I'm an Evil Girlfriend

[1]

I never thought I'd find myself with a boyfriend ten years younger, handsome and strong with a good background.

[2]

But I was naturally aloof, finding it hard to maintain long-term relationships.

[3]

I manipulated his family and let them go bankrupt, making him destitute.

[4]

Yet, he still loved me.

[5]

In his eyes, I was both malignant and beautiful.

[6]

Part 1

[7]

If there was a downside to dating someone ten years younger, it should be that I would often be exhausted and had to always stay up late.

[8]

Last night, Bryan White and I got a room and didn't sleep until the small hours. This morning, as the sun rose, he looked at me with his bright, charming eyes and said.

[9]

"I want it again."

[10]

I forced a smile.

[11]

"Aren't you tired?"

[12]

He shook his head.

[13]

"Seeing you energizes me."

[14]

I didn't want to disappoint him, but every bone in my body was crying in exhaustion.

[15]

Seeing Bryan got closer, I couldn't help but cheer up and thought old age beckoned and our strength was really different since there was an age difference of ten years between us.

[16]

Just as Bryan leaned in again, my phone rang, its shrill tone a welcome interruption.

[17]

Grateful to whoever was calling, I gently pushed Bryan away.

[18]

"I have something to do."

[19]

Bryan looked displeased, reluctantly letting go of me, which made me laugh. As I answered the phone, I flicked his nose playfully.

[20]

"I'll make it up to you next time, double."

[21]

His eyes lit up instantly. He was really an easy-to-please young man. Otherwise, someone with his looks and background wouldn't have been ensnared by a 32-year-old woman like me, who worked in the night club.

[22]

Bryan and I met at a karaoke bar. He was just starting his business, and a partner brought him to experience something new. I was the manager, serving drinks to regulars in the private room.

[23]

After a few drinks and some conversation, he couldn't take his eyes off me, and by the end of the night, we got drunk and slept with each other.

[24]

That night, I used every trick to make him reluctant to leave me.

[25]

As dawn approached, he held me close, looking at me with satisfaction.

[26]

"I'm twenty-two, single without any girlfriend."

[27]

I lit a cigarette, smiling coquettishly.

[28]

"I'm thirty-two, not a good person."

[29]

Everyone knew that managers in night club weren't usually good people.

[30]

I was even worse.

[31]

Competitors I had defeated said I was evil, malignant and mean behind my back, but I embraced the title.

[32]

I thought their description suited my character-vengeful and willing to pay any price to revenge.

[33]

Bryan was stunned after hearing me, looking me up and down.

[34]

"I can't even tell you're that much older than me."

[35]

I teasingly breathed out a stream of cigarette smoke in his direction.

[36]

"If you could tell, how would I charm older men into buying drinks?"

[37]

He probably had never encountered a woman like me before, unsure of what to do, so he just closed his eyes and fell asleep in a state of anxiety.

[38]

I gazed at his youthful beauty, smoking as the night turned to dawn.

[39]

That face was familiar to me.

[40]

When it got light, I leaned down to kiss his long, curled eyelashes, feeling his eyes move beneath his lids that he was already awake.

[41]

I smiled, not exposing him, got dressed, and left, slamming the door behind me.

[42]

Two days later, Bryan returned, booking a private room and specifically asking me to serve him. I didn't go, deliberately teasing him, greeting other guests with a coquettish smile, frequently passing by his room.

[43]

Watching my figure, he quickly got jealous as he drank.

[44]

When I thought the time was right, I took a bottle of whiskey and sat beside him.

[45]

He hesitated a few times but finally made up his mind.

[46]

"I can't forget you. I want to be with you."

[47]

I chuckled, took a sip of the drink, and turned his chin towards me, pouring the whiskey into his mouth, which made him stand up, pulling me straight to the hotel, eyes fixed on me with longing.

[48]

"Madeline Wells, be my girlfriend."

[49]

I gazed at him, wrapping my arms around his sweaty back, and nodded gently.

[50]

Since then, we had indulged in sex every night, my body growing increasingly weary, especially today. I was grateful for the morning call that saved me from falling apart.

