The Betrayal Misread, The Years Lost

Seeing how calm I was, Samson looked even more annoyed.

He tossed the dirty laundry that they had just changed out of right at me.

"Judy's pregnant, and she can't touch cold water. Wash these for her and make sure you do it by hand."

I took the laundry and bit my lip. "But we have house staff at home."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot if you didn't mention it." Samson waved to the maid standing nearby. "You keep an eye on her. Don't let her slack off."

I knew he wasn't going to let me have it easy, so I quietly carried the clothes away.

When I fought off the kidnappers five years ago, my hand got cut, and it left an ugly scar that I always hid under my sleeve. Even now, that old wound would sting every time it touched any cold liquid.

I gritted my teeth and forced myself through the pain. I couldn't help but think back to when Samson actually loved me.

Back then, he was just a junior employee in a company. We didn't have maids to help us with the chores right now. No matter how tired he was, he would never let me do any of the chores.

After I finished washing the clothes, I came back inside and saw Judy sitting on Samson's lap, plopping some fruit into his mouth. It was obvious that Samson treated Judy differently from all his other women. He never let his lovers stay the night, let alone get pregnant.

Judy looked a lot like me, but her personality was softer, more adorable. Maybe that was exactly what Samson liked about her.

"From now on, Judy will stay in your room. You move to the guest room," Samson ordered.

I didn't argue. I just went quietly back to my room and began to pack my things.

But before I could finish, Judy came bouncing in, spinning happily around the room. "I love it here! You can even see the garden from the window!"

Her gaze landed suddenly on the old doll at my bedside. I froze and instinctively reached out to grab it, but Judy was faster.

"This doll is so cute! Can I have it?"

I reached over, gripping the doll tightly. "Judy, you know my mom made this for me. You can have anything else but not this."

Judy glanced over at Samson, who was standing at the side, and pouted. "But I really want it."

Samson turned toward me, his voice cold. "Helen, give it to her."

"No." I bit my lip and held on, refusing to let go.

Seeing that I wouldn't give in, Samson came over and tried to wrench it away from me. There was a loud rip as I was shoved to the floor, and the doll tore in half. My head hit the corner of the cabinet, a sharp pain shooting through my head as my vision became blurry.

"Oh no, honey! You were too rough! The doll's all ruined now," Judy whined.

Samson gently patted Judy. "It's just a doll. If you want, I'll buy you a hundred. I'll give you anything you want, and all you need is to ask."

Judy laughed, taking his hand and leading him back to the living room to eat more fruit.

I was left alone, staring at the doll that was torn in two, silent tears rolling down my face.

I packed up my things, moved into the cramped guest room, and took out my phone.

"Hello, about the Medical Support Project I applied for… I've made up my mind. I'd like to join."

"That's wonderful! Thank you for your support, Miss Williams. We really are short-staffed right now. The project will last a while, and it's in a remote area. Take your time to say goodbye to your family first. Someone will pick you up in two weeks."