Spoiled by Eight Uncles

Winona’s eyes brimmed with tears as she saw little Hannah running toward her. She had visited Crawford Mansion today in hopes of seeing Hannah, but the Crawfords had left on a camping trip. Winona recalled a time back when Lilly had yet to appear in the Crawfords’ lives, where she would be hard pressed to find any of the Crawfords together, and now they’re going camping together! If they had been this close last time, perhaps Liam and her would not have grown apart. They would have been closer than ever today.

“Mommy!” Hannah’s sweet voice interrupted Winona’s thoughts.

She smiled at the sight of her daughter and extended her arm toward her. “My sweet darling!” she called out. Hannah excitedly ran into her mother’s embrace, having been attached to Winona since she was a baby. Tears began to well in Winona’s eyes once more as she hugged her daughter tight. It had been two days since they last saw each other. Did Hannah miss her as much as she missed her daughter? she wondered.

“Have you been eating well these two days, Hannah? Sleeping well?” Winona asked.

Hannah thought for a moment before shaking her tiny head. “Grandpa and Grandma says I can only eat during lunch and dinner time. After that, there’s no more food.”

“Not even when you’re hungry?” Winona asked in disbelief.

Hannah shook her head again. She had learnt that hard way that there would be no food for her if she threw a tantrum, so she always ate her meals on time nowadays.

“How could she do that to you? You’re still a growing child!” Winona’s heart ached for her daughter. “It’s normal not to feel hungry during mealtimes. They shouldn’t starve you! Hannah, let’s leave this place. We’ll go back to Grandma’s house.” Winona was both hurt and angry. She was only gone for two days, and they were already mistreating Hannah.

However, Hannah turned to look at the Crawford Mansion behind her before looking at her mother again. “Mommy, I don’t want to leave. I want to stay here and play,” she told Winona.

Winona’s face scrunched up in disbelief. She could not understand why Hannah would want to stay with these people who gave her a hard time at home. She sighed and pulled a sad face. “Hannah, you don’t want Mommy anymore?” She tried to guilt-trip her daughter.

As expected, Hannah shook her head vehemently. “I do!!”

go then. Mommy will take you to the playground!” Winona coaxed her

pouted and refused to budge. “I don’t want to!” Hannah just wanted

come back here again soon, but we have to go now,” Winona tried to persuade her daughter again. She

want to go!” Hannah cried. “I don’t

trouble?” Liam’s cold eyes stared at the woman who refused to sign the divorce papers or show up at court. As a result, he could only file for a litigious divorce which would require at least three

head-on. “What trouble? I can’t even see my own child now?” she challenged as she held

to free her hand from her mother’s grasp. “I don’t want to play with Mommy! I want to play

little Hannah toward the lake. Play with Lilly? That kid would only be a bad influence on Hannah! It has only been two days and now her

and broke us apart. If it was not for her, you’d be the only princess in the Crawford family, just like your Aunt Jean. Everyone loved her and got her everything she wanted!” Winona lectured her daughter. “And your Grandmother, that child abuser! Forget about her when you grow up. You must remember Mommy’s the only person who loves you and

sobbed pitifully, scared and shocked by everything that was happening around her. At this moment, a strong, masculine hand reached out to grab her other hand

as if she was about to split into half as her parents fought over her. She let out a

of her! Hannah is in pain!” Winona yelled, but she pulled Hannah toward her even more desperately. Liam let go

came over and surrounded Winona and Hannah. Hugh Crawford pushed Bettany in a wheelchair. All of

standing there?”

Winona held on to Hannah even tighter. “You’ve already taken everything from me. What else do

in his arm throbbed as Liam tried to control his

are

listened to the call, but his stony eyes were

he clipped before ending the call. Winona, who had overheard the brief conversation, had

now,” Liam

her, they gave her no other way out.