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Erina’s POV

My words came out trembling, and fear enveloped me. The tension in the air intensified, and I could feel Dad’s sharp gaze, as if assessing every word I uttered.

Mom reached out, whispering support in silence. The sense of safety she provided slightly alleviated the fear I felt.

At that moment, I knew that this decision was a crucial step for my future and the child I was carrying. Despite the lurking uncertainty, the determination to protect myself and my little one gradually emerged in my heart.

Dad’s face hardened. “Cheating? Did the affair result in a pregnancy?”

I shook my head. “But they were former lovers, Dad. And he cheated with his own father’s wife.”

My words hung in the air, deepening the tension. Dad looked shocked, but the anger in his eyes was still evident.

The atmosphere grew heavier, and I felt my heart racing. In this situation, I hoped to express all my feelings without fear, but the shadows of tension and intimidation made me hesitate.

Mom remained by my side, providing a bit of strength during this difficult moment. I knew that the decision to speak was important, even if the consequences could be severe.

Now Dad narrowed his eyes. “You mean the young wife of Mr. Alexander?”

I then explained, stumbling over my words, the details of Neo’s affair as I had shared with my mom earlier. Every word felt heavy, but I tried to convey all the details that could clarify the situation.

Dad’s expression changed as I explained. From disbelief, a more complex mix of anger, disappointment, and perhaps a hint of pity gradually emerged.

That moment felt long, and I knew that what I heard and said would alter the dynamics of our relationship. Despite my fear, I felt the need to share the truth, hoping to gain support and understanding from my dad.

Dad snorted, glaring at Mom. “Why did you fail so miserably in raising Erina? Look at your daughter; she can't even be a proper wife. A cheating husband must be because of a wife who can't keep her husband’s heart!”

His words felt like knives, cutting deeply into our hearts. Mom looked shocked, her eyes shimmering with tears that were about to fall. I felt angry but also very sad.

A sense of injustice clouded my mind. It was unfair for all the blame to be placed on my mom, especially in such a high-pressure situation.

In an instant, the atmosphere turned darker, and I knew that this conflict would have deeper repercussions on our relationships. The courage to stand up and defend myself felt increasingly difficult, but I knew I had to do it.

“Hey, not all cases are like that. You heard Erina say they were once a couple; it’s possible they cheated because there are still feelings there.”

That statement came out firmly, as if it were a shield to protect Mom from the unfair accusations. My voice trembled slightly, showing how serious this situation was.

Dad fell silent for a moment, seemingly considering my words. However, the tension in the air remained palpable, and I could feel the emotional battle between us.

I hoped that by voicing my perspective, I could pave the way for a better discussion and avoid blaming each other. Deep down, I just wanted to see our family united amidst the storm that was shaking us.

“Nonsense!” Dad retorted quickly. His gaze shifted to my pregnant belly, then he clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Then who’s going to support the child she’s carrying? She can’t even support herself, and now she’s adding a burden to this house.”

Those words struck me hard, leaving me feeling pressured. Pain and confusion mixed in my heart. I knew this situation was difficult, but all the burdens shouldn’t fall on me.

Mom seemed to struggle to hold back tears, standing beside me with a look of full support. I desperately wanted to explain that this wasn’t about adding burdens, but about seeking happiness and protection for myself and my child. Yet Dad’s voice continued to echo, creating a thick wall that was hard to penetrate.

“I will demand support for her and her child. So it seems we need to talk to Mr. Alexander.”

Dad pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture he often made when he was upset or angry. His expression reflected uncertainty, and I could see how difficult it was for him to digest this situation.

My words lingered in the air, bringing both hope and worry. Perhaps this was the necessary step to take, but I knew that talking to Mr. Alexander wouldn’t be easy.

Anxiety enveloped my thoughts. What if that conversation only made matters worse? Yet I also felt that this was an opportunity to improve the situation. In this tense scenario, I hoped to find the best way out for everyone involved.

“Just a nuisance,” he grumbled in frustration. “I thought you would stop causing problems after getting married, but it turns out you are indeed the troublemaker. You always find a way to give me a headache.”

Dad glared at me and Mom, as if searching for someone to blame for this chaos. His words created an ever-widening gap between us, and I felt my heart tremble from the pain and injustice.

While my mother tried to calm the situation, I felt trapped in an endless whirlpool of emotions. On one hand, I wanted to defend myself, but on the other hand, I was afraid of the consequences of it all.

The atmosphere grew more tense, and I knew that the words spoken would leave a deep mark, not only on my heart but also within our family.

I felt incredibly guilty and scared. Every word that was said seemed to add weight to my shoulders. The uncertainty about the future and the responsibilities to come made me restless.

The guilt pressed down on me, as if I were the cause of all these problems. I didn’t want to hurt the people I loved, but this situation was beyond my control. The fear of my father’s reaction and the impact of the decisions that needed to be made only made me feel more trapped.

At that moment, I wished I could find the strength to speak and explain my feelings. However, the fear made me hesitant to take a step forward. All these emotions converged into one, creating a chaos that was difficult to manage.