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.

her

playing the damsel with her fragile

days to move out of that villa,” Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled

back. So, no matter what she did, she wanted to be the best.

been a

such resentment in her heart, she wore a look of grievance on her face, biting her lips. “Bri, please

had no desire to watch the performance. She stood up, “I

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

live, so I moved into Spencer’s villa in the suburbs. Bri’s misunderstood,

eyes, “Spencer has so many properties. Lillian can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you secure him as

yours

stood tall, her voice steady,

heaved with anger. “You’re becoming more

mistake from her. On the other hand,

you ask Lillian what she’s done? And while you’re at it, check how many times

mouth, Miranda’s hand

a harsh pain making her bend slightly to cope. A bitter laugh escaped her as she grabbed her bag, “When Lillian moved out at eighteen, you all were heartbroken. If that’s the case, I might as well make it a double celebration and

unable to believe the daughter who had always been so compliant could be so

the door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and

believe Bri would fabricate such

wasn’t lost on Brielle as

tasting blood. With

away.

was anything but warm. “Lillian’s missing, Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because

a beat, Brielle slapped

head turned with the impact, his chiseled jawline