\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 143 A Mother\u2019s Rejection\u00a0<\/p>\n
85\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
There had even been several instances where she and Nolan had crossed paths unexpectedly at those late-night events.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa\u2019s swollen lymph nodes-even if not entirely Sabrina\u2019s fault-certainly weren\u2019t unrelated to her influence and the lifestyle she encouraged.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet Vincent never once acknowledged Sabrina\u2019s role in the situation, always deflecting or changing the subject when her name came up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If that wasn\u2019t taking sides, then what was? The favoritism was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent still deliberately avoided mentioning Sabrina directly. Instead, he countered sharply, \u201cIf you\u2019re truly concerned about Vanessa\u2019s wellbeing, shouldn\u2019t her biological mother be the one staying home to care for her? That seems like the most logical solution.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett was furious at his implication. She met Vincent\u2019s gaze directly and stated with unwavering firmness, \u201cVincent, no matter what you say or how you try to manipulate me, I\u2019m not quitting my job.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her career was the last thing she had to hold onto, and now Vincent wanted to strip even that away from her, leaving her with nothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent retorted with equal intensity, \u201cScarlett, Vanessa isn\u2019t just my daughter-she\u2019s yours too. Don\u2019t you think you should take some responsibility for her care instead of always pointing fingers?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been her primary caregiver for four solid years, Vincent. I\u2019m done. I simply can\u2019t do it anymore, not like this,\u201d she shot back, the exhaustion of those years evident in her voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you believe you still deserve to be called her mother when you\u2019re refusing to care for her?\u201d he challenged, his words deliberately cutting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said it yourself\u2014I\u2019m not as good as Sabrina in Vanessa\u2019s eyes. So why don\u2019t you just let Vanessa call her \u2018Mom\u2019 instead?\u201d The bitter words escaped before she could stop them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cScarlett, don\u2019t push this conversation where it doesn\u2019t need to go,\u201d Vincent warned, his voice dropping dangerously.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cVincent, you\u2019ve said everything you wanted to say over the years. Are you determined to leave me with nothing? We\u2019ve been married five years, and not once has this house ever felt like a real home to me. I-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Their heated argument was abruptly interrupted when Lily appeared at the top of the stairs,\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Chapter 143 A Mother\u2019s Rejection\u00a0<\/p>\n
85\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
her voice urgent and filled with alarm. \u201cMr. and Mrs. Stewart, something\u2019s wrong! Ms. Stewart is complaining of stomach pain again! She\u2019s crying quite badly!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment Lily finished speaking, both Scarlett and Vincent immediately abandoned their argument and bolted upstairs simultaneously.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They rushed into the bedroom, their faces etched with identical concern as they hurried to the bedside where their daughter lay suffering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa was curled into a tight ball on the bed, her small frame trembling with visible pain, looking utterly pitiful and vulnerable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett\u2019s heart clenched painfully at the sight. She reached out instinctively and gathered Vanessa into her arms. \u201cDon\u2019t be scared, sweetheart. I\u2019m here,\u201d she murmured soothingly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She gently stroked Vanessa\u2019s hair as she spoke, trying to provide some comfort through the touch.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But the pain was too intense for Vanessa to bear. She continued sobbing uncontrollably.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett extended her hand tenderly toward Vanessa\u2019s abdomen. \u201cVanessa, let me rub your tummy, okay? It will help you feel better, I promise,\u201d she offered softly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just as her hand made contact with Vanessa\u2019s abdomen, Vanessa suddenly shoved her away with surprising force. \u201cNo! I want Sabrina! Daddy, I want Sabrina!\u201d she cried out, rejecting Scarlett\u2019s comfort completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett froze in place, completely stunned by the rejection. Her mind went blank, all thoughts momentarily wiped away by the shock of Vanessa\u2019s words.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Already weakened by fever and dizziness from her own illness, Vanessa\u2019s forceful push sent her stumbling sideways, forcing her to grab the bedside table for support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa kept crying desperately, her pleas now directed solely at her father. \u201cDaddy\u2026 Daddy\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent immediately stepped forward and scooped her into his arms, holding her close against his chest and comforting her softly. \u201cI\u2019m, sweetheart. Be a good girl now, I\u2019ve got you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa clung tightly to Vincent\u2019s shirt, her tear-streaked face pressed against his chest as she sought comfort in his embrace. She sobbed brokenly, \u201cDaddy, where\u2019s Sabrina? I want Sabrina.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent pressed his face against Vanessa\u2019s, his heart aching. He said softly, \u201cI will take you to see her this weekend, okay?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa cried, \u201cI want to hear her play the piano for me. I want her to tell me those special stories she knows. Daddy, I need Sabrina here with me right now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Chapter 143 A Mother\u2019s Rejection\u00a0<\/p>\n
