A Father's Revenge

Chapter 4

On the day of the funeral, Belle was absent, but Elsie was there, busying herself with the details.

But inevitably, she also drew curious glances from the crowd, who whispered about her relationship with me.

Elsie was unable to bear it any longer, so she used a stranger's phone to call Belle.

The call connected, but Belle's voice was colder than I'd ever heard. "Are you people never content? I've told you, I need to take care of Beck. Elsie May, I see right through you, waiting for me to fail. How could I have been so blind to call you a friend?"

Elsie's embarrassment was fleeting, but she hurried to reassure me when the call ended, "It's alright. She didn't mean it."

As Viola was laid to rest, I smoked, struggling to hold back the tears. Once everyone had left, Elsie offered her condolences, "Let's go. We can't linger here; it might disturb Viola's peace."

With those words, Elsie helped me back home, my mind filled with Viola's laughter and her adorable face. She was such a sensible girl.

The more I thought of her pure nature, the more Belle's negligence stoked my resentment.

While tidying Viola's room, I found her diary.

[Mom, I've discovered your secret. When Dad is away, you meet with another man, and it scares me. That man makes scary noises by the window. Mom, I wish you could hold me. Dad, I'm sorry I can't tell you this.]

My heart ached reading her words. I had no idea that Viola had been through so much.

As I flipped through the pages, my hands trembled with each line.

[Mom, I'll fulfill your dreams since you can't. I want to be a daughter you can be proud of.]

[Mom, I had a future full of colors, but who will help you achieve your dreams if I become a surrogate? It hurts. Beck hits me and starves me when I'm disobedient. Mom, please help me.]

My lovely Viola, forever eighteen, was still thinking of her mother in her final moments.

Seeing the cold determination in my eyes, Elsie stopped me as I was about to rush out. "Phil, calm down. I know you're angry, but Viola's gone, and you can't afford more trouble!"

I shook off her hands and left without looking back. Elsie called after me, "Belle is about to marry Lester!"

Hearing this, I paused, turning to her in shock.

I scoffed, "Heh, does she plan to commit bigamy? She can't wait, even though we're still married?"

The more Belle seemed to be near her newfound happiness, the more I was resolved to reveal this vicious woman's misdeeds.

My beloved Viola was gone, and I had nothing left to fear.

Looking at Elsie, tears in her eyes, I had a satisfying plan for revenge taking shape.

After lighting a cigarette, I feigned nonchalance. "Elsie, you've been through a lot lately. Tomorrow, let's have a real talk."

With that, Elsie said no more. After she left, I drove straight to Lester's place.

Belle was the one who opened the door. Surprised to see me, she didn't have a chance to send me away before I stormed in.