Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35 If Only

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Nadine spoke at the right moment. After that, she propped her chin up, watching Tess’s reaction with interest.

As expected, Tess froze in place.

There was only one spare room in the house, a storage room packed with junk.

Kylie glanced over, a flicker of discomfort in her eyes, but still said, “It’s just sleep, isn’t it? Doesn’t matter where. It’s only a few days–not like you’re royalty.”

Tess’s grip on her suitcase handle tightened.

Again.

She was the real daughter.

っ

But ever since they were kids, if Nadine wanted something–even if she begged to keep it- Kylie would rip it straight from her hands without a word.

Tess used to cry, confused, clinging to Kylie’s sleeve and asking why.

All she got was a cold look from above.

“Nadine wants it, so give it to her, You’re the sister. How did I raise someone so petty?”

That was what Kylie said. Always.

Tess’s limbs went weak. She felt hollow.

She didn’t even have the strength to fight like she used to.

Without hesitation, Tess went to the storage room.

Not seeing the usual anger or shock on her face, Nadine shrugged in disappointment and looked away.

Kylie stared blankly at Tess’s back until she closed the door.

“Mom, is Tess mad at me?” Nadine picked up on Kylie’s mood right away. She quickly threw on a guilty, pitiful face and wrapped herself around Kylie’s arm.

Hearing that, Kylie raised a brow and slammed her palm on the coffee table. “Mad at you?

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19:49 Fri, Aug 29

Chapter 35 If Only

Sounds like she’s getting too bold!”

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Then she gently ruffled Nadine’s hair with a soft smile. “You always think about others first. That’s why you get taken advantage of.”

“As long as I have you, I won’t,” Nadine said sweetly, snuggling into Kylie’s arms.

Her words made Kylie beam with joy.

The two laughed together, filling the living room with warmth.

But inside the storage room, the air was thick and heavy.

It was worse than Tess remembered,

Since she left, the clutter had only grown. There wasn’t even space to stand.

The bed in the center had a large crack running through it and was piled high with old blankets and clothes.

The windows hadn’t been opened in ages. The air reeked of damp mold.

As Nadine’s whiny voice leaked through the door, Tess let out a laugh mixed with mockery.

But her eyes were cold–full of mockery.

She didn’t ask why anymore–why Kylie played favorites or why she was always the one left

out.

She used to think her heart was like a dried–up river, desperate for love. But even in her numbness, the sting was still there, sharp and real.

She still cared.

But caring didn’t matter. Her grandma was gone. The only one who gave her love. Now she was just a fish–forced to swim alone in a rushing stream.

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If only I could die in my dream.

No harsh life. No endless cold stares and blame. Just a little girl, happy and safe in Grandma’s arms.

Lost in thought, she didn’t even notice the tears silently sliding down her face.

Until a soft little face appeared in her blurry vision.

Layla.

Right–she still had Layla.

If she died, what would happen to her?

Without a mother, Layla would be bullied too, just like her.

Tess bit down hard and pushed herself up with her arms.

She couldn’t fall. She had to go back. She had to raise Layla.

She wouldn’t let Layla go through the same pain.

Clenching her teeth, she got up, went to the bathroom, soaked a towel in cold water, and laid it across her forehead.

She went back and forth all night. Her fever finally broke just before dawn.

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19:49 Fri, Aug 29

Chapter 35 If Only

Bang, bang!

The door to the storage room was pounded on early in the morning.

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Tess had barely fallen asleep. The noise yanked her awake. Her body felt like a soaked sponge -weak but unbearably heavy.

She stumbled to the door. When Kylie saw Tess’s ghost–white face, she flinched in shock.

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Chapter 36 Grandma’s Death Anniversary