[51]

The call was from Lilah Flynn, my best wine saleswoman, always popular, but now sobbing. "Miss Wells, he's ignoring me again. This time he's really left me.

[52]

What should I do?"

[53]

I sighed impatiently but couldn't truly ignore her.

[54]

I had told her countless times that I was not a good person and not to trust me, but this silly girl believed in me as if I was her biological sister. I couldn't refuse her.

[55]

Her makeup was ruined from crying.

[56]

I sighed again, "He's over fifty, with a wife and a kid.

[57]

He just wants to sleep with you, and you're in love with him like a fool."

[58]

Lilah sobbed, breathless.

[59]

"But I can't give it up!

[60]

I'm not willing to accept such a result!"

[61]

As if she was complaining, she said angrily, "I listened to you and didn't let him touch me, and now he's completely lost patience.

[62]

What do I do?"

[63]

It was really vexed.

[64]

I met Lilah at the university gate when she was about to graduate.

[65]

I never went to university, always yearning for it, lingering at the campus gate. Seeing her youthful and spirited, I wanted to get to know her.

[66]

She reminded me of my younger self.

[67]

After a few days of acquaintance, she experienced the extravagant and intoxicating nightlife with me and knew how fast it was to make money. She hid it from her family and insisted on regarding me as her sister, wanting to make a quick buck.

[68]

I disagreed but couldn't resist her pestering me, so I eventually nodded. Under my protection, she never encountered anyone with ill intentions without losing her virginity.

[69]

The man making her cry was brought here by one regular customer of me for drinks. I didn't have time to entertain them, so I let Lilah serve him.

[70]

The regular customer teased Lilah and the man along the way. Despite his age, the man was indeed handsome and seemed wealthy, and Lilah fell for him.

[71]

I investigated the man; his son was about Lilah's age.

[72]

I advised her not to fall in love with him, but Lilah didn't listen. I had no choice but to tell her to not lose her virginity and keep tantalizing him, not letting him sleep with her randomly.

[73]

Unfortunately, Lilah was still dumped, crying in front of me.

[74]

Her tears were irresistible to me because we were somewhat alike. I sighed.

[75]

"I'll give you one more chance. Forget that man and don't become the mistress."

[76]

Lilah, spoiled by me, shook her head firmly.

[77]

"No.

[78]

I want to be with him!"

[79]

I closed my eyes.

[80]

It was really hard to persuade someone determined to make a mistake.

[81]

"This is the path you've chosen. Bear the consequences yourself."

[82]

I warned her, word by word.

[83]

She nodded emphatically.

[84]

So, I gave her some advice that men often had a competitive streak. If he found out his former woman was with a better man and living well, he would be tempted to woo her back, even if he didn't love her.

[85]

It was the male instinct.

[86]

I took Lilah to rent a car, an Aston Martin, bought her designer clothes, and lent her my handbag and watch.

[87]

I told her to post on Facebook, visible only to that old man.

[88]

The first post was said, "Thank you, my dear, for treating me so well. When God closes a door, he really does leave a window open for me."

[89]

The pictures of the post included the car, bag, and watch.

[90]

Lilah posted it, looking bewildered, and asked what to do next. I smoked, glancing at her.

[91]

"Wait."

[92]

Lilah worriedly asked.

[93]

"What if he doesn't react?"

[94]

I stubbed out the cigarette, gazing at the cold night outside.

[95]

"He won't."

[96]

Lilah laughed.

[97]

"You talk like you know him."

[98]

I lowered my head, smiling silently.

[99]

Two hours later, Lilah's phone rang.

[100]

The old man sent Lilah a Whatsapp message.

[101]

"What are you doing?"

[102]

Lilah jumped up excitedly, eager to ask me.

[103]

"How should I reply to him?"

[104]

I snatched her phone.

[105]

"Don't reply."

[106]

Lilah fidgeted, watching the phone anxiously. The older man sent two question marks, but I still didn't let her respond until he called.

[107]

Lilah wanted to answer the phone, but I was quicker, hanging it up with a light tap.

[108]

Lilah was both anxious and angry, her lips trembling.

[109]

I looked at her.

[110]

"Have you heard of the art of playing hard to get?"

