Fiona, who had rushed over upon hearing the noise, had a cold expression. She said with a displeasure tone.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Zion? It's just a stupid bracelet. Why are you yelling at a child over it?"
I sat paralyzed on the ground, numbly looking at the aloof woman before me.
To her, it was probably just a worthless bracelet, but to me, it was all I had left.
Ten years ago, an earthquake levelled my hometown. My mother shielded me with her body, taking a concrete slab through her chest just to keep me alive.
From then on, I had no mother.
It wasn't until I was fifteen that Cynthia found me and sponsored my schooling, allowing me to feel a sliver of warmth from a family again.
Fiona must've realized she'd gone too far. She pushed Weston out of the room and shut the door behind him.
Then she knelt beside me, helping me to the bed. She wiped away my tears and said softly.
"I've always thought you were a sensible person and shouldn't lose your temper with a child. Today was your fault. Remember to find time to apologize to Weston."
Then her fingers moved to unbutton my shirt. Her voice was low.
"It's your birthday. I can keep you company tonight. Think of it as a reward for all you've done for this family."
My breath caught. I grabbed Fiona's hand, saying calmly.
"Fiona, let's get a divorce."
Fiona frowned.
"Weston is throwing a tantrum and now you are too? Can't you be a little more understanding? He'll naturally become well-behaved as he grows up."
"I'm already exhausted from work every day. Can you please stop adding to my troubles? I don't have the energy to coddle you."
I wanted to tell her that I didn't need coddling, but in Fiona's eyes, that would be pushing my luck. She instantly lost her lust, then slammed the door and left.
"I still have work to do. You can sleep alone tonight."
I can't remember how many times Fiona has left me. It seems that in Fiona's eyes, I am a toy that can be summoned and dismissed at will.
But after tomorrow, this toy of hers won't exist anymore.
That night, I sat at the table, carefully piecing the emerald bracelet fragments back together. Unfortunately, emeralds are hard to mend. I worked all night, only managing to hold it together precariously with super glue.
When I finally looked out the window, the sky was already bright. Cynthia had sent me a message, asking me to come to the Sages' residence.