Chapter 2N
The moment those words left my mouth, laughter erupted around me.
Pitying eyes. Mocking smirks. Derision.
And standing proudest among them was Marilyn.N
She cast me a smug glance before feigning innocence. “Anna,” she said sweetly, “I never meant to steal your boyfriend… but I love Brandon so much. You won’t try to break us apart, will you?“N
Brandon tightened his grip on her waist and shot me a warning glare. “She wouldn’t dare.“N
I smiled, cool and indifferent. “Alright,” I said softly.N
His expression faltered. He had expected the same outburst from my past life–tears, accusations, desperation. Not this.
Not calm.
Not this woman who looked at him as if she had never loved him.N
“Good, good!” Judith clapped delightedly. “Then it’s settled. In seven days, everyone is invited to the Parrish family estate to celebrate their wedding!”
Brandon bent down and kissed Marilyn’s blushing cheek. Then he turned and sneered at me.N
“Yes, seven days. Don’t you dare be absent, Anna. Marilyn and I both expect your blessing.“N
I pressed my lips together and said nothing.
He grabbed Marilyn’s hand. “Come on, let’s pick out your ring.”N
He brushed past me roughly, vanishing down the hall.N
Today was supposed to be Judith’s birthday, but I couldn’t bear to stay another second.
Silently, I climbed the stairs and began packing.
After my family’s downfall, I had nowhere to go–until Brandon took me in and gave me the room next to his.
He had once whispered, “Don’t be afraid, Anna. You’ll always have a home with me. I’ll protect you.”
But promises only last when love does.
Just as I began folding clothes, the door slammed open. A boot kicked over my half–packed suitcase.N Susanne–Brandon’s little sister–stood there, arms crossed, her face gleaming with triumph.
“Well, well. The vixen’s finally leaving. I’ve been waiting for this day forever.“N
I had once treated her like a real sister. I had risked my life for her–literally.
When she was kidnapped, I had been the one who bled for her.
Three stab wounds. Almost died.§
And all it took for her hatred to bloom was a man–one who publicly said he liked me, not her.
She became best friends with Marilyn, my rival, and schemed daily to get me kicked out.
I looked up and met her eyes–fury bubbling in mine.
She slapped me. Hard.§
“What are you glaring at?” she hissed. “Still think you’re my sister–in–law? You’re just a cheap, seductive bitch.“}
She raised her hand to strike again–but this time, I caught her wrist.
I rose to my feet, face to face with her. My voice was cold.
“I may not be your sister–in–law anymore… but I am your savior. Did you forget who dragged you out of that hellhole? Or has gratitude become too heavy for the Parrish family to carry?“>
Then I shoved her.”
She stumbled backward, crashing onto the bed. Stunned, she gawked at me, then shrieked:N
“You pushed me?! Even my brother and my mother wouldn’t dare push me! I’m the little princess of this house!”
Seconds later, Judith stormed in–bodyguards in tow.
Susanne burst into fake tears and dove into her mother’s arms. “She hit me, Mommy! She dared to lay a hand on me!“> Judith didn’t speak. Just gave a signal.
The bodyguards grabbed me roughly–twisting my arms behind my back, yanking my hair until I was forced to look up.
10
27.32
8:28 PM
