Grief and Madness: After His Daughter Died

Back home, I saw Emily's favorite toys scattered all over the floor. When Ryan arrived, I was holding a doll about the size of Emily.

I had cried until I had no tears left.

My Emily.

"Violet, it's Grayson who has wronged you. It's the White family that has wronged you," Ryan said angrily, demanding the butler find out where Grayson was.

It didn't matter where Grayson was. My Emily was gone. I looked up, unable to speak a word, bitter and heartbroken.

"I will divorce Grayson. I want to take all of Emily's belongings."

Her daddy didn't love her, but I did. What Grayson didn't want, I treasured.

"Don't talk nonsense. I promised you I would take care of you for life."

Outside, Grayson stumbled through the door, looking around frantically but not finding Emily.

His voice trembled violently as he roared, "Why would you hide something this big from me, Violet? Have you gotten bold? Where is Emily? You must be lying to me. Where did you hide her?"

Grayson walked up to me, but I no longer had the strength to argue with him.

Ryan slapped him, saying, "You bastard! Your daughter is gone. How dare you to be with another woman."

Their shouting was too loud. It disturbed Emily.

Grayson was never a considerate person. He never said he loved me but readily agreed to marry me. I was the one who loved him deeply, and it was my own fault for stubbornly pursuing him despite the pain. But Emily was innocent.

Ryan broke several canes, beating Grayson until his back was bloody and raw.

Finally, he collapsed on the ground. I walked past him barefoot, hearing his weak voice.

"Violet, I'm sorry. You used too many tricks to get me to come home, exhausting my trust in you. I never expected so many people to be watching over Emily and yet..."

I stopped and turned to look at Grayson. He had become so unfamiliar, blaming me for not taking care of Emily.

"Let's get a divorce, Grayson."

"I won't agree to it, Violet. You can forget it." Grayson tried to stand up, but Ryan had beaten him too severely. "You wanted to get married, and now you want a divorce. Why should everything be up to you?"

I gave Grayson a cold and resolute look. Wouldn't our divorce clear the way for Mila?

"Isn't this what you wanted, Grayson?"

"I'll have the lawyer send you the papers. All you need to do is sign them."

Perhaps he didn't expect me to be so determined. Grayson tried to grab me, but he was too badly beaten and fell several times.

"Violet, I'm seriously hurt..."

He said with pitiful tone. Before, he wouldn't even need to say a word. A small scratch would make me worry to death.

I went back to Emily's room and sat on her bed. Soon, Grayson came in, awkwardly trying to explain.

"I know you're very sad about Emily. If you want to cry, just cry. I'll be here with you, Violet," he said.

He sat down beside me, but I didn't want to talk to him anymore.

Shortly after, Grayson's phone rang, and I heard Mila's voice.

"I'll be right there. Wait for me," Grayson said, glancing at me. He hung up and tried to kiss me, but I dodged. He said Mila had fallen, and he needed to go check on her.

He said there was nothing between him and Mila and told me not to overthink it. He said we'd start over when he got back.

"You're disturbing Emily."

...