The second year after I was kicked out of the house, Gerard Sheppard finally remembered me.

But it was just because his first love's daughter, Lisette Darell, had severe anemia and needed a blood transfusion. Thus, Gerard texted me and asked me to sign a blood donation agreement.

[Kathryn, I'll give you three minutes. Come to the hospital and donate your blood. Otherwise, don't expect me to forgive you.]

Without getting any response, Gerard called me over and over again.

Not long after, Ellie Sheppard impatiently answered the phone.

She said to Gerard in a cold tone, "How many times do I have to tell you? My mom is already dead."

Gerard, on the other end of the phone, was furious.

"How could you two be so disgusting? Stop being some drama queens, will you?

"Tell Kathryn, don't think she can fool me with these little tricks. She won't make it. She can be nothing but Lisette's blood bank!"

——

"Mr. Sheppard, no one has come out," one of Gerard's bodyguards said.

Less than half an hour later, Gerard came to my house with two rows of bodyguards and surrounded this place. Ellie was in the house.

Gerard nodded at the bodyguard. Then, he tried to let me or Ellie open the door. But no matter how hard he tried, the door remained tightly closed.

His eyes turned icy cold. He then gave his bodyguard a glance, and the bodyguard smashed the window.

"Kathryn, my patience is limited. Get out while I still have some!"

Gerard rushed into the house, only to find Ellie alone in the living room.

Everything in the house was in order. Ellie sniffed, raised her hand that was covered in rashes, stretched her neck, and looked indifferently at everything around her.

After a long while, she tilted her head and glanced at Gerard with a distant and dissatisfied look.

"My mom is already dead. What are you doing here?" she said lightly.

Ellie's words stunned Gerard. But then, he suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

Gerard raised an eyebrow, strode forward, and pointed at the daisies on the dining table.

He snapped at Ellie, "You liar! Besides Kathryn, who else would have the leisure to put such ugly flowers here? Don't tell me you did it! You're allergic to pollen.

"She's such a selfish woman. She even made up such a lame lie to avoid donating blood. It's disgusting."

With that, Gerard waved his hand and commanded his bodyguards to rush into the bedroom.

"Find her! Turn everything upside down if needed. Whoever finds her will be rewarded with 1 million dollars."

The bodyguards rushed into every room and even didn't spare the flower pots. In just a moment, the house was in a mess.

When Gerard gave the order, Ellie immediately rushed over and protected the daisies in her arms. She pursed her lips, clenched her teeth, and looked like a frightened little cat. She stared at Gerard, panting heavily and shaking her head in disbelief. Tears streamed down her face.

"She's already dead. Please don't treat her like this. If you want to blame someone, blame me. It's all my fault. But I can explain. At that time, it was Lisette who..."

The bodyguards didn't find anyone else in the house.

One of them said something to Gerard, and Gerard's face instantly turned more sullen. He then rushed up and grabbed Ellie's arm, speaking harshly.

"Enough! Ellie Sheppard, do you think I will listen to your sophistry?

"Two years ago, she was jealous and indulged your mistakes. Haven't you learned your lesson yet? Now, you're still covering up for her and can't see her true face. I'm so disappointed in you!

"I knew it. You're her daughter. Someone like her can't raise any good girl. I shouldn't have held any hope for you."

Disgust filled Gerard's eyes, and he didn't want to look at Ellie anymore. He threw the blood donation agreement in his hand on her.

"Tell her. I'll give her three days. Let her sign the agreement, and be Lisette's blood bank, making amends for her sins. She may hide for a while, but she can't hide forever. No matter where she hides, I will find her out. At that time, don't blame me for being merciless.

"Ellie, this is also the last chance for you to make up for your mistakes. If you continue to be stubborn, I will completely remove you from the Sheppard family. The Sheppard family doesn't need ignorant descendants like you!"

Looking at Gerard's disgusted eyes and Ellie's trembling body in the corner, I felt so much pain in my heart. I wanted to hold Ellie in my arms, but my hand passed through her shoulders.

I shouted at Gerard's back like a madwoman with a hoarse voice.

"You bastard, Gerard! I didn't hide! Come back! Apologize to Ellie!

"You coward! Come after me if you're still a man! Come after me!

"Ellie is also your daughter! How could you treat her like that? How could you?"

Ellie's eyes were dim and devoid of any light. She carefully put the daisies back in place with trembling hands, but she accidentally knocked her backpack down, causing a medical record to float out.

She repeatedly touched the scar on her wrist and slowly pointed to her chest, her eyes hollowly staring into the distance. Then, she forced a bitter smile.

She murmured, "Mom, I got sicker after you left. I don't understand why Dad has such animosity towards you. He only believes that woman. I wanted to explain to him for you, but he just didn't listen. I'm so useless.

"I feel like my heart is filled with water, and I'm struggling to breathe. I'm so tired. I really want to go after you."

