Chapter 592: Epilogue (19)
“I can understand being too busy to bring her, but I’d like to know, why did you and her father hit your child?”
Nina Young’s mother said resolutely, “I already told you, the injuries on her body weren’t from me or her father.”
“Then who did it? Did she do it to herself?”
“I don’t know.”
Nora Ainsworth said with a smile, “I’m currently two months pregnant myself. Just yesterday, my twin sons asked their daddy and me if we would stop loving them once their little brother or sister is born. They were worried we’d be like Nina Young’s parents, who only love her little brother and not her. I didn’t think much of it at the time and just told them we’d love them all the same. But this morning, a teacher reported to me that Nina is covered in injuries. Physical wounds from a beating might heal, but the psychological trauma and scars will never fade. She’s only four years old. Don’t you think treating her this way is too cruel? Also, I’d like to ask, are you her biological mother?”
“Of course… I’m her biological mother.”
“If you were a stepmother, it would be more understandable—because where there’s a stepmom, there’s often a stepdad. But for a biological mother and father to be capable of this… you’re really something else. She’s such a wonderful child. The way you treat her is punishable by law.” Nora Ainsworth looked at the little boy in the woman’s arms and continued, “Your son’s skin is fair and smooth, without a single mark. But your daughter, who has the same parents, receives completely different treatment. Have you ever thought about how much she’ll hate you when she grows up?”
Nina Young’s mother grew impatient. “Director, how I raise my child is none of your business. We pay you to watch her, and that’s it.”
“Are you saying we should just look the other way? Turn a blind eye? If your child had some sort of accident here, should we do the same?”
Nora Ainsworth’s retort left her speechless.
“The law can’t do anything to us. At most, we’ll get a slap on the wrist.”
Nora Ainsworth laughed. “You must be incredibly ignorant. It’s fine. If the law won’t do anything, I will. As long as she’s a student at my school, I won’t let this slide.”
“Then starting today, Nina won’t be attending your school anymore.”
“Nina’s mother, do you really think that solves everything?” Nora Ainsworth turned away. “Until you and your husband repent for what you’ve done to your child, she won’t be going back to you. That’s my final word.”
“Then let her eat and live at your school for free. Saves us the tuition.”
‘This woman is a lost cause.’
A heartless mother could offer her daughter no warmth.
“Fine. I’ve recorded this conversation. The child can live and eat at our school long-term. As long as you don’t come to pick her up, she’ll stay here. If you ever do decide to come get her, you’ll have to settle all the fees first. If you don’t want her, then she can just grow up at the kindergarten. We don’t hit children here, anyway. It’s no trouble to set another place at the table if it means giving her a happy childhood. I’m willing to do that.” With that, Nora Ainsworth turned and left.
Nina Young’s mother stood at the door, watching Nora Ainsworth’s retreating figure. She closed the door and sat down, somewhat dazed.
When Nora Ainsworth returned to the kindergarten, a teacher had already brought Nina Young back after having her injuries treated.
Looking at the timid child before her, Nora’s own motherly heart ached.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Nora Ainsworth looked down at her and asked softly, “Nina, tell Auntie Nora, what do you want to do most right now?”
In a small, childlike voice, she asked, “I want to ask if Mommy doesn’t want me anymore.”
“You’re your mommy’s own daughter. Why would she not want you? It’s just that… Mommy probably hasn’t thought things through yet. Don’t worry, she’ll come get you.”
Dorothy Ellsworth ran in, shouting, “Auntie, Nina is so pitiful!”
Nora Ainsworth took Dorothy’s hand. “Yes, she is. Dorothy, can you play with her for the next few days, okay?”
Dorothy Ellsworth nodded. “Mhm, of course I will! Auntie, can she come home with me after school? I have toys for her to play with.”
“If you’d like that, then of course.”
Dorothy Ellsworth jumped up happily. “Yay!”
When school let out, Dorothy Ellsworth did indeed take Nina Young home with her.
She took out her new dress and gave it to Nina Young, gave her a Barbie doll too, and watched cartoons with her to cheer her up.
“Dorothy, where’s your mommy?”
“My mommy is resting in her bedroom. She hasn’t been feeling well lately, but she’ll be okay after a few days of rest. Come on, I’ll take you to meet my mommy.”
“Okay.”
Leading her upstairs, Dorothy Ellsworth pushed open the door and called out, “Mommy!”
Chloe Marshall put down her book. “Dorothy, you’re back from school?”
“Mhm! Mommy, look, this is my classmate. But her daddy and mommy beat her and she’s covered in bruises.”
Hearing this, Chloe Marshall immediately beckoned her over. “Here, come to Auntie.”
Nina Young stepped forward. Chloe Marshall looked at her injuries, her heart aching. “Did your mommy and daddy really do this? How could they be so cruel?”
Dorothy Ellsworth nodded. “My auntie even went to see her mom, but her mom wouldn’t admit anything. Mommy, I gave my dress to Nina. Doesn’t it look pretty?”
Chloe Marshall smiled and nodded. “Mhm, it looks beautiful. Dorothy, go get some cake and snacks for Nina.”
“Okay.” Dorothy Ellsworth took Nina Young’s hand and went downstairs. She brought out every kind of cake and snack for Nina to eat.
“Dorothy, I’m so jealous of you. Your mommy is so gentle.”
Dorothy Ellsworth grinned. “Right? My mommy and daddy never hit me. They say I’m their treasure. Nina, if your mommy and daddy don’t want you, you can live with us from now on.”
With tears in her eyes, she nodded. “But… I still want to be with my mommy and daddy.”
Dorothy Ellsworth reached out with her little hand to wipe away the tears. “Don’t worry. Auntie said your mommy will come get you.”
“I hope she comes soon.”
「That evening.」
Mrs. Lynch was sitting quietly in the living room watching TV. Holly Wood, holding a fruit platter, sat on the other side. Mr. Lynch had been watching TV with them earlier, but he had since gotten up and returned to his room. Leon Lynch was upstairs, so only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were left in the living room.
Mrs. Lynch glanced at Holly Wood, then said, “Holly, I hope you won’t tell your father-in-law about what happened last night.”
Holly Wood replied, “Mom, I won’t say anything. But whether Leon does will depend on your future behavior. For Leon, nothing could have hurt him more than this.”
Mrs. Lynch said sheepishly, “I know that, of course.”
Just then, Mr. Lynch came out, apparently dressed to go somewhere.
“Where are you going?”
Mr. Lynch said without a change in expression, “We just ate. I’m going out for a walk. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Mrs. Lynch asked again, “What time will you be back?”
“Nine o’clock.”
Mrs. Lynch just nodded. “Alright.”