Ghost of a Broken Home

After leaving home, I followed my daughter to find Patrick. By the time Nina and I arrived at the old mansion, the rain had stopped.

Today was Johnny’s birthday. In the courtyard of the old mansion, balloons, a stage, and a feast were all set up. Guests arrived in elegant attire, bearing gifts. Children ran around, laughing and playing.

In the center of the courtyard, Patrick stood beside a six-year-old boy, cutting the birthday cake with him. He gently reminded him, "Be careful. Don’t get cream on your clothes."

Standing close to Patrick was Jennifer Owens who watched the scene with affection. The three of them looked like a happy family.

Through the fence, Nina watched, tears welling in her eyes. Her heart ached. Every year on her birthday, Patrick had always been by her side. She wiped her tears, stood on tiptoe, and pressed the doorbell.

The door opened quickly. To her surprise, it was Jennifer.

The moment Jennifer saw Nina, the smile on her face froze, and the warmth in her eyes disappeared.

"What are you doing here?" She glanced toward Patrick in the distance, ensuring he was unaware, then turned back with irritation. "Did that annoying mother of yours send you to ruin Johnny’s birthday?"

Her expression turned cold. "Did she forget to tell you that this is no longer your home, you little brat? Get lost!"

Nina was frightened by her cruel behavior, and big tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You’re lying! Don’t insult my mom, you’re a bad woman! I want to see my dad!" She glared at Jennifer like a fierce little beast.

Jennifer scoffed, amused by her defiance. She bent down and poked Nina’s forehead repeatedly.

Caught off guard, Nina stumbled back, hitting her head against the iron gate with a loud thud.

The noise caught Patrick’s attention from afar, and his heart clenched.

"Who’s there?"

Jennifer panicked and immediately covered Nina’s mouth. Forcing a smile, she called out, "Patrick, it’s nothing. Just a beggar knocking at the door. It’s cold outside. Take Johnny inside first!"

Patrick frowned but turned back to entertain the guests after hearing no more commotion.

Seeing he was no longer paying attention, Jennifer’s face darkened. She grabbed Nina’s face and spat venomously, "You bring bad luck—just like your wretched mother. All you do is ruin my life!"

Nina struggled, tears mixing with the red marks on her cheeks.

Disgusted, Jennifer kicked her to the ground.

"Cursed child!"

Slowly, Nina climbed to her feet, her voice firm as she insisted, "You’re the cursed one. I want to see my dad!"

Jennifer sneered. Then, spotting a beggar by the roadside, an idea came to her. With a smirk, she squatted down and whispered, "If you crawl under that man’s legs, I’ll take you to see your dad. How about that?"

I stood frozen, staring at Jennifer, my nails digging into my palms until they bled.

How dare she humiliate my daughter like this? Was she even human?

Anger and sorrow consumed me, nearly driving me mad. I desperately tried to pull Nina away, pleading, "Mommy is already dead. You don’t have to do this for me. I will be heartbroken. Go home! Please, just go home!"

Nina lowered her head, thinking for a long time. Through the crack in the gate, she saw the lively birthday party inside. Finally, she asked firmly, "You promise?"

Jennifer hesitated, then smiled smugly. "Of course, I always keep my word."

She called the beggar over and handed him her bracelet, asking only that he stand still.

Nina bit her lip, straightened her little princess dress, and trembled as she slowly crawled under the man’s legs.

As she did, she whispered to herself, "Nina, don’t cry. It’s okay if the dress gets dirty. You’re here to wake Mommy up. As long as Mommy wakes up, it’s worth it."

She kept comforting herself, but the tears wouldn’t stop falling.

Jennifer leaned against the door, watching with satisfaction, her excitement barely contained. "What a good girl. Just as expected from Winnie’s daughter. A lowly woman’s child is just as pathetic. Now, lift your head. Let me take a good look at you."

She was basking in her triumph when suddenly, a cold, furious voice sounded behind her. "Jennifer, what are you doing?"