Revenge is best served cold

Chapter 1880

From the moment I came into this world, I sensed I was an error. My mother often stood by the window, eyes scanning the horizon, waiting for my father to come home. He had a routine of leaving early and returning late, and for a spell, they lived like any other couple, seemingly content.

During those days, we were like mice scurrying through a shadowy alley, confined to a house that never welcomed sunlight. It felt like a prison for both my mother and me.

I can still picture the day she took me to the market. She wore a stunning dress my father had given her. Before life took its turns, she was a dancer, and when she moved, it was like watching a butterfly take flight-absolutely mesmerizing. But at the market, whispers and pointing fingers followed us everywhere.

"That's her—the one kept by some man, had a kid without getting married."

"She was a dancer, snagged a rich guy, and quit. Dressed up like that, she's clearly out to catch a man."

As the gossip buzzed around, my mother shielded my ears with her hands. But I was old enough to pick up on the disdain in their eyes, almost as if we were some sort of aberration.

how much for a pound of these veggies?" my mom asked a stern-faced woman at a stall. The woman

the market until she paused by a butcher's stall. The butcher waved her over,

man grabbed her arm. His sudden move startled her, and his wife, who

yelling, "So,

my back? Is

his wife approached. He

"She's the one causing trouble! I just felt bad for her and the kid, wanted to sell them some

you selling them meat, or is she selling herself to you?" his wife retorted,

gave my mom a scornful look and spat, "What's so special about a club dancer? Just another

lover, don't come

and if I see you

women joined in, waving brooms to