once, and left.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTbYKi8Dde 維尼

A week after Chun Bong’s departure, Ha Yue’s eye disorder had been cured. Nonetheless, she wasn’t happy at all— she could no longer face her home anymore. 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC6HZFya3u 維尼

Staring at her vacant home, she asked herself, ‘What did I do wrong?’ 8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4BgnBfx9f 維尼

Perhaps, Ha Yue might never find the right answer.8964 copyright protection346ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrJwenB0sg 維尼

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