Revenge After Death ( Michael Ford ) novel Chapter 361

I remained silent for a long time before uttering a word. "I'm sorry. Believe it or not, I have never thought about hurting Michael..."

I looked up at Lois. "You should be aware of Steven's situation too. He has a history of self-harm and suicidal tendencies when things get tough. I can't and won't leave or divorce him."

I took a deep breath, stared at Lois, and finally expressed what had been weighing on my heart. "And... Do you really believe that an abuser will regret abusing his victim?"

Lois was stunned and frowned at me. "What do you mean?"

"In Stephanie's eyes, Michael is the perpetrator. And you, you were a bystander. You could have intervened, but instead, you chose to play ignorant. You're an accomplice too..." The words escaped my quivering lips.

"You knew what Michael did to Stephanie, isn't it? Michael sexually assaulted Stephanie without her consent. What are your thoughts?"

Lois was instantly overcome with distress. "Don't make assumptions about Stephanie's feelings with such a tone. She loves Mike, and the two of them have a consensual relationship."

I clenched my fists, a smile gracing my face. "Love should never be used to justify any abusive conduct. Stephanie may have loved him. But that does not grant him ownership over her, nor does it entitle him to violate, degrade, and torment her..."

"Stephanie used a pregnancy test stick when she was pregnant. She threw it in the trash because she was scared. Later, she wanted to retrieve the test stick because she was worried about the nanny finding it. However, she discovered that it was gone. Did you take it?" I whispered, my eyes fixed on her.

Lois was momentarily shocked, looking at me in disbelief, as if she couldn't fathom that I was privy to such intricate details. Stephanie couldn't directly tell others this, right? She gave me a suspicious look but stayed quiet.

"Despite knowing that Stephanie was pregnant, you failed to intervene and stop Michael from engaging in harmful behavior. When he behaves like this today, regrets it, or even considers suicide, the responsibility lies with you and cannot be shifted. You should be held accountable for his suicide, not me."

I found it utterly ridiculous. They always sought to escape, running away from the truth.

"Even if Stephanie is still alive, I don't think she will be able to forgive Michael. The damage has already been done. Does Stephanie truly deserve all the harm she has suffered, just because his self-mutilation and self-abuse are meant to compensate for past wrongdoings?"

I rejected it with a quivering voice as I handed the card back. "I apologize, but I'm not Stephanie. I don't think I'm able to help you. Please find another way."

I stood up, planning to leave.

Lois sank into the chair, exhaling deeply. "You had the chance to turn me away at Steven's doorstep. Why did you decide to come here?"