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 to

the damsel with

Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was

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

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

grievance on her face, biting her lips. “Bri, please don’t be angry, I’ll

She stood up, “I won’t keep you for

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

it’s my fault. I had nowhere to live, so I moved into

can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you secure him

yours

steady, “then maybe

chest heaved with anger. “You’re

On the other

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

mouth, Miranda’s

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

unable to believe the daughter who had always been so compliant

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

believe Bri would fabricate such lies to slander you,” Miranda

lost on Brielle as she clutched her

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

away.

at her apartment building, she saw Spencer’s Porsche, him leaning against it, smoking. His greeting was anything but warm. “Lillian’s missing, Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because I forced her.

beat, Brielle

the impact, his