Chapter 4Gaslit by Everyone in My Life

I looked up blankly, only to catch a glimpse of evasiveness in Erina's eyes.

Jeffrey then stepped in front of Dustin and glared at me. "Get this straight, Sebastian Mercer. You are the homewrecker who ruined their relationship instead of it being the other way around!"

Mom produced a psychiatric evaluation report and apologized to the reporters. She said, "I'm so sorry. My son is suffering from a mental illness, and he's been pestering Erina for ages, even drugging her and trying to sleep with her, causing a lot of trouble for Dustin. I'm here to apologize on his behalf."

I stared at Mom in complete disbelief. My emotions were so intense that my hands and feet went completely numb.

"Mom? Have you lost your mind? He is the one who—"

At that moment, Erina returned with a group of people in white lab coats. They took the psychiatric report from Mom, and before I could even defend myself, they stuck a needle into my neck and injected a sedative into my bloodstream.

As my vision faded, the last thing I saw was Erina and Dustin interlacing their fingers before leaning closer to each other without even sparing me a single glance.

…

They took my phone away and locked me up in a room that was smaller than 100 square feet for a whole month. I struggled and fought back, even nearly breaking my leg trying to escape, but I failed each time.

Just as I was on the verge of losing my grip on reality, Erina finally appeared before me. She even brought me my favorite scones and gently smoothed down my disheveled hair.

"You've had a rough time lately. We were just afraid that you would run out and hurt Dustin.

"We only got that marriage certificate so the baby wouldn't be labelled an illegitimate child the moment she was born. Once you're in a better state of mind, I'll divorce him right away.

"You just have to admit that you were the homewrecker and grovel at Dustin's feet for his forgiveness, and we'll let you out."

I dropped to my knees and begged without a moment's hesitation, "I'm sorry. I'm the homewrecker. I won't bother the two of you ever again.

"Will that do?"

Erina's face darkened. Her lips trembled as she clenched her fists tightly by her side. But ultimately, she sighed and brought me back home.

I packed my bags as quickly as I could, intent on leaving them. But just as I stepped out of the bedroom, a group of people barged in.

Dustin looked frantic as he dropped to his knees before me, begging, "Please, Sebastian, I'm begging you! Just give the baby back to me!

"I was so busy preparing for Ruby's month-old celebration, but she vanished the moment you showed up at home! You should have just taken it out on me if you hated me! Why did you have to go and touch my baby? She's innocent!"

Erina came up right behind them and slapped me hard across the face.

"Ruby's only one month old! Have you lost your mind? How could you even go after a baby?"

My breath caught in my throat, but I forced myself to speak. "I didn't do it. I never even saw her! I've been a father myself. How could I possibly—"

"Erina! I don't want to live anymore if the baby's gone!" Dustin suddenly cut in, making it look as though he was about to jump out of the second-floor window, but Mom and Dad hurriedly held him back.

"What's the point of wasting time talking to that jerk? Apprehend him now!" Jeffrey yelled as he stepped into the room with a pair of pliers in his hand. Then, he grabbed my hand and singled out my fingers.

"No! I really didn't do it!" I screeched, shaking my head in terror and looking at Erina pleadingly.

However, she simply turned her face away, unable to bear the sight, and signaled for them to proceed.

They knew that these hands that were used to perform surgeries were my weak spot, and I treasured them both above all else. They knew exactly how to force the truth out of me, but how was I supposed to confess to something that I hadn't done?

"You're the one who forced me to do this, Sebastian!"

Jeffrey clamped the pliers on my fingertips and pulled hard, nearly wrenching my fingernail right off. An excruciating pain pierced through my hands, making my face contort in sheer pain and horror.

I was in too much agony to even scream. Involuntary tears gushed to my eyes and fell down my cheeks.

Just as Jeffrey was about to yank the fingernail off the second finger, the police called and said, "Hello, your baby has been found. Kindly come to the police station immediately."

Erina's face was delighted. She shoved me to the ground and followed the entire crowd out of the door.

I crashed heavily onto the floor and threw up a mouthful of blood. I then dragged myself to the door, only to find it locked tight.

My stomach began to churn with violent, wrenching cramps as I stared blankly at the blood that had dripped down my chin and puddled on the floor. Then, I reached for the penknife on the nightstand, pulled out the sharp blade, and pressed it hard against my wrist.

Suddenly, the door was kicked wide open, and a familiar figure burst in.

The person was silhouetted against the light. It was a woman. She pulled me into her embrace, her voice trembling uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry, Sebs… I came too late…"