My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 31

The dog bolted in fear, while Helen screamed sharply as shards from the vase grazed her arm.

"Grace! What are you doing? How could you raise your hand against your sister?"

My father's voice boomed just as Helen threw herself into his arms, crying hysterically.

"Dad, help me! Grace tried to kill me…"

"Grace, this is too much!"

"Can't you see? She tossed over Mom's offerings and ruined her memorial photo—"

My entire body trembled as tears streamed down my face. I was heartbroken, devastated for my mother.

But my father merely glanced at the mess on the ground, frowning slightly. "That doesn't justify you hurting someone!"

"Dad—"

"Grace, your mother's been gone for so long. How can the dead be more important than the living?"

Helen, her face pale and trembling, chimed in softly. "Dad, it was my dog that accidentally knocked over the offerings. I was about to apologize to Grace, but she charged at me as soon as she came downstairs. I didn't even have time to explain before she threw the vase at me…"

She raised her bleeding arm, looking pitifully at my father.

"Dad, maybe it's better if Mom and I move out…"

"The dog doesn't understand, but do you?"

My father glared at me before suddenly raising his hand.

The slap was heavy, landing hard on my face.

I forgot to dodge.

He seemed startled for a moment, too, but in the end, he said nothing.

He simply turned and led Helen away to treat her wound.

I stood there watching their retreating figures for a long time before the burning pain on my cheek registered.

As I raised a hand to cover my swollen face, tears streamed down, but I let out a bitter laugh.

I knew then that this house was no longer a place I could call home.

In the middle of the night, I was suddenly awakened by cries and screams.

Just as I sat up, my door was kicked open from the outside.

My stepmother burst in, crying hysterically. Before I could react, a series of harsh slaps landed on my face.

"How could you be so cruel?"

"Isn't it enough that you hurt her during the day? Now you're trying to kill her?"

She threw herself into my father's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"She knows Helen is allergic to peaches, but she deliberately spilled peach juice all over the bed and pillows."

"She's trying to kill our daughter!"