Free Web NovelChapter 430: Chapter 430: An Aunt
Phoenix Golding threw a vicious tantrum. Having vented her anger, she got on her bike and left, probably to fool around with her lover. Vernon Spann clenched his jaw so hard the veins on his forehead throbbed. They looked like they might burst at any moment, a terrifying sight.
"Dad."
Jacqueline Spann called out, but inwardly, she felt a flicker of contempt. ’If only her father could be as tough as Felix Thorne, her life wouldn’t be this hard. He doted on her, yes, but he couldn’t protect her, and he couldn’t earn any money. What good was that kind of love?’
Vernon Spann forced a smile. Seeing Jacqueline’s red, swollen eyes and tear-streaked face, he felt a bitter pang in his heart. He hated his own powerlessness, and he hated Phoenix Golding’s heartless cruelty even more. He was simmering with rage, but there was nothing he could do.
’He still wanted to return to the city. That’s why he’d rather be a pathetic cuckold than offend that bitch.’
"You’ve had to suffer. It’s my fault for being useless," Vernon Spann said, his expression full of self-mockery.
"It’s not your fault, Dad. This is my fate."
Jacqueline’s expression was numb as she started to cook the rice. She had no time for self-pity; if Phoenix Golding suddenly returned and the meal wasn’t ready, she would get another beating.
Vernon Spann felt even more wretched. His daughter had grown distant from him recently; he could feel it. ’She must blame me for being so useless, mustn’t she?’
Jacqueline started the fire, the crimson flames dancing across her face. She stared blankly into the fire for a long time before murmuring to herself, "If only we had relatives in Tristone."
Vernon Spann had been about to go back to his room to lie down, but he stopped at her words and limped over to her. "You’re just like your aunt. She was strong-willed and capable, just like you. Her biggest dream was to marry someone from Tristone."
"I have an aunt? Dad, how come you’ve never mentioned her before?" Jacqueline was stunned. This was the first time she had ever heard Vernon speak of an aunt.
Vernon never spoke about his family, so Jacqueline had always assumed he was an orphan.
"Your aunt and I... we weren’t very close. We didn’t have the same father. Your grandmother remarried and brought me along. Your aunt was born after that. Her name is Bernice, and she’s a lot like you—impetuous and strong-willed."
Vernon recounted the past with a melancholy air. His relationship with his sister had been strained. Bernice had looked down on him, calling him useless and pathetic. And because of his sensitive background, he hadn’t gotten along with his stepfather either. As a result, the two siblings were never very close.
"Where is she now? My aunt?" Jacqueline’s interest was piqued.
Vernon shook his head. "I’m not sure. I haven’t been in touch with family for a long time. She was probably ’sent down’ as well."
"Do you think she might have actually married someone in Tristone?" Jacqueline asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
"Maybe." Vernon gave a noncommittal smile and pushed himself up, one hand on his aching back. He needed to go lie down in his room; sitting for so long had made it hurt.
But an idea had taken root in Jacqueline’s mind, and her eyes suddenly shone. She was like a starving animal backed against a cliff—she wouldn’t pass up even the slightest opportunity.
"Dad, you should get in touch with Grandpa and Grandma. They must be worried sick about you."
"Impossible."
Vernon had never even considered it. ’Back then, his stepfather had wished he were dead. If he died, there’d be one less mouth to feed from the family’s rations. How could they possibly be worried about him?’
"Dad, no matter what, you should write a letter home. I’ll write it for you."
But Jacqueline refused to give up. ’I have a gut feeling,’ she thought, ’this aunt isn’t some ordinary person. What if she really did make it to Tristone!’
"Suit yourself!"
Vernon had no faith it would work. ’If his daughter wanted to write, let her. He wasn’t going to do it, anyway. He had left home after a complete falling-out with his stepfather. He had his pride, too.’
