Chapter 4

To Mom and Dad, Rowena had already paid a steep price, and I shouldn't be so petty about it. So, the fact that I had nearly lost my life was just… too bad for me? I lowered my gaze, expressing my displeasure through my actions. Sensing my thoughts, Thaddeus shot me a cold glare—the first time he had ever done so. "Marisol, your mom's getting older, so how can you give her such an attitude? It's been six years. Back then, you were indeed the one who took Rowena's identity and enjoyed more than 20 years of a life that didn't belong to you. You shouldn't blame Lucille. After all, blood is thicker than water. "No matter what, a mother can never let go of her love for her child. Besides, your parents owe her in the first place. "How about this? Didn't we originally prepare a house in the suburbs for Rowena back then? I'll take Lucille and Dan there this weekend. It can be another way of remembering her. If you don't want to go, you don't have to go, okay?" Even though his tone sounded like he was discussing it with me, there was an undertone that brooked no refusal. I looked up and studied the three people in front of me carefully. Thaddeus' expression was cold. Mom and Dad didn't say a word, but the heavy, tense air rolling off them was unmistakable, as if refusing them would make me the villain. "Sure. You guys go ahead. She is your biological daughter, after all. And I was partially at fault for what happened back then as well. Going there is the right thing to do," I answered calmly and meekly. Thaddeus' expression immediately brightened. "I knew my wife was the kindest, gentlest person. Don't worry, I'll make sure to get your meals ready before leaving." Mom wiped her tears with one hand and held me with the other. "You've always been kind-hearted since you were a child, Marisol. On behalf of Rowena, thank you. We, as her parents, are the ones who failed her." Hot tears dripped onto my neck. I trembled and buried my face in Mom's embrace, my whole body going numb. They had failed her, so for the past six years, they kept brainwashing me. At this point, even I had nearly convinced myself that I should understand why Rowena had gone to such extreme measures. In my subconscious, I had started to believe that I owed her, and that was why she had stabbed me with a knife. Yet, it was never my choice to be switched at birth. That wasn't a sin I committed. My biological parents hadn't maliciously swapped the babies either. I had indeed enjoyed over 20 years of a life that hadn't belonged to me. But as long as Rowena wanted it, I could've left the Fairchilds immediately. I had never wanted to fight anyone for anything. So what exactly had I done to deserve them scheming against me like this? A sharp pain twisted in my chest. I retched and rushed into the bathroom. Startled, Thaddeus hurried after me and gently patted my back. "What's wrong? Didn't you just have your checkup today? What did the doctor say? Is it your stomach? If there's a problem, you should get it treated right away. Don't drag it out." His gentle, tender tone made me wonder whether he was worried about me feeling unwell… or if he was afraid that I was pregnant? "Thaddeus… I'm pregnant." Forcing down the turmoil churning inside me, I looped my arms around his neck and said in a playful tone, "You're going to be a dad soon. The doctor said that, given my condition, getting pregnant is a blessing. Are you happy? We're finally going to have a child of our own." Thaddeus' smile froze on his face. He searched my expression, trying to find any sign that I was joking. But there was none. "Mari, don't joke about this. This isn't something to joke about. Didn't the doctor tell us back then that, with your health, you weren't fit for pregnancy?" His voice trembled, and unmistakable panic flickered in his eyes. This was my husband. "I'm not joking. Aren't you happy?" Clinging to the last shred of hope, I waited for his answer. Thaddeus schooled his expression and looked at me, his face serious. "Darling, the doctor already said your health can't handle a pregnancy. Let's terminate it. If something happened to you, what would I do?"