Chapter 4
Because love was beyond her control.
But hate was a choice.
The memories cut deep, leaving her raw. Even now, the mere thought made her shudder.
She walked toward them step by step.
Layla, as if startled, let go of Daniel and put on a pitiful act. "Ms. Johnson, I'm sorry... I didn't know you were back... I shouldn't be disturbing you..."
As she spoke, she grabbed Mia's hand and tried to guide it toward her own face for a slap.
The gesture was weak, almost childish.
Mia smiled.
The next moment, her hand shot out, landing a stinging slap on Layla's cheek.
"That one is for your murder years ago!"
A second slap followed immediately.
"This one is for your shamelessness, seducing my husband!"
She raised her hand for a third blow. "And this one is for..."
But before it could connect, Daniel seized her wrist. He swung backhanded, striking Mia across the face and sending her sprawling to the floor.
Mia lay on the ground, ears ringing, a sharp pain shooting through her jaw.
Daniel stood over her, his expression frigid. "That," he said coldly, "is for your lack of respect."
Mia looked up, meeting his icy stare, and let out a low, bitter laugh.
No matter how many times it happened, he would always choose to protect Layla unconditionally.
Throughout their three-year marriage, he had never once taken her side.
She was long accustomed to it.
The atmosphere froze. Hearing the commotion, Matthew ran downstairs and planted himself in front of Mia, glaring defiantly at Daniel. "You bad man! Don't you dare hit my mommy!"
Daniel's face darkened, his voice frigid. "Your mother was the one who hit someone first."
Matthew's voice, though young, was firm and clear.
"Mommy never hits people. If she did, that person must have deserved it."
Mia's eyes grew warm. Even a three-year-old understood this simple truth, yet he would never grasp it.
Seeing the red mark on Mia's cheek, Matthew clenched his little fists. "Mommy, let's go! Let's find Daddy! He'll make them pay!"
But Daniel gave them no chance.
His expression turned stormy as he glared at Mia. "Is this what you've taught him? No sense of respect.
"He won't even acknowledge me as his father. A child like this will grow up to be nothing but trouble."
Anger flickered in Mia's eyes. "Daniel, from the very beginning, I have never admitted he has anything to do with you."
At her words, Daniel frowned, his voice dropping dangerously.
"Even now, you're still thinking about running off with Matthew?
"The two of you have lived without any discipline for four years. You don't understand the rules here.
"In that case, you can kneel in the hall and learn some."
Bodyguards stepped forward at his signal, forcibly escorting them to the hall.
They pressed down on Matthew and Mia's shoulders, forcing them to their knees.
Daniel declared they would stay there until they admitted their mistake, and Matthew acknowledged him as his father.
Looking around the familiar yet foreign room, Mia laughed weakly.
She had knelt in this hall many times before.
The Smith family had strict rules, especially for the lady of the house.
In the first year of their marriage, when Daniel flew abroad every month to see Layla, Chloe had made Mia kneel here, blaming her for failing to control Daniel.
When Daniel got into a public brawl over Layla and landed in jail, Mia had knelt here again as punishment.
In those days, she had endured endless humiliation in this house.
This time, she refused to endure it any longer.
The hall was dark and damp. Having not eaten, Matthew soon began crying from hunger.
Mia stood up, took some fruit from the table, and gave it to Matthew. "Here, hold you over for now."
He had only taken a few bites when a group of people burst in, led by Layla.
She feigned shock, covering her mouth. "My goodness! Are you actually stealing the food? How bold of you. Someone, teach them some manners.
"They need to learn not everything is theirs for the taking."
Her words carried a pointed meaning.
A servant picked up a wooden ruler, preparing to strike Matthew, but Mia's cold voice stopped them.
"Layla, if you dare lay a hand on Matthew, I will cut yours off."
No sooner had she spoken than Daniel walked in, standing behind Layla.
"Let's see who would dare. Mia, it's been four years, and your temper has certainly grown.
"I am teaching Matthew a lesson today, and no one is going to stop me."
The servant raised the ruler and brought it down.
Mia shielded Matthew, taking the blow squarely on her own back.
Daniel's arm around Layla visibly tightened.
Nestled against him, Layla simpered, "Daniel, no wonder Matthew is so unruly. He acts out because he knows someone will protect him.
"Today he steals the food; tomorrow he could be committing worse. Discipline must start young.
"Too much motherly indulgence ruins a child. You can't let her spoil the Smith heir."
Any softness in Daniel's expression vanished.
His face turned cold, his gaze icy as he stared at them.
"Keep going. Don't stop until he knows who his father is and admits his mistake."
The servant obeyed without holding back.
Mia's clothing was thin. Soon, her back was bleeding, droplets of blood splattering.
She bit her lip hard, refusing to utter a single plea, bracing her tongue against her teeth to keep from biting it.
Matthew, sheltered in her arms, cried inconsolably. He opened his mouth, ready to give in to Daniel's demand.
But Mia covered his mouth. "Remember, never say something you don't believe, no matter what.
"It's just a beating. I can take it."
She looked back at Daniel, a mocking smile twisting her lips. "I couldn't protect my mother back then. But this time, I will protect my son."
Another blow fell from the ruler.
Finally, Mia couldn't hold on any longer and slumped forward, unconscious.
The moment Mia collapsed, a bolt of panic shot through Daniel.
He was afraid that she might leave him for good this time.
For the first time, he lost his composure. He pushed Layla aside and rushed forward, gathering Mia into his arms and carrying her away.