That familiar threatening voice rang in Maya’s ears. “If you tell others about this, your Mommy will be in jail, suffering for the rest of her life.”
Evan persuaded, “Maya, you can tell Daddy.”
Fidgeting her chubby fingers, Maya glanced at Evan as tears welled up in her eyes.
“Maya, don’t be afraid. Tell Daddy.” Evan continued asking Maya questions and saw the pensive look in her eyes.
Suddenly, she cried out, “Mommy, I’m sorry… I’m really sorry…”
What will happen to Mommy if Daddy knows? Will Mommy be in jail forever?
Evan, the doctor, and the other three kids looked at Maya without saying a word.
In fact, they were surprised at how Maya reacted. Why would Maya feel sorry for Mommy? What does this have to do with Nicole?
Suddenly, Susan barged into the room.
“Evan, how’s Maya?” She looked very upset when Evan turned to look at her.
She continued, “I’m so sorry, Evan. I didn’t take good care of Maya. After knowing Maya fainted and was sent to the hospital, Leah wanted to leave. I tried to force the reason out of her, but she committed suicide after admitting to abusing Maya as she feared the consequences.”
After hearing her words, Evan fell silent.
She died?
Evan narrowed his eyes.
Working as a maid in Hillside Villa for a few years, Leah had always been dutiful. But why would she abuse Maya?
Susan looked at Maya with her face etched with pain. “Maya, don’t worry. Leah’s dead, so she can’t hurt you anymore. It’s my fault for not noticing your sufferings. I will call your Mommy and tell her to come back for you. Is that okay?”
When Maya heard her Mommy would take care of her, she nodded fervently.
As long as I can be together with Mommy, I don’t care if I got beaten.
Susan said, “Maya, don’t be sad. I’ll take good care of you from now on.”
And Maya nodded like a fool.
Hearing that, Nina stomped her foot in anger. “Leah must be crazy. Why would she torture Maya for no reason? If she was still alive, I’d beat her up!”
Susan chimed in and added fuel to the fire. “Yeah. Leah has a mental illness, and she’s been taking her meds in secret. I’ve heard that she likes to abuse children when she was young. Thank goodness she’s gone now, so good riddance to her.”
Evan frowned. Hmm… I never knew that Leah was ill…
Kyle stared at Susan. Something seemed amiss, but he couldn’t put a finger to it.
Right then, Juan asked, “Maya, why didn’t you tell us? If you did, we’ll help you.”
However, Maya couldn’t tell them the truth, so she stayed silent.
Susan hurriedly interrupted. “That’s enough. Maya must be terrified, so we should let her rest. Maya, do you want to stay in the hospital or return home?”
“Hospital. I want to stay at the hospital.” Maya answered without hesitation, as she didn’t want to be tortured by Susan again.
Susan suggested, “Alright. I’ll stay here with you.”
Upon hearing her words, Maya had a look of fear. Evan rejected her suggestion and said, “It’s okay. I’ll stay here to take care of Maya. Meanwhile, please bring the kids back home.”
Yet Susan insisted, “Evan, why don’t we take care of Maya together?”
“There’s no need to. I said that earlier, so don’t make me repeat myself.”
After that, Susan didn’t say anything and left the hospital with the other three kids.
On their way home, Nina’s heart ached as she thought of the bruises on Maya’s body. Leah had paid the price with her life, so there wasn’t a need to pursue this matter any further. However, Nina still couldn’t figure out the reason that Leah had abused Maya.
Then, she asked, “Leah has a mental illness, but why does she only abuse Maya and not me? Maya is chubby, and I’m quite skinny. Isn’t it logical for her to target me instead?”
Juan analyzed the matter and said, “Maybe she thinks Maya is an easy target.”
Kyle, who was staying silent the entire time, looked at Susan suddenly. “Ms. Susan, what do you think? Do you think Maya is a pushover, so she got abused?”
Hearing his question, Susan’s heart stopped a beat. The way Kyle looked at her resembled Evan. Both their gazes were cold and stern.