[111]

Lilah plopped onto the sofa, half sad, half aggrieved, rubbing her face against my arm.

[112]

"Miss Wells, won't he feel embarrassed and ignore me again?"

[113]

I said confidently.

[114]

"He won't."

[115]

Lilah asked.

[116]

"How do you know?"

[117]

I smiled, pinching her cheek.

[118]

"I just know it."

[119]

Lilah trusted me and stopped asking for the phone, leaning against me, pouting. "Miss Wells, you're so good to me.

[120]

What would happen to me without you?"

[121]

My hand brushed against her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin.

[122]

I pulled my hand back as if I got an electric shock.

[123]

My hands and feet were cold, unable to touch anything warm.

[124]

I rubbed my hands together, persuading again.

[125]

"Forget him and find someone unmarried, okay?"

[126]

Lilah still shook her head, and I said no more.

[127]

A few days later, Lilah posted on Facebook again. The picture was in a nightclub's private room, with wine worth tens of thousands in front of her, surrounded by several handsome men. The caption read, "With wealth, there's no man I can't have."

[128]

She wanted to take a photo of me too, but I just smiled and shook my head, hiding in a corner where the camera couldn't reach.

[129]

It wasn't long after she posted on Facebook that Lilah's phone rang again.

[130]

She glanced at me, reluctantly hanging up the call.

[131]

I raised my glass and downed it in one go.

[132]

Lilah quickly refilled it, playfully saying.

[133]

"Miss Wells, meeting you is my good fortune. I'll repay tonight's expenses someday..."

[134]

I drained the glass of wine again in one gulp and blurted out, "Just don't hate me in the future."

[135]

Lilah was taken aback, thinking I was drunk, and didn't take it to heart.

[136]

I took the opportunity to feign drunkenness and excused myself, leaving the nightclub. I called Bryan to meet up at a hotel, threw myself into his arms, tugging at his clothes, but did nothing more than hold him, feeling his warmth against my skin.

[137]

Bryan was stunned.

[138]

He held me tight and asked what was wrong.

[139]

I didn't answer, and after a while, murmured.

[140]

"I'm afraid of the cold."

[141]

Bryan chuckled, patting my back, and whispered in a gentle tone as if he was coaxing a child, "With me around, you'll never feel cold.

[142]

I'm like a walking heater."

[143]

His body was indeed warm, seemingly driving away the chill from my bones.

[144]

I lifted my head to kiss his chin, having sex with him, as if only this could banish the cold from me...

[145]

At dawn, Bryan fell into a deep sleep.

[146]

I lit a cigarette, watching his closed yet beautiful eyes, and after a while, blew out a stream of smoke to obscure them. I got out of bed and left him before the sun could light up the world, returning to my own place.

[147]

Part 2

[148]

In the following days, Lilah accompanied me shopping every day, posting the photos of what we bought on Facebook.

[149]

I went to all the expense of buying expensive things for Lilah, almost as if I were burning my bridge, waiting for that man to take the bait.

[150]

Finally, the man grew impatient. Unable to get through to the phone number of Lilah, he came looking for her.

[151]

I was drinking with some guests when I heard someone was looking for Lilah. I only glanced at his figure before returning to the private room, sending one of my female subordinates to deal with him.

[152]

The girl embellished the story, reporting Lilah's situation to him, "A wealthy man from Cheabia has taken a liking to her, giving her a large sum of money. He's quite the gentleman, very handsome, and supposedly runs a big company.

[153]

Lilah's really lucked out!"

[154]

They said the man's eyes darkened with envy.

[155]

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching his back until he entered the elevator and disappeared from sight.

[156]

I took out my phone and called Lilah, "You can answer his calls now. Remember what I taught you. Whether it works out or not is up to you.

[157]

Just remember, don't let him sleep with you.

[158]

Protect yourself."

[159]

Lilah sounded worried, "But Miss Wells, what if he finds out the truth later..."

[160]

I took a drag on my cigarette, and exhaled the smoke before I replied calmly, "Push him to divorce and marry you as soon as possible. Once you get married with him, at his age, it's unlikely he'll find someone else.

