Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Hector huffed in frustration.
“It’s all Autumn’s fault. It’s her birthday today, and when she saw none of us were home, she took it out on Luna p>
Autumn was speechless.
What exactly had she said or done? How was she taking anything out on Luna?
Susan pulled Luna into her arms, eyes red as she looked over at Autumn.
“Autumn, I know you’ve never liked me or Luna, but she’s still your sister p>
“You can treat me however you like–I was wrong in the past, and I accept that. But please, don’t hurt Luna. She’s innocent p>
Just then, Simon walked in, arms full of shopping bags.
When he saw both Susan and Luna teary–eyed, and Autumn standing off to the side like a block of wood, he immediately assumed the worst.
He set the bags down on the coffee table, his dark eyes settling on Autumn.
“You’ve really developed a temper, haven’t you? Every time you come home, the whole house turns into a mess.
“Everyone was in a good mood. We had a lovely day out, and now look–everything changes the moment you show up.
“Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you’re the problem p>
Autumn looked up at Simon, her eyes void of emotion, like she was staring at a complete stranger.
So, this was the same Simon who once promised their mother he’d look after her?
This was what “taking care of his sister” looked like.
She let out a cold laugh.
“I came back to spend time with Grandma, not with any of you. If you can’t stand the sight of me, just pretend
I’m not here,
“Why don’t you manage your precious little sister better? If she didn’t keep throwing herself at me like a leech, none of this would happen p>
Luna choked back a sob. “You’ve misunderstood me, sis. I was just so happy to see you. It’s been days, and I missed you.
“I didn’t know my presence would upset you so much. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault p>
Autumn’s indifference didn’t waver.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 30
Her silence was sharp, her expression frozen.
Seeing her so cold and detached only made Hector angrier.
He barked, “Look at how considerate Luna is. Whether she’s right or wrong, she’s the first to apologize.
“And you? You won’t admit a thing, even when it’s clearly your fault. I don’t know how someone like you came out of our family p>
Autumn stayed quiet, her lips pressed together.
To people who already despised her, even her breathing was an offense.
What was the point in saying anything?
Susan held onto Luna and choked out, “Autumn, I know you hold a grudge against us, but what’s done is done. We can’t change the past.
“Can’t you just let it go and try to get along with your father and brothers p>
“You’re the last person who gets to say that,” Autumn said, her face hardening, a cold smile tugging at her lips.
“Don’t think sitting in the seat of Mrs. Lewis means you’re safe.
“Let’s not forget how you got here. You took my mother’s place by being the other woman.
“And one day, someone will do the same to you–replace you and throw you out.
“When that day comes, let’s see if you still have the nerve to say these things p>
This woman had no right to lecture her, not until she’d lived through everything Autumn and her mother had endured.
When she couldn’t even afford a meal, what good were a father and two brothers?
They were never hers to begin with.
After losing her mother and being betrayed by the man she married, Autumn had learned to survive alone.
She no longer needed anyone’s pity or scraps to keep going.
Susan’s face drained of color, and her body trembled.
She knew full well that over the years, Richard had kept mistresses–one after another–and she had quietly gotten rid of them all.
Being Mrs. Lewis wasn’t the blessing everyone thought it was.
Behind the scenes, she spent her days pleasing every member of the Lewis family while cleaning up her husband’s messes.
It was exhausting.
Chapter 30
+25 BONUS
Simon’s face turned dark.
He raised his hand and slapped Autumn across the face.
“You’ve really lost your manners, haven’t you? Apologize to Luna and your stepmother. Right now p>
Autumn clutched her burning cheek, stunned.
She stared at Simon in disbelief.
No matter how much he had favored Luna in the past, he had never hit her before.
This was the first time. And she hadn’t even done anything wrong.
What right did he have to lay a hand on her?
She looked at him coldly. “Why should I apologize? I haven’t done anything wrong. Stop trying to guilt–trip me.
“Tell me, Mr. Lewis, have you already forgotten who gave birth to you p>