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 heart

always playing the damsel with

move out of that villa,” Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her

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

a gift from Spencer-what right did Brielle

wore a look of grievance on her face, biting her lips.

watch the performance. She stood up, “I won’t keep you for

1/3

Chapte

close, “Bri,

nowhere to live, so I

can stay in one. It is

yours

voice steady, “then maybe Lillian should just marry

anger.

other hand, Lillian, who was always clumsy and had consistently poor grades, was seen by them as naturally innocent and in

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

moment the words left her mouth, Miranda’s hand flew

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 adopt her as your daughter.

the daughter who had always been so compliant could be

door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies,

can’t believe Bri would fabricate such lies to slander you,” Miranda

lost on Brielle

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

away.

Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because I forced her. If you’ve got a problem, take it out on me, not her. She genuinely cares about you, and treats you

beat, Brielle slapped him

his chiseled jawline