[161]

What will you be afraid of by then?"

[162]

Lilah treated my words like gospel. If I said it would work, she just believed it would. She exclaimed joyfully.

[163]

"Miss Wells, you must have been my biological sister in a past life!"

[164]

I lowered my eyes, saying nothing, just as Bryan came to see me. I quietly hung up the phone.

[165]

When Bryan came, I thought he wanted to make love again, but instead of heading to a hotel, he took me to a restaurant, where musicians played at our table.

[166]

His eyes sparkled with excitement as he pulled out a ring, looking at me with deep affection, "I don't know if I'm a good boyfriend, but if you think I'm okay, put on this ring and formalize our relationship.

[167]

You don't have to work hard in the night club anymore."

[168]

My hand froze.

[169]

This was unexpected; I thought he was just going out with me for fun.

[170]

Bryan, thinking I didn't believe him, held my hand tightly, "Even if I fail in starting a new business, I can still support you.

[171]

My family is well-off, and my parents are good people."

[172]

Hearing this, my head inexplicably ached. I forced a smile and extended my hand for Bryan to put the ring on my finger.

[173]

Bryan was overjoyed, holding me and spinning around several times. The restaurant patrons applauded us, and I smiled, thanking them, though my face was stiff from smiling too long.

[174]

After dinner, Bryan wanted to go with me to see the place I lived, but I declined, claiming I wasn't feeling well.

[175]

I noticed his disappointment but pretended not to know it, returning home alone to sit on the sofa, staring at the ring on my hand.

[176]

In the dark room, only the ring's silver gleam shone.

[177]

My room was perpetually shrouded in blackout curtains that the sunlight couldn't filter in through them at all. The temperature of the air conditioning was set to the lowest, always dark and cold.

[178]

I had no choice; since childhood, I hated sunny weather, despised the sunlight, the white clouds, and blue sky.

[179]

All my mishaps happened in such pleasant weather.

[180]

My father told my mother on a sunny day that he had a mistress and wanted a divorce.

[181]

They got their divorce certificate on another sunny day, and soon after, he married the mistress.

[182]

My mother left him with me and a large sum of alimony, leaving me at home while she went out drinking every day.

[183]

She hated seeing me because I was too similar to my father.

[184]

The money my father gave was enough for us to live on, so she didn't work. She went out drinking in the morning, and by noon, she got drunk and stormed into my school, mistaking me for my father and beating me until I bled.

[185]

Teachers couldn't stop her, and classmates laughed at us.

[186]

All this always happened on sunny days.

[187]

So I hated the sun and loved the darkness.

[188]

I sat in the pitch-black room, staring at the ring's faint silver glow until I fell asleep, nightmares visiting me as they had for over a decade.

[189]

In the dream, a little girl, her face swollen so much her eyes couldn't open, was kicked hard by high heels but stubbornly refused to cry, just staring at the drunken woman who abused her, listening to her vicious curses.

[190]

"Why don't you just die!

[191]

You couldn't even make your father not divorce me. Why did I give birth to you!

[192]

Now, with you as an encumbrance to me, I can never remarry!!!"

[193]

One day, the little girl waited until the drunken woman fell asleep, then ran back to her father, covered in bruises.

[194]

Her father went and filed a suit and the divorce court awarded custody to him again.

[195]

The new mother was beautiful, smiling kindly, spreading her arms to embrace the girl.

[196]

"Poor baby, I'll treat you well from now on."

[197]

Her father watched them hug each other, smiling happily.

[198]

The little girl thought she had escaped from hell, believed happiness was within reach, and felt the sun would finally shine on her...

[199]

Then I woke up.

[200]

I checked my phone; it was four in the morning.

[201]

There was an unread message on Whatsapp from Lilah.

[202]

"Miss Wells, you're amazing!

[203]

He agreed to divorce and be with me!"

[204]

I stared at the message for a long time, wanting to reply, but eventually put the phone down and lay back in the darkness.

[205]

Those with dark intentions could only thrive in the shadows; sunlight was their enemy, and softness was their fatal weakness.

[206]

Part 3

[207]

Bryan had been unhappy lately, saying I was becoming more distant, refusing to take him home, and even meeting him less often.

