From Revenge to Romance

The woman destroyed my family, and to get back at her, I deliberately approached her brother.

I moved into his house, tried every trick in the book, yet he remained unmoved, always composed.

Feeling frustrated, I couldn't help but mock him.

But much later, I cried, "I was young and naive back then..."

He spoke slowly, but his eyes were filled with a predatory gleam, "Even young girls must face consequences for their words."

1

To get close to Andrew, I even orchestrated a scene.

At the entrance of a bustling bar with neon lights, I collapsed in front of his car, my neck and arms covered in bruises.

Before the two men cursing behind me could catch up, I pitifully pleaded with the man in the car for help.

"Please, take me home."

The bright headlights shone on me, and I instinctively closed my eyes. The next second, I heard the man's cold voice, "Get in."

I lowered my head, and as my long hair fell to cover my cheeks, I quickly smirked before opening the car door and sitting in the passenger seat.

He turned his head slightly, giving me a brief glance, "Do you want me to call the police?"

"No..."

I hugged my shoulders, curling up on the leather seat, my voice trembling, "I'm afraid they'll come after me once they're out..."

His slender, fair fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, showing a hint of impatience, "Your address, I'll take you home."

My sobbing paused slightly.

"My parents are dead, I have no home."

I looked at him cautiously, "Uncle, can I stay at your place for the night?"

He was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly, "Seatbelt, fasten it."

As the car headed towards Andrew's house, I leaned against the window, stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye.

His features were already striking, and under the soft light from the car's ceiling, his profile appeared even more defined.

His slightly upturned eyes always seemed gentle and affectionate, but when focused on something, he appeared cold and distant.

I stared at him, momentarily lost in thought.

The first time I saw that face was at his sister Raegan's birthday party.

Raegan was the woman my father's mistress was about to become my stepmother, and her five-year-old daughter was my half-sister.

I lied to Andrew-my mother had passed away, but my father was still alive and well.

Not only that, he wanted to officially marry Raegan, making them a couple that defied societal norms.

That night, my father smoked half a cigarette and started to play the emotional card with me, "Caylee, your mom's been gone for two years. Dad's getting old, he needs someone to accompany and take care of him..."

I looked at him expressionlessly, smirked, "Mom's only been gone for two years, and Eliza is already over five?"

Caught in his lie, he couldn't maintain his composure, suddenly standing up and pointing at me, cursing, "You live off me, who do you think runs this house?"

In my father's eyes, he, Raegan, and Eliza were the real family, and I was just an outsider.

Last month, for Raegan's birthday, my father completely ignored my existence and threw a grand party for her at a hotel.

When I disguised myself and sneaked in, I saw my father and Raegan each holding a glass of wine, showing deference to the man in front of them.

The man was exceptionally handsome, tall, and had striking features.

The well-tailored suit he wore only accentuated his distinguished demeanor.

As he spoke, his gaze casually swept over me for a second, sharp and piercing.

At first, I thought he was one of my father's major clients, until he left the room with a calm expression and Raegan chased after him.

It was only then I learned he was Raegan's younger brother by six years, named Andrew.

"Andrew!"

I didn't know what he said, but Raegan was so angry she shrieked, "I'm your sister!"

The man had been walking away, but stopped, turning his head slightly, a hint of familial disdain in his sharp eyes, "Sister... do you deserve that title?"

As he walked towards the door, I lowered the brim of my baseball cap, deliberately brushing past him.

"Sorry."

A cold, distant voice sounded in my ear, and I turned my head to see a small mole near his Adam's apple, highlighted by his pale skin, adding a touch of allure.

Desire and a thirst for revenge surged within me, and at that moment, I made up my mind.

Without waiting for my response, Andrew continued towards the door.

As he left, I pushed open the door to the private room, striding in and sweeping the dishes off the table in front of my father and Raegan, who looked at me in shock.

"Caylee!!"

Amidst the chaos, my father rushed over, raising his hand to hit me.

I took a big step back, deftly dodging.

He tried to come at me again, but was held back by relatives nearby, leaving him to roar in place.

