Chapter 1 Funeral
On the day of Emily Johnson's funeral, Olivia Smith, as the wife of the eldest grandson, was supposed to join her husband, Michael Johnson, in paying respects.
However, Michael was busy entertaining his first love, making it seem like he was hosting a wedding announcement, completely neglecting Olivia and their daughter, Bianca Johnson.
A lot of people showed up for the funeral.
There were notable figures from both political and business circles, as well as numerous media representatives.
Flashes kept going off, and cameras focused on Olivia and Michael.
"Is that the famous Mrs. Johnson? She looks pretty good standing next to Mr. Johnson, and their son is adorable."
"Mrs. Johnson hardly ever shows up in public. People say she's not presentable, but clearly, that's not true. She's obviously too precious to show off. Look at how they look at each other... they must be really close."
"That's not Mrs. Johnson. The one standing in front of the portrait is."
"What? Then why isn't she standing next to Mr. Johnson?"
"The woman next to Mr. Johnson is Ms. Brown, his first love. She went abroad a few years ago, has a prestigious status, and recently came back after starting her own company."
"People say Mrs. Johnson forced her way into the family by leveraging Mrs. Emily Johnson's favor, ruining the relationship between Mr. Johnson and Ms. Brown. Heartbroken, Ms. Brown married someone else on a whim."
"A homewrecker taking the place of a lover? No wonder she's not welcomed and was driven out..."
Olivia was lost in her grief, but the whispers around her cut deep.
She raised her eyes to meet countless disdainful and mocking glances, her face turning pale as she shifted her gaze to the figure not far away.
Michael stood tall in front of the portrait, dressed in a pure black suit and a black cashmere coat, exuding a cold and distant aura. His handsome face was expressionless, except for a hint of sadness in his beautiful eyes.
However, Sophia Brown's arrival seemed to melt the ice in his deep eyes, adding a touch of warmth!
Michael soon accompanied Sophia and her child to pay respects to Emily's portrait.
Throughout the entire process, Michael didn't glance at Olivia or their daughter, Bianca, even once.
Olivia's heart was filled with bitterness.
Her union with Michael had indeed been orchestrated by Emily.
Years ago, Michael had a car accident, leaving his legs disabled and him in a deep depression.
Emily, worried about her beloved grandson, hired Olivia to treat Michael.
She dedicated herself to helping him, guiding him out of his gloom.
On the night Michael recovered, the Johnson family held a celebration banquet.
He drank too much and kept calling her name while holding her.
She was swept away, filled with joy, and gave herself to him completely.
Later, she became pregnant, and under Emily's request, they got married.
Now, Bianca was three years old, but it was the first time Olivia had heard that he had a first love!
Olivia suddenly felt uncertain. On that drunken night, had he really been calling her name, or was it his first love's name?
While Olivia was lost in thought, Sophia finished her condolences and returned to the guest seats.
Michael finally paid some attention to Olivia, walking up to her. "There are a lot of media people here today. Make sure you take good care of Bianca. I don't want any problems at Grandma's funeral!"
His words were a reminder and a warning.
A moment ago, his gentle eyes had turned cold and indifferent again.
Olivia's heart chilled as she looked at him.
She had many questions but held back.
Emily had been so good to her, and she wanted Emily to have a dignified funeral.
This was not the place for a conversation.
Olivia lowered her eyes, said nothing, and took Bianca to the family lounge.
Michael frowned slightly, displeased that she didn't respond, but he didn't care much. He returned to his spot, standing next to Sophia.
Sophia's eyes were red from crying, looking pitiful.
Michael handed her his handkerchief.
There was an inappropriate sweetness between them.
Everyone's attention was on them, so no one noticed the little boy sneaking out.
He made his way to the lounge...
Olivia was holding Bianca, still immersed in her sorrow.
Suddenly, someone barged in, pushing the door open with a loud bang.
Bianca flinched, clearly frightened.
Olivia instinctively became alert and stood up to look at the door.
Sophia's son, Aiden, swaggered in and stared at Bianca for a few moments.