[208]

I could only smile wryly and apologize, telling him I was busy.

[209]

Recently, Lilah's battle for her man had been intense, and I almost constantly had to give her advice, pulling the indecisive old man to her side.

[210]

I had spent a lot of money, dressing her in luxury designer clothes, which moved Lilah deeply.

[211]

After my makeover, Lilah sparkled with the glow of luxury from head to toe, wearing a designer watch, carrying a designer bag, and driving a sports car. She really looked like a mistress kept by someone.

[212]

The old man treated Lilah better and better, but his wife was a formidable opponent, not easy to defeat.

[213]

I heard the wife was extremely beautiful in her youth and had substantial assets, which captivated the old man.

[214]

I smiled slightly at this and encouraged Lilah, "Don't worry, no matter how skilled she is, I can help you woo this man from her."

[215]

Lilah was moved to tears.

[216]

"Miss Wells, you're such a good person!"

[217]

My fingers trembled slightly.

[218]

And I quickly rubbed them together.

[219]

As autumn set in, my problem with hands and feet turning cold worsened.

[220]

The tug-of-war continued until I made a fake property contract for Lilah, using my apartment as the location, and had her take the old man to visit it.

[221]

Lilah told him as I instructed, "The man from Cheabia bought me this place. He said as long as I behave well, there will be more houses for me in the future.

[222]

Except for marrying me, he won't withhold anything a husband should give his wife."

[223]

Afterward, the man asked Lilah to give him a month. A month later, he promised to see her with a divorce certificate.

[224]

Lilah was so excited she treated me to a big meal.

[225]

"When I have kids, I'll have them call you godmother!"

[226]

I watched her for a long time, so long that she involuntarily touched her face, thinking there was something dirty on it.

[227]

Only then did I nod, "Alright."

[228]

Lilah was a simple-minded girl; she trusted the old man, but I didn't.

[229]

The regular customer, who brought the old man here for a drink for the first time, had a good relationship with me, so I asked him to inquire more about the situation.

[230]

I heard that after the old man went home, he insisted on getting a divorce and had several fights with his wife.

[231]

That regular customer gave me a thumbs-up, "Madeline, your girl is really something.

[232]

Now his wife is left with nothing and is threatening to commit suicide every day."

[233]

I raised my glass to clink with his, "Jeremy, you are something too.

[234]

You must have skimmed off a lot from that family, right?"

[235]

He and I exchanged a knowing smile, like two cunning foxes.

[236]

Jeremy Sanderson was a professional con artist, often bringing big shots he had chosen here.

[237]

He couldn't be bothered to cheat ordinary people; he specifically targeted at wealthy but naive nouveau riche and cheated them into investing. Many had been swindled into his traps, and after a few transactions, their money was lost, all legally. Meanwhile, Jeremy's wealth continued to grow.

[238]

The old man was targeted by Jeremy, who had set a trap for the old man for a year, making the man secretly give all his family's money to Jeremy and even mortgage a lot of his assets. Now, the old man couldn't get a penny back.

[239]

Lilah knew nothing, still thinking she had found a wealthy, handsome older man.

[240]

But I knew he was now a pauper, desperate to make a comeback. His wife and son meant nothing compared to the nonexistent fortune Lilah's imaginary sugar daddy promised.

[241]

Lilah fell for a fool with nothing but a pretty face.

[242]

Even the money he lost was his wife's, and he just lived off her by his looks.

[243]

Thinking of the old man's face, I was annoyed. I gulped down my drink and made a final decision, turning to Jeremy.

[244]

"Do me a favor, stir the pot a bit more."

[245]

Jeremy nodded, teasingly eyeing the ring on my hand.

[246]

"So, are you settling down?

[247]

I heard you have taken a fancy to young guys lately?"

[248]

I smiled enigmatically, but suddenly, I found myself missing Bryan.

[249]

Bryan hadn't contacted me for days, seemingly busy with his business.

[250]

I wondered if I should call him; I missed his warm body.

[251]

Before I could take out my phone, as if summoned by my thoughts, a waiter came to tell me Bryan was here, drunk and looking for me.

