Chapter 7

In the days that followed, Winona lived as though she were invisible in her own home. She witnessed Joseph constantly coming up with ways to humor Queenie, watched him prepare prenatal tonics for her, and even postponed important business matters only to bring a fleeting grin to Queenie's lips. That day, Queenie, seizing the opportune moment of Joseph's absence, swaggered up to Winona, brimming with malicious pride. "It doesn't matter that you're married to Joseph. He has already promised me that this baby in my belly will not only bear his last name but will also be the sole heir of Lowe Group. Your baby, on the other hand, is nothing but a bastard!" Winona was heading downstairs to pour herself a glass of water. She didn't even cast a glance in Queenie's direction when she heard her taunts. Instead, she simply turned sideways to move away. Queenie was absolutely incensed by Winona's indifference. "You're practically a nobody now, Winona! Why are you still acting so high and mighty?" She then suddenly rushed forward and shoved Winona. Winona, taken completely by surprise by Queenie's action, was sent sprawling backward. In the midst of the dizzying sensation, she heard the muffled impact of her head striking the stair banister, and then the world around her faded into complete darkness. … Winona found herself back in the hospital when she regained consciousness. Joseph was standing by her bedside, and his first utterance was a harsh interrogation. "It was bad enough that you injured Queenie's parents, but now you even resolved to push Queenie down the stairs. Did it slip your mind that she's pregnant?" His accusation cut her deeply. Winona suddenly burst out laughing, causing her body to tremble uncontrollably. She then questioned hoarsely, "Do I look like a complete fool to you, Joseph?" "Huh?" Joseph was taken aback. Winona propped herself up, her movements slow and deliberate. "If I intended to hurt her, then why am I the one lying here in the hospital?" Joseph's gaze hardened with profound disappointment as he replied, "It's because after you shoved her, you panicked, and then staged your own fall down the stairs as some kind of elaborate ploy for sympathy! I'm truly baffled by your actions, Winnie! You had already agreed to Queenie moving in with us, so why would you resort to such disgusting, underhanded tactics?" He then turned toward the doorway and added, "I won't be visiting you anymore, Winnie. You'd do well to reflect on yourself." Having said his piece, he turned and left, slamming the hospital ward door closed with a resounding bang. Winona gradually opened her eyes, fixing her gaze on the ceiling as tears silently fell. She then took a deep breath and repeatedly consoled herself that all her suffering would be over soon. … Winona's discharge from the hospital happened to fall on the day her divorce from Joseph was finalized. She went directly to the courthouse to collect her divorce certificate. She then returned home and immediately started packing the rest of her belongings, intending to leave this place behind forever. She was just pulling her suitcase down the stairs when Joseph suddenly returned. Joseph furrowed his brow as he stared at the suitcases. He asked, "What are you doing? Why are you donating your stuff when you've just been discharged from the hospital?"