He Was My Uncle, My Love, My Biggest Mistake

I could sense a hint of concern in the hesitant words.

I couldn't help but inwardly slap myself.

Five years. Haven't I learned how to be hopeless by now?

Now that I am broken, I am no longer worthy of anyone's care.

I could feel Nathan's gaze lingering on my face, filled with some confusion.

But I didn't turn back, staring blankly at the driver's leather seat in front of me.

I unconsciously bit at the dead skin on my lips and pulled at my long sleeves to cover the scars on my arms.

I didn't answer Nathan's question.

More accurately, I wasn't worthy of answering.

I warned myself clearly.

Grace, stop dreaming, you won't be saved by anyone.

"Mr. Montgomery, welcome back. Please review the guest list for the engagement banquet."

Percival's secretary was waiting at the villa entrance holding a bright red guest book.

Nathan and I walked behind Percival.

Even from a distance, I could clearly see the upward curve of Percival's lips.

Looking around, I noticed many rose baskets decorating the front yard, with heart-shaped balloons swaying gently.

Perhaps unable to bear my confusion, Nathan quietly explained beside me:

"Mr. Montgomery and Miss Morgan are engaged."

"Bringing you back today is so you can attend their engagement banquet."

Engagement, Miss Morgan, a few words connected with scattered fragments in my mind.

On my coming-of-age ceremony, there she was, Sophia Morgan in an embroidered dress, holding Percival's arm.

Hearing the romantic words spoken by Percival, she instantly furrowed her brows.

With a gentle tone, Sophia spoke words that cast me into hell:

"Percival, your sister seems to be ill. Don't be angry with her. The best thing for her right now is to receive proper treatment."

It was Sophia who suggested sending me to the psychiatric hospital.

She claimed it was mental illness that needed proper "treatment."

"... I understand."

I could only nod.

On the day of the engagement banquet, I saw Sophia Morgan again.

She looked stunning in a pure white chiffon dress, accentuating her exquisite figure.

Sophia stood next to Percival; they looked like a perfect couple.

I was placed in a corner, coldly observing everything around me.

Sophia noticed me, a flash of displeasure in her eyes.

Under the pretext of toasting, she walked toward me.

The ostentatious sound of high heels striking the ground stopped behind me.

Suddenly, sharp pain shot through my waist, contorting my face in agony, but I bit my lip to avoid making a sound.

"Grace, you are quite lucky to get out of that asylum."

"Now you can see, Percival and I are engaged. If you are sensible, stop dreaming about marrying Percival."

She released my waist and smirked with amusement:

"If you don't behave, I'll just have to send you back to learn the rules again. You know their methods."

The mention of "learning the rules" made me shudder intensely.

Fear instantly overwhelmed my rational mind.

"An orphan brought back by Mr. Montgomery, still dreaming of climbing into his bed—today I'll teach you what the rules are!"

The words of the madmen who abused me echoed in my ears.

"Let's cripple one of your legs today so you'll know you can't overreach!"

My left leg had been broken, leaving me permanently disabled.

I slipped from my chair, kneeling at Sophia’s feet.

Sobbing, I kowtowed to her, one after another, until my forehead was bruised and bleeding.

"I'm sorry, I won't think about it anymore. I know I was wrong. Please don't send me back!"

The commotion in the corner drew the attention of the guests.

Many gasped at the sight of fresh blood on the floor, but I was oblivious.

Percival saw Sophia's distressed look, his face darkened, and he stormed over, pulling me up with force.

My left leg twisted, and I almost fell, only to be caught by Percival.

"Grace, have you had enough?"

Seeing Sophia's tearful face, Percival thought I was deliberately ruining the engagement banquet.

Seeing my silence, he angrily pulled me to the back garden.

I followed him like a broken doll, limping behind.