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 and soul

always playing the damsel with

Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled with the

wanted to be the best. However, her achievements couldn’t compare to Lillian’s sweet words. In

hearing her words, sneered inwardly. The villa had been a gift from Spencer-what right did Brielle have

she wore a look of grievance on her face, biting her

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

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Chapte

close,

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

in one. It is no big deal. If you secure

yours

stood tall, her voice steady, “then maybe Lillian

with anger. “You’re becoming more and more

her heart tear open. All those years of obedience, the Haywoods wouldn’t tolerate even the slightest mistake from her. On the other hand, Lillian, who was always clumsy and had consistently poor grades, was seen by them as naturally innocent and in need of

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

her mouth, Miranda’s hand

out at eighteen, you all were heartbroken. If that’s the case, I might as well make it a double celebration and

who had always been so compliant could be so

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

such things. “I can’t believe Bri would fabricate such lies to slander

lost on Brielle as

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

away.

you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because I forced her. If you’ve got a problem, take it

a beat,

the impact, his chiseled jawline swelling.