Serpentine Apotheosis

I didn't look at him. I was afraid I would lose control and lash out right then and there.

Swallowing my nausea, I softened my tone and said, "It's nothing. See you tomorrow. Bye, Jon."

When I got home, the house was filled with the smell of a freshly cooked meal.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back."

The moment she heard me, my mom put down her work and came out to greet me.

"Oh, Sinead, you're home? Hurry and wash your hands. Your dad made your favorite lobster, and he's been waiting for you to come home."

There were fine lines at the corners of her eyes as she smiled. I could feel my nose stinging.

From the kitchen, I heard my dad's warm, cheerful voice. "Sinead, come try my lobster! Tell me how it tastes."

I walked into the kitchen. Dad was wearing an apron, his face full of gentle affection.

In my memories, Dad had always been gentle and never raised his voice at anyone. Mom was a strong-willed woman who had never begged for anything.

That was…

Until that dinner at the Perry residence in my previous life.

Mrs. Perry humiliated me in front of everyone. Dad was so furious that he clenched his teeth. And when Jonathan simply watched coldly, I lost all hope and tried to end it all. My mom sobbed and screamed, begging me not to jump from the top of a building.

As I ate the peeled lobster, my tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Mom, Dad.

I wouldn't let you down again.

A few days later, in front of the Perry residence…

I stepped out of the car in just a shirt and jeans. Mom was in her most expensive formal wear, having spent hours getting ready.

The moment she saw me, she started fussing.

"My dear Sinead! How can you wear something like this for such a formal occasion? And not even a touch of makeup! I told you to change, and you just won't listen."

But last time, I wore a beautiful green dress and was still called an "ugly monster who tried to look pretty" right in front of my face anyway.

I smiled and took Mom's arm. "Let's just go in."

But the butler at the door stopped us, extending his hand. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. "We have a family party tonight. We don't welcome beggars."

"You…"

I stepped in front of my mom, ignoring the humiliation. "I'm Jonathan Perry's fiancée."

The butler burst out laughing, as if he had just heard the world's funniest joke.

"You? Hahaha…!" He laughed so hard he only stopped until tears were out. "Security, throw these freeloaders out! Don't forget this freak!"

I frowned. "Didn't Jonathan tell you?"

The butler glared at me, furious, "Do you think you can call Master Jonathan by his first name? And you call yourself his fiancée, at that? You should look in the mirror before making such boasts! How ridiculous!"

I was already used to being called something like this since I had heard it my whole life, but my parents would never let anyone say a bad word about me. They were furious.

Dad immediately slapped the butler across the face several times.

"Stop! Sinead, what are you doing?" Jonathan walked over, with his mother Mrs. Perry right behind him.

He helped the butler up, who was now sobbing and rubbing his red cheek.

"Mr. Hayes is already an old man. How can you hit him? I used to think you were just ugly on the outside, but at least you have a kind heart. I didn't know you're this good at keeping up with an act!"

Jonathan usually maintained his disguise well, but I had never seen him so furious and unreasonable.

Mr. Hayes…Hayes?

Annabelle's last name was Hayes.

Upon hearing that, Dad threw the gift he had brought to the ground and let out a furious laugh. "Is this how you treat Sinead, Mr. Jonathan Perry?"

Mrs. Perry sneered at me. "So, you're Sinead Bell?"

She then let out a snort, scanning me up and down.

"Is that all? And you think you can marry into my family?"