"Get out!

Get out of this house!"

I gripped the door handle, curling my lips as I looked at him, "Is this all it takes to make you angry?

Don't worry, there's a bigger surprise coming your way. Just wait."

"We're here."

Andrew's characteristically reserved voice snapped me back to reality.

I quickly adjusted my expression, maintaining a pitiful look as I followed him out of the car.

The elevator ascended all the way to the thirty-second floor, stopping at the top.

His apartment was a spacious flat with simple decor.

I sat on the high-end gray sofa, watching as Andrew entered a room and returned shortly with a first aid kit, kneeling in front of me.

When I had collapsed in front of his car, I had fallen hard, scraping my knee and embedding some gravel.

"Ouch," I complained softly, "it hurts."

"Bear with it," he said, using tweezers to clean the gravel from my wound, disinfecting it with iodine before applying ointment.

His movements were gentle, his expression focused, and his long eyelashes cast shadows that softened his otherwise sharp features, making him even more attractive.

Compelled by some impulse, I asked, "Uncle, have you ever treated anyone else like this before?"

He looked up at me, putting away the first aid kit, "You're the only one."

A sudden joy filled my heart, and I looked up at him, blinking, "I'm truly honored. But Uncle, where will I sleep later?

With you?"

Andrew ignored my teasing, his expression unchanged as he led me to the guest room next to the study.

"You'll stay here tonight. If you need anything, come find me, but remember to knock first."

He turned to leave, but I called out to him, "I haven't asked yet, Uncle, what's your name?"

Leaning against the wall, he looked down at me slightly, "Andrew."

I already knew his name, but hearing it from his own pleasant voice seemed to give it a different significance.

I curled my lips, suddenly stepping forward until my nose almost touched his chest.

"Andrew, remember my name too," I said, looking straight at him, "I'm Florrie."

2

I stayed at Andrew's house for three days.

Initially, he wanted to send me away the next day, but I clutched my injured knee, feigned tears as I spun a tale of woe.

Orphaned, my inheritance taken, I worked my way through college, only to be shunned by my peers.

Andrew listened silently as I spun my story, his dark eyes watching me as if he could see through everything.

Feeling guilty under his gaze, I lowered my head, avoiding his eyes, my voice growing softer.

After a long silence, he finally stood up, saying calmly, "In that case, you can stay a few more days."

He even gave me a spare key, a gesture of trust, so I could go out for meals during the day.

During this time, while he was at work, I went back to school to pack some things and brought them to Andrew's house.

Before leaving, my roommate casually asked, "Are you going home for the next few days?"

Home?

Do I still have a home?

I curled my lips, a mocking smile on my face, "No, I'm staying at an uncle's place for a while."

In the evening, while Andrew was working in the study, I pretended to bring him water, pushing the door open. After a few steps, I slipped and fell, the glass in my hand shattering.

"Ouch..."

In response to my soft cries of pain, Andrew quickly stood up, striding over to me, "Are you okay?"

"Not really..."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him. "It hurts so much, I can't stand up."

Andrew sighed, then bent down and effortlessly scooped me up in his arms.

"How do you manage to fall just walking around?

No wonder you're called Florrie, always so delicate."

He carried me to the bed and gently set me down. "You don't need to bring me these things anymore.

I can handle it myself."

He was about to leave when I wrapped my arms around his neck, gazing at him with a hint of mischief.

Andrew clearly understood my implication but refused without hesitation.

"Don't overthink things, little miss.

I didn't let you stay at my place for that reason."

But that was exactly why I was here.

Before coming over, I had even changed into a light dress and dabbed some perfume behind my ears, preparing thoroughly.

Undeterred, I leaned closer, almost whispering in his ear, "I'm not a little girl, Andrew.

I've been an adult for quite some time."

"Florrie!" he scolded, a layer of cold detachment creeping into his gaze.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Feeling embarrassed by the rejection, I was about to say something when the doorbell suddenly rang.

Andrew regained his usual calm, glanced at me, and said flatly, "Let go."

He seemed upset.