[252]

I quickly got up to go out, instructing Jeremy not to show up to avoid Bryan getting the wrong idea.

[253]

Jeremy, understanding the situation, gave me an OK gesture and stayed in the private room to drink alone.

[254]

When I entered Bryan's private room, he was drinking heavily. As soon as he saw me, he rushed over to hug me.

[255]

"I miss you very much!"

[256]

His face was pale, his eyes bloodshot, and dark circles under his eyes made him look exhausted.

[257]

I helped him sit down and asked what was wrong, but he didn't say anything. He just kept drinking, getting himself completely drunk, gripping my hand and rambling, "Madeline, you said you'd never betray me!

[258]

You said we'd live together till old and grey, always be happy..."

[259]

I looked at the dark circles under his eyes, stayed silent for a while, then sighed and said, "Maybe you should be more discerning in the future.

[260]

And be careful who you befriend."

[261]

Bryan frowned in confusion, as if he wanted to ask something, but the alcohol took effect, and he fell into a deep sleep.

[262]

I took care of him until dawn, feeling a mix of emotions, and slipped back into my dark apartment before the sun fully rose.

[263]

The next day, Bryan called me, "I'm sorry I made such a scene. last night. You took care of me and wiped my face, right?"

[264]

I replied with a simple "yes".

[265]

And then he said, "I've been dealing with some troubles lately.

[266]

Once I solve them, I'll come see you."

[267]

I agreed, but before Bryan hung up, I wanted to remind him to be cautious with the friends he made. However, his next sentence made my words die on my lips.

[268]

"Once I've handled everything, I'll introduce you to my parents. They're kind people; they'll like you."

[269]

I endured my headache as I hung up the phone and immediately called Jeremy.

[270]

"How's it going?"

[271]

Jeremy chuckled, "This guy really is stupid.

[272]

If it weren't for his looks, I doubt if he could have survived so long."

[273]

Jeremy explained that he used another big project as bait, getting a few people to play along, motivating the old man's greed.

[274]

Now, all he wanted was to get divorced quickly, take the divorce certificate to Lilah for money, and his relationship with his wife had become worse and worse, turning them into enemies.

[275]

I lit a cigarette with a smile.

[276]

"Add fuel to the fire."

[277]

Jeremy, half-joked, half-serious, said.

[278]

"Once this is over, I'll consider the debt of gratitude I owed you repaid."

[279]

"Alright."

[280]

I agreed readily.

[281]

Jeremy's scams hadn't always gone smoothly. Once, he was being hunted by enemies and ran to my place, and because he was a regular customer, I hid him in the storage room, saving his life.

[282]

He was grateful for that.

[283]

Jeremy joked with me again, "As for people like us, the biggest fear is being in the act up to our necks. You and that kid won't work out; you should be with me.

[284]

Only people like us can see the act through to the end."

[285]

I laughed it off.

[286]

"Are you kidding me?"

[287]

Jeremy, being the smart guy he was, laughed and hung up the phone.

[288]

I lowered my head, opened my phone album, and found a photo of Bryan.

[289]

It was the only picture I had taken of him. In it, his eyes shone with affection as he looked at me, love so deep in them that it seemed to overflow.

[290]

I stared at that photo for a long time, until my legs went numb, before getting up to take a shower.

[291]

The only time my body felt warm was when I was in the shower because I scrubbed myself hard for a long time and didn't stop until my skin was red and swollen.

[292]

That night, I had a nightmare again.

[293]

In the dream, it was a sunny day, hurting my eyes even when closed as the sunlight was dazzling.

[294]

Something heavy pressed on me, like a person, pinning me down.

[295]

I heard a familiar female voice speaking.

[296]

"Don't really do that thing to her. If it gets exposed, you'll end up in jail!"

[297]

She continued, "I married her dad to collect money for your business. I have even to watch you fuck her.

[298]

If you don't treat me well in the future, you'll have no conscience!"

[299]

A man's voice came from above, trying to please, "I know you're good to me. I won't touch the private parts of her body.

[300]

I just can't stand that her dad got to sleep with you, so I want to do something her to feel better."

[301]

I shuddered, and the woman's voice grew anxious, "She's moving!