Looking at Ellie and hearing her murmur, I felt so heartbroken. I was so anxious that I stomped my feet and screamed, but I couldn't make any sound.

I could only watch helplessly as my girl hugged her knees in despair.

I shouted in my heart, What should I do? Who can save my girl?

No! Baby, you have to live well. Please! I beg you! Stay alive!

Two years ago, when Ellie and Lisette were playing hide-and-seek, Lisette accidentally got locked in the trunk of my car and fell into a deep coma. In a fit of anger, Gerard kicked me out of the Sheppard family, accusing me of being too jealous and scolding Ellie for locking Lisette in the car. He said that I was not qualified to be Mrs. Sheppard.

Everyone condemned me as a jealous woman, accusing me of being malicious towards a child, except for Ellie, who cried and felt guilty.

She cried, "It's not Mom's fault. It was me. I insisted on playing with her. It's all because of me that Mom and Dad are now on bad terms. It's all my fault."

The year I was kicked out, no matter how I comforted Ellie, she just couldn't forgive herself.

Snapping back from my memory, I looked at Ellie. She was stunned for a while. Then, she took out a small bottle, poured out a few pills, and swallowed them all in one gulp.

Three days passed, and Gerard found Ellie in the hospital.

On the table, there are daisies in a mineral water bottle.

Ellie leaned on the bed silently with a pale face, looking exhausted and helpless. Ellie's teacher, Nathalie Petty, sat by the bed, lovingly pinned Ellie's hair behind her ears, and held her hand softly, whispering something.

When Nathalie saw Gerard, she, who had always been kind to people, showed anger. She held Ellie's examination report and snapped at Gerard.

"Are you Ellie's father? Your child has been depressed for so long and even had thoughts of suicide. Don't you even care about your own child?"

Gerard reached out and took away the report in Nathalie's hand. Without even looking at it, he tore it to pieces and threw it directly at Ellie's face.

Then, he sneered at Ellie, his words full of sarcasm.

"That's new. You and your mom even have money to hire actors to accompany you in acting?

"Your mom is really heartless. She pushed you out to perform this one-man show. Now, you still act like a fool and cover up for her. I really feel sorry for you."

Nathalie looked at Gerard in shock and said, "How could you hurt a child like this? Ms. Angelou just passed away, and Ellie hasn't recovered yet. How could you treat Ellie like this?"

Hearing this, Gerard glanced at Nathalie, took out a wad of money from his pocket, and threw it in front of Nathalie, asking the bodyguard to throw her out.

He snorted, "Enough! Don't let me see you again. Take the money and get lost."

After Nathalie was forced out, the ward fell into silence.

Ellie's hair was messy, her thin body was wrapped in a large hospital gown, and she sat there blankly.

Gerard impatiently adjusted his tie and stared at the daisies on the table, gritting his teeth.

"I've warned you. My patience is limited. As long as you tell me where she is, you're still my daughter, still a part of the Sheppard family!

"Wake up. Don't let that malicious bitch brainwash you."

When Gerard mentioned me, Ellie's thin body started to tremble violently, and tears dropped down her face.

She pointed to Lisette, who was wearing a princess dress next to Gerard, and shouted in a hoarse voice, "Shut up!

"Don't slander my mom like that! She wasn't a malicious bitch! She was the best mom in the world!

"It's you who should wake up. How many times do I have to tell you? My mom is already dead. Why can't you believe us even just once? You don't believe in Mom and me. You only believe in that annoying Lisette!"

When Gerard saw Ellie pointing her finger at Lisette, a trace of disgust flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward, hid Lisette behind him, and slapped Ellie in the face.

"Ellie, you're going too far. Why do you have to cross the lines over and over again?

"You still won't tell the truth now, huh? Your mom just left not long ago, right? It was she who taught you to say such things, right? She's really despicable."

Lisette, who was on the side, immediately patted Gerard's back to help him calm down.

"Gerard, calm down. Ellie, don't make your dad angry. You don't know how worried he is about you. He is also doing it for your own good. You should be more considerate."

Then, she slightly pulled the corner of Gerard's clothes and started sobbing softly.

"Gerard, although I've been trying, I still can't let Mrs. Sheppard like me. Never mind. Let's not force her. I'm fine. It's because of my sudden appearance that Mrs. Sheppard is unhappy. It's not her fault. I'm just not likable."

Seeing Lisette crying, Gerard hurriedly wiped her tears and comforted her softly.

"It's not your fault, my child. I didn't handle it well, which caused you to be bullied. I'm sorry. I feel guilty towards your mom.

"Good girl, don't cry. Your tears make me heartbroken. I know all the grievances you've suffered over the years. I won't let them bully you. You will always be my good girl. Don't worry. Whether or not to be a blood donor is not up to Kathryn alone."

Lisette's eyes turned red from holding back tears. She blinked innocently and changed the subject in a soft voice.

