They Sacrificed My Marriage to Save My Brother Chapter 03

They Sacrificed My Marriage to Save My Brother Chapter 03 They Forced Me to Kowtow
Kael shot me a venomous glare.
I turned away, unwilling to meet his gaze.
“Rainer, that bracelet you’re wearing would match Todd’s suit perfectly. Why not give it to him as a welcome-home gift?” Nyx spoke up suddenly.
I instinctively shielded my wrist, my heart twisting sharply.
“Don’t waste your breath on him—just take it. It’s clear now; all these years we’ve raised nothing but a bloodsucking leech.”
Serenah lunged toward me, trying to pry open my clenched hand.
“Let go, you unfilial wretch! If you refuse, I’ll have Kael cast you out of this family!”
I suddenly laughed, yet tears spilled down my cheeks.
All those years I’d shown them nothing but respect. Once I started working, I sent them half my salary every month and kept the family business afloat single-handedly—and to them, I was nothing more than a leech.
Was Todd truly that perfect?
“Mom, this is a love token between Rainer and Nyx. I can’t accept it.”
“Why not? Just look at your brother—does it seem like he has any affection left for him?”
Serenah kept yanking at my wrist, her nails digging into my skin and drawing blood.
Tears streamed down my face, dragging old memories to the surface.
“Rainer, I visited the temple and prayed for this for the two of us. It’s for you. Promise you’ll never take it off. If you do, our vow will never come to pass.”
I’d agreed without hesitation and worn it day and night.
And now Nyx herself was asking me to remove it and hand it over to Todd.
A bitter laugh escaped me. I coughed violently, then loosened my grip.
Serenah pulled with all her might. The cord bit into my skin, leaving a raw, bloody ring.
The next instant, the string snapped, and the beads scattered across the floor.
So too did my nine-year bond with Nyx.
Serenah tumbled backward onto the floor, crying out in pain.
Nyx and Todd hurried to help her to her feet.
“Rainer, that’s going too far! No matter what happened, you have no right to hurt anyone!”
“Yeah, Todd’s right. I never imagined you could be this kind of person.”
Nyx shook her head, staring at me with profound disappointment etched across her face.
Kael stormed over and struck me hard across the cheek.
A sharp ringing filled my ears. Half my face swelled instantly, throbbing with dull, numbing agony.
“Are you suicidal? How dare you lay a hand on your own mother!”
I stared at this whole family in stunned disbelief, barely able to stay upright.
“Kneel down and kowtow three times to your mother, or our family will disown you!” Kael barked the order, while the others fussed over my weeping mother.
I saw no point in defending myself. I dropped straight to my knees.
Heavy thuds echoed through the living room as my forehead struck the floor.
I ground my teeth, repeating silently to myself: I have to swallow this humiliation now. I must finish my PhD. Only then will I have a future.
“Forget it. I never bore this son.”
The disgust in Serenah’s eyes was unmistakable; her words did not sound like empty rage.
“Go back to your room and reflect on your actions. Tomorrow is Todd’s welcome party—don’t cause any more trouble.”
I forced myself to my feet and retreated to my bedroom without uttering a single word.