C2 Everything Was Just What She Thought

Outside a luxurious mansion, the guard rudely shoved Lin Ci to the ground. This was her fifth visit since being released from prison.

The first time she came, after explaining her reason, the guard mocked her, "The lady of the house? With your looks? Don't make me laugh. If you're going to lose your mind, do it somewhere else. This isn't the place for it! Besides, our mansion already has a lady of the house! She's the noble Miss Lin, and someone like you isn't even fit to hold her shoes!"

After enduring five years of hardship and labor in prison, Lin Ci's once flawless, delicate hands were now covered in calluses. Being pushed to the ground didn't even hurt anymore.

As Lin Ci got up to leave, she overheard the guards talking.

"That crazy woman is back again?"

"Yeah, she keeps insisting she's the lady of the house. It's hilarious."

"Hey, you know, I've heard the current lady isn't actually the young master's birth mother. His real mom was sent to prison to take the fall for Miss Lin."

"Really? That's pretty sad for her."

"There's more. Apparently, Miss Lin can't have children, so Mr. Bai had the young master with the previous lady of the house."

Lin Ci clenched her fists, her eyes filled with intense hatred. Five years ago, she might have held onto hope, but during her time in prison, Bai Chongyuan never visited her once. That was enough to make her see the truth.

She never expected that from start to finish, it was all a setup by Bai Chongyuan and Lin Ya! Lin Ci had never done anything to hinder them, yet they used her completely. If she ever had the chance, she would make sure to settle this score with them.

After walking for what seemed like ages, she found herself on a bustling street. Laughter and joy surrounded her, but she felt only coldness, her heart filled with despair and resentment.

"Mom, this is the gift Dad and I picked out for you. Do you like it?" Suddenly, a child's innocent voice broke through.

Lin Ci glanced over to see a happy family of three. She looked on with envy and nostalgia, her heart aching as she recalled her current situation. Just as she was about to turn away, she froze upon seeing the faces of the two adults.

"Really? Well, thank you, Linlin." Lin Ya smiled, kissing the boy on the forehead.

The boy cuddled into Lin Ya's arms, acting playfully. "As long as Mom likes it, Linlin is happy. Linlin loves Mom the most."

Watching this scene felt like a dagger to Lin Ci's heart. If there was anything she still held hope for after her release, it was this child.

This child, now over eight years old, still had traces of the boy she remembered from five years ago. But beyond that, she couldn't find anything familiar.

From birth, she had raised him by her side. His personality was so much like his father's—cold, distant, not one to cry or talk much, and certainly not one to act playfully. Even with her, he was indifferent.

She always thought he was just born that way.

But today, the child she nearly gave her life to bring into this world was calling Lin Ya "Mom" and even cozying up to her.

Lin Ci thought she had already endured enough pain, but reality showed her the true meaning of despair once again.

As that little family of three seemed ready to leave, Lin Ci instinctively rushed forward.

That was her child, and she was determined to get him back!

“Watch out for the car!”

In the end, all she heard was someone shouting those words. She felt herself hit the car's hood, then tumble to the ground. Pain shot through her body, her mind blurred, and soon she lost consciousness.