BXBX NOVEL Chapter 396 396
'Spineless...' that word popped into her mind again. 'If I stop being spineless and stand my ground, would I be able to protect my family?'
'Even in front of that monster-- Vincent. If I fight back, will I be able to change something?'
Chloe never thought of fighting back against her abuser. She could only gain enough courage when she realized that her marriage was unsalvageable.
After ten years of enduring, she was fed up. She filed for divorce and left with Mackie, waiting for Vincent to sign the paper so they could process it in court.
Who would've expected Vincent to refuse to sign? Instead, he rained terror upon terror on Chloe, weakening her resolution and making her anxious.
'I thought I didn't need to fight. For the past ten years, Vincent has dictated my life, and I'm not allowed to fight back....'
'Besides, how am I supposed to fight against Vincent? He can do anything he wants without repercussions. He is above the law!' Chloe knew well how much of a monster Vincent could be.
He was a billionaire who was well-loved by people. He had done many charity events and had a PR team controlling the media.
She had nowhere to go. She was hopeless...
Or so she thought...
Chloe kept staring at Vernon and Mackie until they realized Chloe was eating slowly.
"Do you need me to feed you again?" Vernon asked.
"Ah--" Chloe was startled and shook her head. "No need, I can do it myself...."
Chloe started eating her soup faster than before. She glanced at the pair of Uncle-Niece in front of her and realized they were still staring at her nonstop.
She got embarrassed when they kept staring and ate her dinner faster, much to Vernon and Mackie's relief.
**
It was past ten, and Vernon was still busy in his home office, dealing with documents on his laptop.
So Chloe served him herbal tea before she went to Mackie's bedroom to tuck her daughter to bed.
"You need to go to sleep, dear," Chloe said as she saw Mackie was still trying to practice in front of the mirror. "You have a big day tomorrow morning."
"I know, Mommy. I'm just soooo excited!" Mackie said, still with her eyes on the mirror.
Chloe smiled and walked behind Mackie. She gently patted her daughter's shoulder and asked, "You're not nervous at all?"
"Nope!"
"That's good. You don't need to be afraid of anything," Chloe tried to encourage her daughter. She wanted Mackie to be a confident and strong woman, unlike her...
"Un, Mommy too, okay?" Mackie placed her palm on top of her mother's hand on her shoulder. "Don't be nervous, Mommy. No matter what happened, Mackie will always be there to protect you, Uncle said that too, right?"
...
"Mommy will do the same for you, dear," Chloe said. She bent her back and kissed the top of Mackie's head. "Mommy is nervous and scared, but I will do anything to protect you."
"Yes, Mommy! We're protecting each other!"
Chloe admitted she was a spineless, timid woman who wouldn't dare stand up for herself.
But she was still a mother who would do anything to protect her daughter, 'Even if that means I have to fight against my worst nightmare....'
**
Chloe woke up very early the next morning. She checked the clock and nodded, "Alright, still four in the morning, I have to make sure that everything is perfect for Mackie."
Chloe was told that Mackie should be in school by seven in the morning because she had to fit into the costume and do a quick rehearsal before the autumn festival event started at 10.
Chloe went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She cooked a light meal for Mackie because she would be jumping around today.
However, she made plenty for Vernon because he said he had plenty of meetings today.
She was like a busy housewife with a husband and daughter, ensuring her family was at its peak condition as she tried to support them.
...
"Mommy, can we go now?" Mackie asked, as she had already had her early breakfast and was well prepared.
"Yes, we have to be there at seven," Chloe said. She texted Vernon about his breakfast and today's suit as he was still asleep.
...
Chloe drove her car at a steady speed. She kept checking her watch, making sure that they weren't late.
"Phew, we're here," Chloe finally let out a relieved breath when she arrived at Mackie's school. She parked her car at the utmost corner of the parking lot before entering the school gate with Mackie.
She walked into the main building and met with Mr. Peterson and the old Principal-- Mrs. Andrew.
"Morning, Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Andrew!" Mackie greeted cheerfully. "I'm here with Mommy!"
Mrs. Andrew and Mr. Peterson gave each other a quick glance and then gave their sweetest smile at the mother and daughter pair.
"Good morning, Mrs. Gray, morning Mackenzie," Mrs. Andrew said. "You're the first to come, why don't you two go with Mr. Peterson to the backstage? I'm pretty sure Mackenzie wants to practice more, right?"
"Un! I want to!" Mackie said.
Chloe was a bit suspicious of Mrs. Andrew. This old woman was Vincent's lap dog, so Chloe never trusted her.
But there was no harm in her words, and Chloe indeed had to go backstage to assist her daughter.
"Thank you, Mrs. Andrew," Chloe said. "We will go now, if you excuse us."
Chloe shifted her gaze at Mr. Peterson, waiting for him to lead the way, and Mr. Peterson faked a smile as well, "This way please."
Mrs. Andrew watched as Chloe and her daughter followed the drama teacher backstage.
She was relieved that Mrs. Gray was here. She didn't know how to face Mr. Vincent Gray's rage if Chloe suddenly refused to come here.
"Now, I have to inform him," Mrs. Andrew paused for a moment as she stared at Chloe and Mackenzie's back. She felt a little pity before shrugged lightly. "Oh well, a little sacrifice is fine for the school."