Too Late For Remorse

Suddenly, Maria recalled her husband's words. As she turned her attention to the report on the floor, something clicked in her mind.

When Lincoln showed her the report and she saw his name together with Gillian's on it, anxiety flickered in her eyes. A second later, she snapped back to attention, sat on me, and started scratching my face viciously.

"How dare you do something like this while Leonard works so hard to feed the family! You're shameless! I'll ruin your face! Let's see how you'd go out seducing men after this!"

When Lincoln saw this, a smile finally flickered on his face.

"Yes, teach her a good lesson! She's shameless, and her child is a bastard. They've been mooching off us all these years! Kick them out of the house! Just looking at them disgusts me!"

Hearing that, Maria struck me even harder.

I blocked her blows with my arms, but couldn't avoid getting scratched. Hot, searing pain spread across my cheeks.

Mustering as much strength as I could, I pushed her away from me.

Glaring daggers at Lincoln, I yelled, "Gillian is Leonard's daughter! This house belongs to me. You have no right to chase me out! After Leonard comes back, we'll go to another hospital for another paternity test! My conscience is clear!"

The determination on Lincoln's face slipped once he heard that.

"Never!" Maria yelled. Her fingernails scratched the corner of my eye.

She pointed at me and continued shrilly, "It's enough for you to embarrass yourself! Why are you making us spend money to do that test again? Don't shame us!

"It's written clearly on the report. Would the hospital lie? Who knows if you'd cook up a fake report to fool us? We won't take another paternity test! Take your illegitimate brat and scram! Go find your other man!"

Before Lincoln could speak a word, Gillian raised her tiny fists and started hitting him, tears streaking her cheeks.

"You're a bad person!" she cried. "All of you are baddies who bully Mommy!"

Lincoln didn't hesitate to kick her aside. "How dare you hit me, you brat! I'll beat you to a pulp!"

Before he could strike her, Maria beat him to it. She grabbed Gillian's collar and pinched Gillian's arm mercilessly.

"You're shameless, just like your mother! How dare you touch my man with your filthy hands! Who do you think you are?!"

Maria's action left unsightly bruises on Gillian's fair skin. Seeing my daughter's tear-streaked face, I hurriedly shoved Maria aside.

"I'll pay for the paternity test. You won't need to fork out a cent," I snapped. "This house is mine, too. We'll wait for Leonard to be back first. If the report still says that Gillian isn't his, I'll make myself scarce."

At that, Lincoln scoffed disdainfully. He pulled away Maria, who was still trying to tear my face off, and dragged her out of the door.

I wiped the tears from my face and gently soothed Gillian. Then I pulled my phone out to call Leonard, urging him to come home quickly.

He was out on mission support and was likely occupied. I had thought it would be tough for him to return, but after a moment's silence, he said, "I'll be home tonight."

After everything that had happened, I was on high alert. I had a suspicion that something else might follow.

When my husband appeared at the door with all his bags, I was still comforting Gillian.

"Grandpa and Grandma were playing a game with Mommy today. Don't be scared," I cooed. "Go to sleep, dear."

When I left her bedroom, I found Leonard seated on the couch. His expression was identical to that of Lincoln's earlier in the day.

Now that my pillar of support was here, I couldn't help but vent out my resentment.

"Dad and Mom said Gilly isn't their granddaughter. It's ridiculous! They kept calling her terrible names, and even wanted to chase us away. Others might not know me, but you…"

"I thought I did," Leonard cut me off, "but now, it seems like I don't know you enough."

As those words drifted into my ears, I looked at him with trembling lips. The love in my eyes faded into cold hopelessness.

He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and smoothed it out on the table.

"Sign it."