Turning Back to Emptiness

Chapter 6

Staring at the tightly shut door, Hailey had no choice but to hide her disappointment.

Reluctantly, she tucked away the documents and drove to James's home.

When she learned of James's release, she suggested celebrating with a family dinner.

But upon arrival, she found the door smeared with blood-red paint, the word "p*****t" daubed across it, and the entrance piled high with trash from countless strangers.

Hailey balled her fists, swallowing her rage as she pushed open the battered wooden door.

After waiting endlessly, James finally returned from grocery shopping, his injuries immediately obvious.

"Who did this?"

"It's nothing serious. They just don't know the truth…"

James ushered her to sit before ducking into the kitchen.

Listening to the kitchen sounds through the wall, Hailey lowered her head, shoulders trembling as tears streamed down her face.

For as long as she could remember, Kevin had been by her side, making her believe James had abandoned her.

Only later did she learn he had suffered a work accident that left his leg permanently disabled.

Worried he'd hold his daughter back, James had reached out to his late wife's relatives.

Hailey knew James had tried sneaking gifts past Kevin, though all were intercepted.

She knew he didn't earn much but still sent money regularly, even if it was trivial to Kevin.

Having never been able to repay James, she now refused to abandon him.

When the last dish arrived, the beaten man, face swollen, still smiled at his daughter. "Time to eat, Hailey."

His voice brought her back to childhood—a time not as wealthy as the present, but filled with simple happiness.

Before she could speak, a loud thud came from the door.

Hailey jumped up to find several men smirking in the doorway.

"Well, well. Father and daughter, both here?"

Hailey glared at them, her voice icy. "What do you want?"

The man leered at her with a sleazy grin. "Originally, we were just here to redecorate the molester's place. But now… I've changed my mind."

Hailey frowned. "My father is not a molester! Keep your filthy mouth shut!"

But the next moment, the men yanked James aside. The leader shoved her onto the ground. "If you're so quick to defend a molester, you shouldn't care if I have my way with you, huh?"

His hands began roaming over her. Hailey struggled desperately but was no match for his strength.

"Don't touch Hailey! Hailey—" James tried to help but was swiftly dragged back.

Trapped on the ground, Hailey watched as James was pinned down, each blow accompanied by a muttered curse of "molester."

The man on top of her slipped his hand under her clothes. Hailey went rigid, frozen for a moment.