Master of his heart

Chapter 7

Brielle and Lillian indeed grew up in the same orphanage and were as close as sisters.

They celebrated life’s little victories and consoled each other’s defeats as if they were blood. On Brielle’s seventh birthday, a two-year younger Lillian had saved up enough to buy a $13 cake. It was the cheapest of the cheap, the kind of cake where you could still taste the bitterness of economy in the frosting And when Lillian brought it out, clumsy as she was, it tumbled to the ground, a heap of broken dreams.

They sat there, tears mingling with laughter, making a pinky promise-when they had the means, they would feast on the finest cakes and cherish every birthday like a treasure.

So, when the Haywoods found Brielle on her tenth birthday, she didn’t hesitate to bring Lillian along, pleading with the Haywoods to enroll them both in school.

In different classes but never apart, the girls were inseparable. But the corrupting allure of wealth can change a person. Those who once fretted over every meal suddenly found themselves in opulence, and their hearts hardened.

“Miranda, Lillian’s cheeks flushed with guilt, her eyes brimming with tears.

Brielle thought of the used condoms in the car, and the deliberately left lipstick, “Mom, since you like her so much, why don’t you adopt her as your daughter?”

It was a retort made in anger. Yet, a flicker of serious consideration passed through Miranda’s eyes.

Brielle felt a sting of humiliation, sharp as a thorn. She’d forgotten that in this house, Lillian was the golden child. Even the house staff couldn’t stop singing her praises.

given her heart

playing the damsel with

her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled with the taste of

wanted to be the best. However, her achievements couldn’t compare to Lillian’s sweet words.

The villa had been a gift from Spencer-what right did Brielle

wore a look of grievance on her face, biting her lips. “Bri, please don’t be

watch the performance. She

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looking on, held Lillian close, “Bri, what’s gotten

live, so I

one. It is no big deal. If you secure him as your husband, all his assets

yours

steady, “then maybe Lillian should just

anger. “You’re becoming

of obedience, the Haywoods wouldn’t tolerate even the slightest mistake from her. On the other hand, Lillian, who was always clumsy and had consistently poor grades, was seen by them as naturally innocent and in need

And while you’re at it, check how many times

moment the words left her mouth, Miranda’s

pain making her bend slightly to cope. A bitter laugh escaped her as she grabbed her bag, “When Lillian moved out at eighteen, you

Miranda roared, unable to believe the daughter who had always been so compliant could

already at the door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and Miranda’s comforting words

believe Lillian capable of such things. “I can’t believe Bri would fabricate such lies to slander

irony wasn’t lost on Brielle as she clutched her

her car, she licked her dry lips, tasting blood. With

away.

Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because I forced her. If you’ve

a beat, Brielle

head turned with the impact, his chiseled jawline swelling. The slap