Mom Abandoned Me to Save Herself Chapter 10

Mom Abandoned Me to Save Herself Chapter 10 My Only Reward

One year passed.

With long-term psychological treatment and my family’s meticulous, tender care, the nightly nightmares finally ceased to haunt me.

I even grew bold enough to whisper a quiet “thank you” whenever the butler handed me something.

One afternoon while Marcel was practicing his violin, a string snapped abruptly, letting out a shrill sound.

I flinched instinctively, yet I no longer crumpled into utter breakdown like before.

He paused, watching me with obvious tension.

I shook my head at him, signaling that I was alright.

I could now sit peacefully on the same couch as my brother, listening to the melodies he played just for me.

I still spoke very little, yet my family had slowly grown accustomed to my silence.

My birthday arrived.

To make up for the childhood I had lost, Silas booked an entire amusement park exclusively for me.

Carousels, Ferris wheels, roller coasters.

The blaring music and cheering crowds overwhelmed my senses.

Everyone stayed by my side, desperate to coax even a faint smile from me.

Silas even tried his luck at the shooting game, winning a teddy bear nearly my height.

He held it out to me, but I stepped back on instinct.

Its black glass eyes and hollow grin filled me with unease.

The oversized toy was awkwardly placed on a nearby bench.

Marcel also attempted to soothe me.

“Sweetie, the carousel isn’t scary at all. I’ll ride with you.”

Seeing me shake my head, he murmured to their father.

“Dad, she probably dislikes such loud, grand attractions.”

Faced with those towering, bustling rides, all I felt was fear.

I did not utter a single word that day, nor did I try any ride.

That night, Silas sat beside my bed, wearing a rare look of dejection.

He knelt down, meeting my eyes on equal ground for the very first time.

He asked what kind of reward I wished for.

He promised he would grant me anything I desired.

The word “reward” left me momentarily dazed.

I remained silent for a very long time.

I walked toward the window and pressed my palm against the frosty glass.

I raised my hand and pointed toward the street outside.

Not far away, a young schoolgirl clung coquettishly to her parents’ hands.

She stumbled and fell, and her father lifted her at once, gently brushing the dust from her knees.

I watched the scene for a long moment.

I turned back to face Silas.

My voice was raspy from barely speaking for the past year, but I clearly uttered one word.

“School.”

Silas froze in shock.

Mom and Marcel were equally stunned.

I witnessed pure astonishment, confusion, and blank disbelief on their faces.

They had prepared mountains of jewelry, an unlimited black card, and company shares for me.

They had sought to shower me with the most luxurious treasures in the world.

Yet they never expected that all I craved was an ordinary, humble life.

Tears spilled down Mom’s cheeks instantly.

These tears held no agony or remorse.

They were a tangled mix of heartache and quiet relief.

She stepped forward and knelt beside me, cautiously stretching out her hand.

For the first time, she successfully took hold of my hand.

I didn’t pull away.

The story concludes on a bright, sunlit morning.

Silas and Mom walked me to the elementary school gates together.

I carried a brand-new schoolbag and wore a neat uniform.

I paused at the entrance and glanced back at them.

Their eyes were red-rimmed, yet they both struggled to smile at me.

Mom hesitated, wanting to fix my collar yet afraid of startling me.

I gave her an almost imperceptible nod.

She quickly tidied my clothes before pulling her hands away.

I turned forward again.

With steps still faintly timid yet unwaveringly resolute, I walked toward the group of laughing children bathed in sunlight.

A little girl with twin braids spotted me and waved curiously.

I didn’t wave back, yet I no longer shied away from her gaze.

It was the very first “reward” I had ever chosen for myself.