"Rh-negative blood is too precious. I can understand Mrs. Sheppard. Even if there is blood, it should be saved for Ellie just in case. How could it be used to save me?

"With your words, I'm content enough. You treat me so well, and I'm not afraid of death now. I just want to spend the rest of my days with you."

When I heard this, my heart skipped a beat.

I fell to the ground uncontrollably, clasping my hands together and hoping that Gerard still had a conscience.

But after I heard what Gerard said, my hope shattered.

I covered my mouth and looked up at Ellie, who was also shocked, tears falling down.

Gerard held Lisette tightly in his arms as if he owed her a great deal.

"Lisette, it's my fault. Your mom asked me to take good care of you, so I will."

After saying that, Gerard coldly ordered the bodyguards while looking triumphantly at Ellie.

"Go check if there are any blood bags that Kathryn left in the hospital. If there are, give them to Lisette first. If not, take Ellie's blood.

"Kathryn, I don't care where you are hiding. If you don't show up, I will draw your daughter's blood. I'd like to see if you can be heartless towards your own daughter."

I didn't expect that I could still feel pain after I was dead.

Heartbroken, I pounced on Gerard to beat him, wanting to ask him why he used me to hurt Ellie.

Why treat Ellie like this? Ellie was also his own daughter.

Ellie was also crying, and she could also feel pain.

Ellie, on the bed, remained silent, but her eyes towards Gerard showed a hint of coldness for the first time.

A year ago, I had a car accident on the way to send Ellie to school. At that time, I had a feeling that my time was running out, so I mustered the last bit of strength to call Gerard and beg him to bring Ellie back to the Sheppard family. Ellie needed him now.

It took more than a dozen calls to get through.

But what did Gerard say?

He said, "Wasn't it you who took her and ran away from home? Now you want to play tricks and fight for favor again?

"Kathryn, I don't care about you two at all. Whether you live or die has nothing to do with me. It's best if you die outside! Listen, don't call me. Lisette has injured her leg and has been sent to the hospital. Don't waste my time. If something happens to Lisette, I won't spare you."

Ellie cried and knelt, knocking her head against the ground. Her fair forehead was soon covered in blood.

"Dad, please come and see Mom. I beg you. This is her last wish."

But Gerard directly hung up the phone.

I never saw Gerard's figure even after I died.

When my body was sent to the crematorium, Ellie remained silent and didn't shed a tear throughout the whole process.

But I knew she was holding it all in her heart.

In the dead of night, when Ellie went back home with her exhausted body, she, who used to be afraid of the dark, didn't turn on a single light. She told herself to stay strong during the day, but at night, she hugged herself and shed tears alone. She first sobbed and then cried out in sorrow.

"Mr. Sheppard, the hospital doesn't have Mrs. Sheppard's blood in storage, but the doctor said Miss Sheppard is still young and can't..." the bodyguard didn't finish his words.

But Gerard understood what it meant. He sneered, coldly looking at Ellie.

"Just take her blood. Losing some blood won't kill her. Lisette can't wait any longer."

After saying that, Gerard reached out and touched Lisette's head with a gentle smile.

I was so anxious that I paced back and forth on the side. Ellie had been taking antidepressant drugs for a long time. Her blood wouldn't meet the standard. Drawing her blood would only make her weaker.

But Ellie didn't say a word. She stared vacantly, allowing them to pierce the thick needle into her skin.

At the moment when Gerard got the blood test report, he became furious.

He questioned Ellie, "What did you add to your blood? Sure enough, you're as selfish and malicious as your mother. I shouldn't have had any expectations of you. The Sheppard family doesn't need descendants like you. From today on, you're expelled. I'll no longer bear any expenses for you, including your tuition fees."

My heart suddenly skipped a beat, and my soul trembled violently. I knelt and prayed.

"Don't treat Ellie like this. She's our only daughter!

"She'll also feel sad and upset. Please don't be so cruel to her."

After hearing Gerard's words, Ellie was stunned for a moment. She silently picked up her school bag, hugged the bottle of daisies, and finally had a smile on her pale face.

She said, "In your eyes, my mom and I are nothing.

"Congratulations, Mr. Sheppard. From now on, Lisette is your only daughter."

Gerard seemed to have heard a big joke. He lowered his head and clenched his fists.

Then, he snorted with a sneer, "Do you think you can leave like this? Search her! I'd like to see what drugs she has hidden."

As soon as Gerard's voice fell, six bodyguards rushed up and pinned Ellie down, searching her pockets and snatching her backpack.

The daisies in Ellie's hand fell to the ground, and the things in her backpack were also dumped out one by one, making clattering sounds. There were books, a small knife, various drug bottles, and a black and white memorial photo. Then, a brand new cremation certificate fell straight at Gerard's feet.

"What is this?"

Gerard squinted his eyes and stared at Ellie for a few seconds before frowning and opening the cremation certificate.

Then, he saw the name of the deceased: Kathryn Angelou.