[302]

Hurry up, the drug's wearing off!

[303]

I still have to take her shopping for dresses.

[304]

If we're too late, her dad will get suspicious!"

[305]

It was another sunny day, but I felt like I was falling into cold hell, trapped and unable to wake up.

[306]

Fortunately, Lilah's call woke me up.

[307]

"Miss Wells, something bad happened!"

[308]

Wiping the cold sweat from my forehead, I asked.

[309]

"What happened?"

[310]

Lilah was crying miserably, "Today he asked me out for a meal.

[311]

And then the police came and took him away!

[312]

They said he beat his wife so badly she's in the hospital!"

[313]

I paused, the cold sweat stopped, but I couldn't help but smile.

[314]

"Do you know which hospital?"

[315]

Lilah thought I was going to help her and quickly said.

[316]

"Graceview General Hospital."

[317]

I hung up the phone and laughed, the sound echoing in the empty, pitch-black room, carrying a hint of bitterness.

[318]

Part 4

[319]

Lilah insisted on asking me to inquire about what would happen to that old man.

[320]

I went to investigate it and found out he was currently in custody and would inevitably end up in prison.

[321]

It seemed he was charged with attempted murder.

[322]

I heard he tried to throw his wife out of the window, probably to pretend that she jumped off the building and committed suicide, but she was saved by a tree, narrowly escaping death.

[323]

He was desperate to regain the money he had lost,

[324]

But unfortunately, that money was never his to begin with.

[325]

It didn't even belong to his wife.

[326]

They had stolen it from my father.

[327]

For a few rare days, I slept without any dream. A few days later, I dressed up and appeared at Graceview General Hospital.

[328]

The old man's wife lay in the ward, looking emaciated and weak, with deep scars on her face caused by the branches.

[329]

One scar ran across her eyelid, ruining her once beautiful eyes.

[330]

Despite the bright sunlight annoying me, I couldn't help but smile at her pitiful state.

[331]

Back then, she was beautiful and kind, giving me hope that I could live well. But she repeatedly drugged me, handing me over to her lover.

[332]

What she didn't know was that she drugged me so often that I tolerated the drug well. Eventually, even a sleeping pill couldn't make me fall asleep, and I awoke to endure purgatory she and her lover created.

[333]

Yet, I couldn't tell it to others.

[334]

Even when my father caught them committing adultery and died from the shock, I dared not say a word. I watched as she inherited my father's fortune and her lover was about to become her husband, all while they eyed me with a smug, malicious grin.

[335]

If I told the truth to others, my custody would be granted to my mother, and I'd be sent back.

[336]

My mother, already remarried, didn't want me.

[337]

She claimed my father and I were her misery, and if I dared to ruin her marriage, she'd kill me.

[338]

In this vast world, I had nowhere to go, so I ran away.

[339]

Before leaving, I memorized her lover's name: Jace White.

[340]

As a ten-year-old girl, I must have to endure hardships and face filth when surviving alone.

[341]

The abuse from my stepmother and Jace was the least of it, yet it was what I remember most clearly.

[342]

My vengeful nature kept me alive, and my life was driven by hatred.

[343]

As long as I was alive, I vowed to seek revenge on them.

[344]

And that day finally arrived.

[345]

The man who had molested me was caught by the police, and his accomplice lay on a sickbed.

[346]

Retributive justice finally happened to them.

[347]

I looked at the frail woman on the bed, smiling as I leaned in close to whisper menacingly in her ear.

[348]

"Do you remember Madeline Wells?"

[349]

Her body trembled violently, her teeth chattering audibly.

[350]

The sound pleased me, and I laughed.

[351]

"Did Jace squander all the money my father left?"

[352]

She shook even more.

[353]

I continued, "I heard you'll be in a wheelchair for life.

[354]

Is that true?"

[355]

She let out a hoarse sound, seemingly trying to scream, but too weak to make much noise.

[356]

I patted her face. "Your face is ruined completely.

[357]

Even if that bastard doesn't go to jail, he won't want you now."

[358]

She let out another hoarse cry, and I impatiently slapped her, silencing her. Looking into her terrified eyes, I said, "Remember this: from today, I'll be watching you in the shadows.

