Chapter 9 I woke up with a dry throat in the middle of the night . " Suzy , get me a glass of water , " I muttered , still half asleep . But there was no response . Frustrated , I reached out beside me , only to find empty space . I quickly sat up , overwhelmed by the silence of the room around me . I looked toward the side of the bed where Suzy used to sleep , and a wave of emptiness washed over me . The tightness in my chest felt suffocating , and I couldn't shake the gnawing emptiness inside . I got up, hoping to grab some water , but as I passed Andrew and Marian's room , I overheard them talking . 3 " Honey , do you think Mom will really come back ? I've never seen her act like this before . It's so strange . I'm starting to think she finally had enough and just gave up . And if she does leave , who's going to do all the laundry and cooking ? I'm way too busy with work to handle it myself , " Marian admitted , her voice filled with concern . Andrew's voice softened as he replied to his wife , " Come on , Marian . Mom loves Dad , and she loves us too much to leave . Don't worry . Even if she really left , we could hire a maid . We've got the money for that . " But Marian's voice tightened with concern . " It's not about the money . Don't you remember ? Our son has a sensitive stomach . He can only eat Mom's food . If he eats anything else , he throws up . Even today , after we ate out , he threw up and had diarrhea when we got home . I'm losing sleep over this . I don't even know what to make for him tomorrow . " Andrew , ever calm , tried to reassure her . " Don't worry . Mom's got that recipe book in her room . I'll have someone follow it . Our son will be fine . " I froze in the hallway , overwhelmed by guilt . I recalled the promises I made to Suzy when we first married . I had sworn I wasn't marrying her just to make her a housekeeper , but over the years , that was precisely what happened . She took on all the household responsibilities , and no one seemed to notice or care - not even me . Our family acted as if Suzy were enjoying the house while they went about their daily routines . Then , from Karla's room , I heard the unmistakable sound of glass shattering , followed by her sharp scream . " Dylan , you lied to me ! Didn't you promise me you'd stay away from her ? Why are you still talking to her behind my back ? Why are you even saying goodnight to her ? Have you thought about our daughter ? She's still young ! " Chapter 8 2/2 26.7 % 23:20 Mon , Aug 11 58 % X My heart sank . I rushed upstairs , my mind already racing with dread When I entered the room , I saw Karla in a full - blown rage , throwing anything she could grab . Dylan , on the other hand , wasn't sorry at all . CO Instead , he spoke impatiently , " I told you , she's my There's nothing between us but family . Why do you keep obsessing over her ? Are you really that jealous ? God , Karla , you're just like your mom ! " The words hit me like a slap to the face . Karla screamed , her voice trembling with fury . " Stop pretending ! I know the truth . You and that girl aren't even blood - related ! You almost got together when you were younger . I don't believe you're just close like siblings . You're cheating on me ! " Her words struck me like lightning . Then , she threatened , " If you want this family to stay intact , if you want our daughter to have a family , you need to cut ties with her ! " For the first time , Dylan's usual easygoing vibe completely shifted . He shot back , voice cold and firm , " Isn't your dad with your aunt ? Didn't you all support him and tear your mom apart for it ? Why are you turning on me now ? This isn't fair . I'm not cutting ties with my cousin . She needs me . And I'm not divorcing you just because of her , I love our daughter , too . You never trust me ! " Dylan's voice hardened as he went on , " But stay out of this , Karla . Nothing inappropriate is going on . She's my first love . I can't just ignore her when she's struggling . I just want to help her , alright ? But don't worry , I'm not cheating . "