Chapter 156

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The root of everything stemmed from Philip’s infidelity
A hypocritical man who feigned being a dignified elite in public but vented his frustrations on his wife and children at home , paired with a woman who was strong – willed , combative , and outspoken but not gentle or caring
Their union was a recipe for unhappiness , their marriage devoid of joy .
Jennifer recalled her unfortunate childhood . Though she was now 28 , she epitomed the saying that those who suffer misfortune spend their whole lives healing their childhood wounds
“ When I was almost five , I witnessed Philip’s infidelity with my own eyes . He was in the bedroom with another woman , hugging and flirting . They were about to undress when he noticed me watching through the door crack
“He walked over , opened the door, slapped me hard , and yelled , ‘ You little brat , what are you looking at ?
“ I covered my face and asked him , Dad , who is that woman ? And guess what ? That mistress , without saying a word , walked over and slapped me too – once , twice … I can still clearly remember , she slapped me six times in total
“ I was not even five years old . Philip just stood there coldly , watching his mistress hit me . Haha … I saw his indifference . Then he grabbed my arm and warned me not to tell Evelyn , or else they’d both keep hitting me .
“ I was really scared at the time , just nodding frantically . Then the mistress left . Philip immediately put on a different face He smiled at me and said that the woman was just a friend . He told me to behave , to keep quiet , and not tell Evelyn anything .
“ Otherwise , he’d divorce Evelyn , and we wouldn’t have a big house to live in and wouldn’t have pretty clothes to wear . I didn’t understand what he was saying . I just saw him smiling while glaring at me and gripping my arm tightly , I cried and said , ‘ 1 won’t tell Mommy
“ That night , Evelyn came home . Half – asleep , I overheard the two of them arguing . Evelyn was hitting Philip , saying that if it weren’t for the two daughters , she would’ve divorced him long ago . She said their marriage was a mistake and wanted to leave it all behind .
“ Philip replied that they couldn’t divorce yet because his parents had a pension fund . If they divorced too soon , the money wouldn’t go to him . Evelyn scolded him , saying that all he ever thought about was money , and that he had no conscience .
“ I watched from outside the door as they argued and even got physical . You were woken up by the noise too . The two of us stood there watching our parents fight . You clung to my arm and cried , Hannah , I’m scared . ”
“ I comforted you , saying . Don’t be afraid , I’m here . I’ll protect you ” And then ….
“ That weekend , Philip’s client invited him to go hiking . Evelyn insisted we go with him . Looking back , I think Evelyn must have already sensed Philip’s infidelity , so she didn’t want to leave him alone . ”
Jennifer paused , her voice trembling a little as she continued , “ I remember it well . You had a fever that day , so you didn’t go hiking . Evelyn sent you to our grandparents ‘ house and took only me along .
“ On the way , she noticed my swollen face and asked why it was red . My face had been swollen all day , and it took her this long to notice as a mother .
“ I wanted to speak , but when I looked at Philip , I saw his warning glare . I shook my head and didn’t dare say a word , Philip pretended to hold me and told Evelyn not to scare me , saying I was timed and easily frightened .
“ The two of them inexplicably started arguing again . Evelyn had a loud voice and spoke bluntly , hurling harsh insults at Philip . Many people were watching us .
“ I tugged at her sleeve and said foolishly , Mommy , Daddy , please don’t fight . But neither of them cared or paid attention to me . Philip even shoved me aside , and I fell . I got up by myself .
“ I was so naive back then . I thought my parents unhappiness was because of me . I thought that if I disappeared , they could be happy . And then , I ..
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