[359]

The moment you have a good day, I'll show up to ruin it."

[360]

I straightened up, smiling at her.

[361]

"From now on, I'll make sure you live a living hell every moment as I once endured."

[362]

Her pale lips moved, but she couldn't make any sound, like a fish out of water, helpless and pathetic.

[363]

I winked at her and slowly backed out of the ward.

[364]

Before leaving, I paused and said, "I heard you have a son?

[365]

His name is Bryan White.

[366]

Right?"

[367]

The woman let out a hoarse scream, shaking her head frantically, her eyes pleading, tears streaming down her face.

[368]

I smirked and walked out of the room.

[369]

Outside, Lilah called me again, frantic and begging for help.

[370]

I arranged to meet her at the Floral Town Coffee Bar, set the time, and after calculating her arrival, I dialed a familiar number.

[371]

When the phone was connected, I spoke slowly, "Your daughter works at a nightclub, became a mistress.

[372]

And the man attempted to kill his wife for her.

[373]

If you don't believe me, ask the police."

[374]

The voice on the other end was wary.

[375]

"Who are you?!"

[376]

I replied calmly.

[377]

"I'm the debt of sin you can't escape."

[378]

Then.

[379]

I heard a crisp sound from the phone.

[380]

It seemed that the phone of the person on the other end of the line dropped to the ground.

[381]

I patiently waited for her to pick it up, and then she asked in a panicked and disgusted tone.

[382]

"Are you Madeline?!"

[383]

That disgust in her tone was all too familiar, so familiar it made me sick.

[384]

I sneered, "I suggest you ask the police about it first.

[385]

Then meet your daughter at the Floral Town Coffee Bar."

[386]

She immediately hung it up.

[387]

I lit a cigarette, smoking leisurely as I walked to the cafe.

[388]

Floral Town Coffee Bar had been open for a long time, not far from my mother's house.

[389]

The night my stepmother handed me over to Jace, my father unexpectedly returned from a business trip and caught them committing adultery, storming out in anger.

[390]

I watched Jace enter, sensing imminent danger, and I fled to my mother's house seeking refuge.

[391]

But when I reached Floral Town Coffee Bar, I saw her holding a man's arm, smiling gently and happily. She glanced at me across the street with a fierce glare.

[392]

That glare was so intense that I had no doubt she'd kill me if I approached.

[393]

Yet, I stood there, hoping she'd help me.

[394]

She sent the man inside to buy coffee, then walked over to me, bending down to say harshly, "Madeline, remember this: never come looking for me again!

[395]

Go back to your father!

[396]

What did I do wrong to have such an encumbrance like you?

[397]

Damn it!"

[398]

"My father is dead."

[399]

I said, my lips trembling, clinging to a shred of hope.

[400]

She paused.

[401]

"He's dead, but isn't that little temptress still there?

[402]

Go and fight with her for money! Why turn to me?!

[403]

Get lost! I managed to almost get married, and if you ruin it, I'll kill you, understand?"

[404]

I bit my lip to hold back tears and turned away.

[405]

Behind me, I heard her talking to the man.

[406]

"Who was that girl?"

[407]

"The kid of a previous neighbor."

[408]

She answered calmly.

[409]

I abandoned any thoughts of seeking help or calling the police.

[410]

Because no matter what I did, I'd be sent to this woman in the end.

[411]

I chose to run away.

[412]

Years later, after enduring countless hardships and filthy things, I passed by the Floral Town Coffee Bar again and saw my mother.

[413]

She was with that man, holding the hand of a little girl who was toddling along.

[414]

The girl pointed at the pastries in the window, clamoring to eat them. My mother gently patted her head and went inside to buy her some.

[415]

I stared at her loving smile through the glass, unable to look away.

[416]

Perhaps my gaze was too intense, as the little girl ran up to me and asked.

[417]

"Who are you?"

[418]

Her innocent, trusting eyes stung my heart.

[419]

She must have been well-protected to be so unaware of danger, daring to approach a dangerous venomous man like me.

[420]

I looked at her, tears falling.

[421]

"I'm an orphan."