Psychopath Billionaire | BBANGSAZ

xxxvii

One night, after putting Daehan to bed, I was lying in my room reading a romance novel. It was funny how I was reading romance when my life sucked.

Minji was, as usual, in her study, and I didn't want to bother her for obvious reasons.

Normally, a couple would grow closer after the birth of their first child, but in our case, it was different. It simply went from bad to worse.

Minji treated me more like Daehan's nanny than his mother; as if I hadn't given birth to him. I didn't mind as long as I could give Daehan all the love he deserved.

Over the past few years, Minji never raised her hand against Daehan, and that was one of the reasons I was still living in this house.

Sometimes I contemplated packing up and leaving with Daehan, but then I realized Minji would chase me and something worse might happen. Maybe Minji would separate me from my baby. Maybe she would kill me.

I knew the outcomes would be bad and wanted to avoid them at all costs. Many times, the idea of suicide crossed my mind, but when I looked at Daehan, I wondered how he would survive alone with a psychotic mother.

I dreamed of the man Minji killed a few years ago, waking up to Minji's ex-wife screaming for help, but all I could do was sit and endure it all.

As if that wasn't enough, I discovered that Jihyo was Minji's biological mother. It was funny how she told me I was a lowlife for how poor I used to be when her mother was her father's mistress, and she was born out of wedlock, also coming from a poor family.

Jihyo visited the mansion from time to time, but I avoided her at all costs. I wondered if Minji had sent her away to stop interfering in our marriage.

I was about to fall asleep when I heard a knock on the bedroom door. I looked up to find Daehan standing in the doorway, clutching his stuffed bunny to his chest. "Can I come in, Mommy?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Come here," I said.

Daehan jumped onto the bed and slid under the covers. His round brown eyes looked up at me. He was like a mini Minji in appearance, but I hoped that's where the similarities ended.

"Mommy?" Daehan said.

I snapped out of my thoughts. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Why do people get married?" he asked.

I was surprised by this question. He hadn't asked why the sky was blue or if Superman really existed; instead, he was asking about marriage.

I had to tread carefully. "People get married when they love each other."

"But you don't love Mom."

I froze. I never thought Daehan would say this. I pulled him closer as tears began to fall. God, I was so pathetic. "I'm so sorry, Daehan."

I was sorry because I couldn't love his mother.

"It's okay. I don't love Mom either," Daehan said.

"Why do you say that, baby?"

"Because she makes you cry." I said nothing as he continued. "That day after school, when I went to Minguk's house. I saw Minguk's mom and dad smiling. Minguk's dad doesn't hit his mom. He was kissing her. I don't see Mom kissing you like that."

I shook my head. "She does. Sometimes."

I couldn't believe I was having this conversation with my almost four-year-old son. His birthday was in two days.

To change the subject, I asked, "What do you want for your birthday?"

Daehan moved closer, and he smelled of baby soap. I loved that smell. "Chocolate cake."

"Well, you're going to have one of the best cakes for your birthday... you know that. Mommy will make sure of it."

"No. I want you to make one. Minguk's mom does it too."

I kissed the top of his head, smiling. "Okay. I'll bake you one."

"I love you, Mommy." My heart swelled with happiness.

Daehan was the only one in this world who truly loved me. "I love you more, sweetheart."

* * *
third person pov

The day of the birthday party

The decorations were being set up, maids and butlers bustling around the mansion to make this birthday party a success.

Hanni wore a beautiful white dress that hugged her figure. Her dark hair was curly and styled to give it a natural look.

She stood on her high heels but felt smaller compared to Minji's height. Minji wore a semi-formal button-up shirt, and her hair was perfectly styled as always.

To people, they looked like the perfect family.

A billionaire woman, a beautiful wife, and their only spoiled child.

Nothing out of place.

If only they could see the scars covering Hanni's body, and the thick makeup she used to hide the ugly belt mark on her arms from the night before.

What she would give to trade places with the women who shot her envious looks.

As the party was about to start, a certain person parked their car in the crowded street.

An extremely attractive woman in her thirties stepped out of the Jaguar and walked toward the mansion.

She glanced around and smiled.

She hadn't come for the party; she had returned to take what was hers.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Do you have an invitation?" The butler asked, looking at his iPad.

The woman looked at him incredulously, running a hand through her hair. "I don't need an invitation."

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I need to know your name. I can't let you in if you're not invited."

When she told him her name and showed an ID, the man apologized and let her through.

She straightened her dress.

It was time to come back.