C\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent\u2019s heart ached at Vanessa\u2019s desperate pleas. Whatever she asked for in this state of suffering, he could only agree to provide comfort. \u201cAlright, darling, Daddy will call Sabrina and have her come stay with you, okay? I\u2019ll make sure she comes right away.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa\u2019s crying ceased almost instantly at his promise. \u201cOkay,\u201d she whispered, finally calming\u00a0<\/p>\n
down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett sat at the edge of the bed, listening to the heartbreaking exchange between Vanessa and Vincent. Silent tears streamed down her face unchecked, each word feeling like a physical blow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She bit her lip hard, drawing blood, refusing to let any sound escape and betray the depth of her pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lily stood beside her, quietly patting her shoulder in a gesture of comfort, her own expression filled with sympathy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett didn\u2019t register anything else said between Vincent and Vanessa after that moment. She felt like a complete fool just sitting there, an unwanted spectator in her own family\u2019s drama.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forcing herself to stand on trembling legs, she slowly walked out of the bedroom without another word.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Downstairs, she noticed through the window that the rain outside was falling even more heavily than before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Staring at the pouring rain, Scarlett felt the weight in her heart grow heavier.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After some time had passed, Vincent came downstairs, his footsteps measured on the staircase.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing Scarlett still standing by the door like a statue, Vincent approached her cautiously. \u201cI\u2019ve called the school and informed them Vanessa won\u2019t be attending today due to her illness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With her back still turned to him, Scarlett replied flatly, \u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then she added in the same emotionless tone, \u201cI\u2019m going to work now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
But simultaneously, Vincent said, \u201cYou should stay home today and take care of Vanessa since she\u2019s not feeling well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett refused immediately, her voice gaining strength. \u201cI can\u2019t take time off on such short notice. If you\u2019re unwilling to care for her yourself, then find someone else to do it,\u201d she stated bluntly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her meaning was unmistakable-she wanted Sabrina to be the one to care for Vanessa since that was who their daughter clearly preferred.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent grew angry at her outright refusal. \u201cScarlett, when did you become like this? So cold\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:42 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 143 A Mother\u2019s Rejection\u00a0<\/p>\n
and detached?\u201d he demanded, genuine confusion in his voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the past, she would always personally care for Vanessa whenever she fell ill.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So why couldn\u2019t she do it now? What had changed so fundamentally?\u00a0<\/p>\n
85\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett listened to Vincent\u2019s accusations without showing any visible emotion, her face a carefully constructed mask. \u201cVincent, I haven\u2019t changed, not really. I\u2019ve simply finally seen things clearly for what they are rather than what I wished they were.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With those final words, she opened her umbrella with a sharp snap and stepped out into the pouring rain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent watched her determined departure with growing frustration, when suddenly his phone rang, breaking the tense silence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He glanced down at the screen with irritation-it was a call from Abbott.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.1K\u00a0<\/p>\n
4\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:42 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Awakened Housewife. Ignore Betrayer\u2019s Begs\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.<\/p>\n
Silent Dreams Never Die \u2014 Author: John Miller 143 \u00a0 Chapter 143 A Mother\u2019s Rejection\u00a0 85\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 There had even […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-impossible-condition-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27507"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27507\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}