"At first, I might have resented him, but over time, I realized some things have to be done on your own. He just forced me to toughen up sooner than expected."


    I looked out the window at the city lights, each gleaming light holding a story-some joyful, some sorrowful. After all, I was the protagonist of my own story.


    Taking a deep breath, I transformed the bitterness and resentment of my past into motivation for moving forward.


    "You know, sometimes the hardest paths lead to the strongest versions of ourselves. Over the years, I''ve faced many challenges and experienced significant growth. I''ve learned to be independent, resilient, and cherish those who truly care for me." What I had experienced the past few years had gradually shaped me into a better person.


    He nodded gently, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes. "Seeing you like this now fills me with both relief and guilt, but I hope it''s not toote to make amends."


    I smiled softly, warmth flooding my heart. "Thank you. At least now I know the truth and understand where my roots lie. The past cannot be changed, but the future is still in my hands."


    He stood up and walked to the window, standing beside me. "You''re right. The future is what matters most. I''ve lost so much, and since he has treated you so poorly, I can no longer keep the truth hidden."


    It seemed my experiences had given him the courage to reveal the truth he had held back for so long. He sighed heavily before sharing a secret from many years ago.


    It turned out that long ago when my mother first started her career, she gained considerable support thanks to her remarkable skills.


    She managed tond a job, albeit as a young artist, but it was a start toward making a living. However, she soon realized that she wasn''t making enough and was forced to switch careers.


    "It was at this time that she met Jack."


    Perhaps this was the beginning of her tragic fate-my mother encountered a monster.


    "Jack was captivated by her beauty and pursued her relentlessly, making every effort to win her over."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Given his greedy and lecherous nature, that seemed like something he would do.


    "When your mother refused to ept his advances, he resorted to various underhanded tactics."


    "He used some underhanded tactics?" I frowned, a sense of foreboding swelling within me as if we were about to unveil a dark secret long hidden.


    He nodded, a jook ofpassion in


    a took


    his eyes. "Yes, underhanded tactics.


    Jack used his connections and


    resources to create


    misunderstandings and obstacles, leaving your mother isted and helpless."


    Jack had all the power he needed at that time, effortlessly wielding influence and control.


    "She was a woman of great pride, and she slowly began to break down facing such attacks. Then, at her most vulnerable moment, Jack appeared as her ''savior,'' promising


    her a stable life."


    A chill crept up my spine, invading my heart with dread. So the story I had always heard-my mother was insane-was merely a facade hiding the wretched truth. "Did she believe him?" My voice trembled, barely able toprehend what I was hearing.


    "At first, she was half-convinced, but Jack was a cunning predator. He knew how to erode a person''s will gradually. Eventually, she


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