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.

Brielle, too, given her heart and soul to

the damsel with her fragile

suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled

she burdened her family by bringing Lillian back. So, no matter what she did, she wanted to be the best. However, her achievements couldn’t compare to Lillian’s sweet words. In

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

such resentment in her heart, she wore a look of grievance on her face,

no desire to watch the performance. She

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Lillian close, “Bri, what’s gotten into you

I moved into Spencer’s villa

properties. Lillian can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you

yours

steady,

chest heaved with anger.

wouldn’t tolerate even the slightest mistake from her. On the other hand, Lillian, who was

Lillian what she’s done? And while you’re at it, check how many times she’s slept with Spencer in that

moment the words left her mouth, Miranda’s

see it coming. She touched her swiftly swelling cheek in disbelief, 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 leave Spencer to her. After all, you wanted to

roared, unable to believe the daughter who

Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and Miranda’s comforting

can’t believe Bri

Brielle as she clutched

car, she licked her dry lips, tasting blood.

away.

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

a beat, Brielle

his chiseled jawline swelling.