The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Karen knew Vince very well since they had been married for so many years. Sure enough, he seemed to be hesitating when he saw her crying.

However, before Vince could say anything, Rita said with tears in her eyes, "Dad, I know Sadie is still a child, and her words shouldn't count. But I believe if it weren't for adults teaching her, she wouldn't say such things. I understand things change, and you three are a family now, but my mother used to live here too! Why should I endure the humiliation of being pointed at and called a child without a mother? Dad..."

Rita cried harder and harder. Eventually, her tears seemed somewhat genuine.

Deep down, she felt her soul and body were divided into two halves. Her soul seemed to hover above, watching this scene, thinking it incredibly strange and ironic.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

However, she had no choice but to put up this act in front of her father. Otherwise, her life would only become harder in the future.

Karen's fake crying softened. She hung her head, silently scrutinizing Rita. 'She seems to be diverting the blame onto me. Isn't she implying that Sadie wouldn't have called her a motherless child if it weren't for my teaching?'

Thinking of this, Karen's crying intensified once again.

"Rita, what are you saying? I've never thought about replacing your mother. Since the day I met you, I've been determined to be a good mother to you. I have a daughter too, and I understand how hurt you must feel, but how could you say such things about me? Even if I'm an adult, I can still feel hurt, you know? Consider it as something I owe you. Can you please not fabricate such lies in front of your father in the future? If possible, I hope you won't pursue a career as a reporter either. Do you know what people outside say about me and your father? They say we're heartless for kicking you out of the house!" Karen clasped her chest, tears clouding her eyes as she looked at Vince. "I didn't dare defend myself against those people because I was afraid that speaking up might only lead to me being branded as a wicked stepmother. I had no choice but to endure all the mockery."

Sadie suddenly burst into tears again. She ran to Karen's side and hugged her tightly. Both mother and daughter sobbed uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry, Ritą, it's all my fault. I've

been influenced by all sorts of gossip at school, which led me to be disrespectful toward you. Mom never taught me such things. In fact, she always encouraged me to learn from you and look up to you, and this caused me to hate

Rita,

please stop defaming my mom!"

After crying for a while, Sadie ran up to Vince. "Dad, you're the only dad I have, and I only have one sister. I admit my mistake, and I won't do it again. I'm sorry, Dad. Please don't regret taking us in." Vince's heart had softened halfway by their crying. Unable to bear it any longer, he reached out and patted Sadie's shoulder.

"I was only joking, my dear. You and your mother are fine. Help your mom back to the room to rest. I have other things to discuss with your sister."

Sadie choked back her tears and forced a smile at him before helping Karen back to her room.

Once inside, Karen straightened up. She quickly went to the dressing table, delicately wiping away her tears with tissues before reapplying her makeup.

"Of all things, why did you have to say those hurtful words right in front. of her? Vince must've seen through it. I'm notas young as I was, so can you please not drag me into these tearful scenes next time? Otherwise, I won't be able to maintain my looks!"

The contemptuous Sadie sat on the bed. "How was I supposed to know

Rita has learned to be manipet

as well? Calways thought she

wouldn't shed a tear even if her bones were broken, yet she was able to cry so convincingly in front of me..."