Filed to story: Shattered Vows (Venessa Windsor) Book PDF Free
However, in the end, it was still her fault.
In the eyes of the Pierce family, she was always the one at fault, no matter who was in the wrong.
“You scoundrel… Why are you scolding your sister? If you want to dine, then eat. If not, then get lost.”
Vera, in a fit of anger, swung her walking stick.
Not daring to defy, Gabe sat down at the dining table, visibly annoyed, and began to eat.
As a man, he couldn’t bring himself to be angry with the elderly.
During lunchtime, the atmosphere was icy and awkward.
Harriet remained silent, while occasionally, sobs could be heard from Madison.
Venessa quietly ate her meal, occasionally exchanging a few words with her grandmother.
After finishing their meal, she assisted her grandmother back to her room before returning to her own for some rest.
As night fell, Vera sought her out for a conversation, intending to play the role of a mediator.
“Vena, Gabe has prepared a welcome home ceremony for you at home. After all, they’re your family. You should go. There’s no need to let the relationship become too strained. If you’re not having fun, or if they’re not treating you well, then just come back.”
Venessa didn’t want to dampen her grandmother’s spirits, so she nodded in agreement. “I’ll do as you say, Grandma.”
Pierce Manor and the Pierce residence were located in the same residential area; a mere ten-minute walk away from each other.
Under the guidance of a housekeeper, Venessa arrived at a room in the basement.
Suddenly, all the lights went out.
The pitch-black and sealed space felt like an unseen phantom, tightly clutching onto Venessa’s neck.
Venessa was consumed by overwhelming fear and a sense of suffocation.
She crouched fearfully in the corner, her arms tightly wrapped around herself, unable to stop her body from shivering uncontrollably.
Several minutes had passed before the lights finally flickered back on.
The room was decorated in a festive manner, complete with colorful characters that welcomed her return. In the center of the room, a massive two-tiered cake was displayed on the table.
However, Venessa was in no mood to appreciate anything at that moment, as she was still in a state of shock.
Her eyes were as if peering through fog, unable to discern anything clearly.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Gabe held a party popper in his hand, setting it off in the air. The room was instantly filled with colorful confetti.
“Welcome back, my little princess!”
“Welcome back, Venessa. I love you!”
Gabe and Madison excitedly exclaimed.
Following closely behind, Harriet and Alaric entered as well, accompanied by a few curious housekeepers.
Venessa didn’t respond at all.
At that moment, they finally saw clearly that Venessa was squatting on the ground, holding herself, her face devoid of any expression.
“Why are you acting like this? Ignoring everyone, as if we forced you to come back for the welcome ceremony?”
Alaric sternly reprimanded her with a grave expression.
Venessa remained utterly still.
The orange glow of the lights illuminated her face, making it impossible to discern the pallor that had taken over her features at that moment.
Annoyed, Gabe tossed away the party popper and scolded, “This welcome ceremony was specially arranged by everyone in our family just for you! We all intended to mend our relationship with you. Why do you insist on not appreciating it?”
Harriet hurried over, earnestly advising with deep concern, “Vena, are you upset because of what happened at noon? Can you please let it go? Your dad agreed to let you move back. From now on, you’re still our family’s little princess.”
Venessa remained silent, but her vision gradually returned.
As she observed the small room filled to the brim with people, her inner fear gradually began to dissipate.
She had a severe case of claustrophobia.
To put it accurately, she developed the condition after being imprisoned.
During those three years at District Nine Prison, she was often confined in a sealed space so dark that she couldn’t make out anything. She endured inhuman punishments there.
The dual torment of her physical and mental state instilled in her a fear of the pitch-black darkness and a dread of confined spaces.
She wasn’t intentionally ignoring anyone; she was just feeling unwell.
She was so distraught that she couldn’t even speak, her vision blurred by her discomfort, and even breathing became a struggle…
Meanwhile, Alaric was still scolding her.
“Upset? What gives you the right to be upset? You’ve lived a life of luxury for eighteen years. What more could you possibly want? You’ve only served four years in prison on behalf of Madison. How can you compare four years to eighteen? Aren’t you blowing things out of proportion?
Do you want our entire family to kneel and apologize to you? Don’t forget this. The one who started all this mess was your mother, the housekeeper, who switched you and Madison when you were children!”
The room was filled with the sound of angry reproach.
Harriet hurriedly stepped in.
“Alaric, perhaps you should say less. You have high blood pressure, so it’s best not to get too worked up.”
“This unfilial daughter is the one who made me upset!” Alaric grumbled relentlessly.
“If you truly no longer wish to be part of the Pierce family, then let’s cut all ties. I’ll act as if I never had a daughter like you! Likewise, you need to stop bothering your grandmother. It’s not fair for her to constantly argue with us over your issues, causing our household to be in constant chaos!”
Listening to these harsh reprimands, Venessa endured the discomfort as she tried to explain, “I suffer from claustrophobia, and when the lights were suddenly turned off earlier, I had an episode… I felt really awful.”
Her voice was weak, her entire body was covered in cold sweat, and she had a strong urge to vomit.
