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 and soul

always playing the damsel with her fragile

Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her

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

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

grievance on her face, biting her lips. “Bri, please don’t

She stood up, “I won’t keep

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

fault. I had nowhere to live, so I moved into Spencer’s villa

many properties. Lillian can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you secure him as your

yours

tall, her voice steady,

with anger. “You’re

tolerate even the slightest mistake from her. On the other hand, Lillian, who was always clumsy and had consistently poor

she’s done? And while you’re at it, check how

words left her mouth, Miranda’s hand flew across

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

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

door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and Miranda’s comforting words chasing after

things. “I can’t believe Bri

wasn’t lost on Brielle as she clutched her bag,

car, she licked her dry lips, tasting blood. With a press on the gas, she

away.

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

missing a beat,

the impact, his chiseled