Silent Dreams Never Die — Author: John Miller 323
If it were Scarlett, she would’ve dropped everything to be with her. Even if she was in the bathroom, she’d come out right away. But Vincent wouldn’t–he was always busy with work.
Thinking of Scarlett, Vanessa’s eyes grew hot with unshed tears.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside her door. Vanessa looked toward the slightly ajar door and caught a glimpse of Scarlett’s figure passing by in the hallway.
Scarlett didn’t even come in to check on her.
Vanessa rolled over to face the window, and the tears she’d been holding back began to fall quietly.
She cried for a long time, but sleep still wouldn’t come. Finally, she sat up, thinking maybe she could
go see Sabrina.
Vincent had bought Sabrina a house right next door. She could walk there herself.
Clutching her stuffed animal, Vanessa slipped quietly out of Ravenshade Villa.
When she rang the doorbell next door, she was filled with hope–maybe Sabrina would come greet her with a warm hug.
But it wasn’t Sabrina who opened the door. It was Maria.
Vanessa went pale at the sight of her.
Maria opened the door warmly and took Vanessa’s small hand. “It’s chilly out–you’re not dressed warmly enough. Come inside, sweetie. I’ll warm up some milk for you.”
Vanessa didn’t want to go in. She tried to pull her hand back, but Maria’s grip tightened.
Sensing her resistance, Maria’s tone shifted slightly. “Get inside now.”
Unable to break free, Vanessa was led into the house.
Once in the living room, Maria sat on the sofa and patted the spot beside her. “Come here,” she ordered.
Vanessa hugged her stuffed toy and sat down uneasily.
The moment she was seated, Maria’s friendly mask dropped. She reached over and pinched Vanessa’s arm hard–twice. “You little pest,” she muttered through gritted teeth, her voice low and vicious. “I could just wring your neck.”
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Maria glared as if she wanted to devour the child whole.
The pain made Vanessa burst into loud, startled tears.
“Quiet!” Maria hissed sharply.
Vanessa had never seen Maria like this. Trembling, she whimpered, “Maria, it hurts…”
Her crying only seemed to irritate Maria more. She pinched her again, then leaned close to threaten in a harsh whisper. “If you tell anyone about this, I’ll make sure Sabrina never wants you again.”
Vanessa fell silent, but tears continued to stream down her cheeks.
Just the thought of Sabrina not wanting her filled Vanessa with fear and dread.
Crying softly, she promised, “I won’t tell… I won’t tell anyone.”
Meanwhile, Sabrina stood inside the first–floor guest room, her ear pressed to the doorframe, listening to Vanessa’s sobs outside.
The louder Vanessa cried, the more satisfaction Sabrina felt.
Hearing those pitiful sounds, she even felt the urge to stride out and slap the child herself.
But for the sake of her long–term plans, she couldn’t let Vanessa see her true face–not yet.
Back at Ravenshade Villa, Scarlett had already washed up and lain down for a while. She was just drifting into a doze when she felt a small body slip under the covers beside her.
She turned and reached out instinctively, touching the warm little form. Instantly, she was fully awake.
Scarlett jerked back in alarm. “Who is it?” she asked warily.
Out of the darkness came Vanessa’s raspy, tear–strained voice. “Mom… it’s me.”
Hearing her, Scarlett’s tense shoulders relaxed. But remembering how Vanessa had treated her recently, she kept her voice cool. “Your room is next door.”
Vanessa wriggled closer, nestling against Scarlett’s arm. “But, Mom… I want to sleep with you.”
She had gone to find Sabrina, but only met Maria.
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Maria promised she’d stay until Vanessa fell asleep, but it was all talk–Maria was snoring before Vanessa had even closed her eyes.
Chapter 323 Hidden Bruises
And then there were the pinches… they still hurt.
Vanessa had always been treated like a princess. When had she ever been treated so cruelly?
She felt miserable, but lying next to Scarlett now, she wasn’t sure if she should say anything about what Maria had done.
Scarlett didn’t really want Vanessa in her bed, but the child refused to leave and sounded so heartbroken.
Against her better judgment, Scarlett’s resolve softened. She didn’t hug Vanessa or show much affection, simply saying, “Fine.”
Lying beside Scarlett, Vanessa felt a sense of safety she hadn’t known all evening. Here, she didn’t have to worry about anyone pinching her or speaking to her harshly.
Several times through the night, Vanessa tried to roll over and curl into Scarlett’s arms.
But each time, Scarlett quietly shifted away, keeping a careful distance.
The next morning, Scarlett woke first. Seeing Vanessa asleep beside her, her eyes stung again with unwanted emotion.
But remembering the coldness Vanessa had shown her, she hardened her heart, got up quietly, and left the bedroom.
After washing up and heading downstairs, she heard Xavier say near the front door, “I’m just going out for a short walk. I’ll be back for breakfast.”
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