Then, with a mischievous grin, he said, "Hey, is this your daughter with Daddy Michael? I heard she's got something wrong with her head, is that true?"
Olivia was taken aback, not expecting such words from a three-year-old.
And he called Michael Daddy?
Olivia's heart sank. She quickly shielded Bianca, her eyes cold as she stared at him. "Who taught you to say that?"
Very few people knew about Bianca's autism. How did this child know?
Did Michael tell him?
Aiden, thinking he was right, asked again, "Why doesn't she talk? Is she mute? Or stupid? Or maybe she has a mental illness?"
He fired off a series of questions, then proudly declared, "No wonder Daddy Michael and everyone else don't like her..."
Olivia's face changed dramatically.
Driven by a mother's instinct, she stood up abruptly, her eyes blazing with anger. "You are so ill-mannered! How can a child like you exist?"
Aiden wasn't scared at all, even looking a bit smug. "Am I wrong?"
"You ill-mannered child, get out of here immediately!" Olivia never thought she would be so furious because of a child.
She walked over, grabbed the boy's hand, and tried to drag him out.
She was afraid Bianca would hear his words.
Fortunately, Bianca was focused on the little white flower in her hand and didn't hear the boy.
"I'm not leaving. I want to see how she compares to me. Daddy Michael will only like me, not her."
Aiden continued to shout, making Olivia even angrier. She couldn't help but cover his mouth with her hand.
"Get out!" Olivia grabbed his arm and dragged him out.
Aiden immediately screamed.
The commotion quickly drew attention from the funeral.
Some media rushed over, pointing their cameras into the room.
At that moment, a figure quickly approached, shutting the door to block the media from filming.
It was Michael!
He frowned deeply, looking down at her with displeasure, and angrily scolded, "Olivia, what are you doing? Let go of Aiden immediately!"
Olivia, furious, responded loudly, "He came in here and insulted Bianca. I just wanted him to leave."
Michael cut her off coldly, "What nonsense are you talking about? Aiden just returned to the country and met Bianca for the first time today. How could he maliciously insult Bianca?"
His eyes were full of distrust, not willing to listen to any of her explanations.
"I didn't..." Olivia wanted to argue.
But Michael's cold gaze felt like a bucket of cold water on her.
Her eyes quickly dimmed, and she let go of the annoying child.
Michael would never believe her.
Realizing this, her heart felt like it had fallen into an icy pit. She could only turn and hold Bianca.
The Johnson family members arrived then.
Michael's mother, Amelia Martinez, looked at her with disdain and blamed her, "Olivia, do you have to cause trouble today and ruin Michael's grandmom's funeral? You're so inconsiderate!"
Michael's brother, Chase Johnson, who always disliked Olivia, also mocked her. "Olivia, you're really something. Aiden is Sophia's son. How dare you slander him? I think you're just jealous! Making a scene at Grandma's funeral... If you don't want to stay, you can leave!"
Facing the Johnsons' cold stares, Olivia felt her heart being pierced repeatedly.
Not a single person believed her!
"Take care of Bianca. The family tribute is about to start. Don't cause any more trouble!" Michael's voice was cold and devoid of warmth.
Olivia looked into Michael's eyes, a sarcastic smile appearing on her face. "Does anyone here consider me family? Besides Grandma, has anyone in the Johnson family ever acknowledged me?
Clearly, it was someone else's child insulting Bianca, but you protect him. Do you even care about your daughter?"
Her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Michael, you'll get your comeuppance!"
Unable to stay a moment longer, she picked up Bianca and left the funeral.
Behind her, Michael's face darkened, his eyes filled with anger.
Outside the funeral home, the wind and rain were especially cold.
As the wind whipped through her, Olivia felt like her heart had been pierced.
Holding Bianca, she stood by the roadside, her face drained of color.
She wanted to stay and attend Emily's funeral, to see her off one last time.
But the Johnsons' coldness was terrifying.
Michael's actions trampled on their four-year marriage.
Olivia was deeply disappointed, forced to face a harsh reality.
Back then, Michael hadn't called her name.
It was time for her to wake up!