I obediently released him, watching as he walked out and closed the study door behind him.

The front door opened, and I heard his icy voice, "What are you doing here?"

I quickly ran barefoot to the door, peeking through the gap to see Raegan's familiar face. "Why so tense? Did you bring someone home?"

Her eyes swept in my direction, and I instinctively stepped back, accidentally bumping my ankle against a potted plant, causing a slight noise.

Raegan's expression froze. "Did you really bring someone home?"

She started to move towards me, and in a moment of panic, I looked for a place to hide. Andrew stopped her with a hand.

"I have a little stray cat," he said, glancing back at the study door.

"A stray, just arrived, still a bit skittish."

"Oh."

With that explanation, Raegan lost interest in the matter and changed the subject. "Andrew, you have to help your sister this time. If my husband's company can't manage, it'll be trouble for me and your niece!"

My dad's company?

I leaned forward, trying to hear more clearly.

"Brother-in-law?"

Andrew's usually indifferent voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "Raegan, you still refuse to face the truth."

He was tall, with a strong, athletic build that his casual home attire couldn't hide. He didn't look like a man nearing thirty at all.

At that moment, he looked down at Raegan with a calm expression, exuding a sharp aura.

"Andrew, no matter what happened before, I'm still your sister, and Qingyue is your niece..."

Raegan pleaded, clinging to his sleeve with a pleading look that seemed more like a lover's than a sister's.

My heart skipped a beat as I continued to watch through the door gap. Andrew glanced at his watch and then issued an ultimatum. "One minute.

If you don't leave, I'll have security escort you out."

After Raegan left, I opened the door and stepped out, staring at Andrew by the wall.

He turned to look at me, speaking before I could. "Your leg's better?"

I froze, suddenly remembering my earlier act of pretending I couldn't stand after a fall.

"I... I was just..."

Andrew had no intention of listening. "Since your leg's fine, go back to your room.

I have work to do."

With that, he headed towards the study. As he passed by, I mustered the courage to grab his wrist, looking up at him. "Who was that?"

"What?"

"The person who came to see you. Was that your sister?"

Andrew glanced at me, his eyes darkening with an unreadable emotion.

I couldn't tell what he was thinking, only hearing his cool voice. "You could say that."

The warmth of his wrist beneath my fingers, the pulse almost palpable, made me gently rub it twice.

I noticed a faint blush on his ear before he abruptly pulled his hand away.

"Florrie," Andrew warned, lowering his voice, "you're still just a young girl. Don't think about these things all the time."

I blinked innocently at him. "What am I thinking?

Andrew, I just accidentally touched you. Don't misunderstand me."

"..."

Andrew looked at me for a moment, then unexpectedly curved his lips into a smile, leaning closer to my face.

Nervous and expectant, I instinctively closed my eyes.

But his breath stopped just short, teasingly close, yet refusing to go further.

I slowly opened my eyes, meeting his beautiful, slightly upturned eyes filled with amusement.

He asked leisurely, "Florrie, are you really looking forward to it?"

In an instant, I felt both embarrassed and annoyed. Without thinking, I leaned forward and kissed him.

The cool minty scent lingered for just a second before I pulled back.

I stepped back, trying to appear calm. "I was looking forward to it, so I decided to take matters into my own hands."

Without waiting for his response, I turned and ran back to the guest room.

Locking the door behind me, I leaned against it, my heart pounding loudly in the silence, my cheeks burning.

That night, haunted by the fleeting kiss, I barely slept.

The next morning, with dark circles under my eyes, I walked out to find Andrew also looking a bit tired.

"..."

I glanced at him, tentatively asking, "Andrew, did you not sleep well last night?"

"Yeah, I was working late," he replied casually, placing a plate of buttered toast in front of me.

"Have breakfast.

I'll drive you to school afterward."

Andrew drove me to the south gate of the school before heading to his company.

Before leaving, he reminded me, "Call me after class. If I don't answer, just take a cab home."

I obediently replied, watching his car turn and drive away until it completely disappeared from my sight. Only then did I head to the classroom for my lecture.

We were just freshmen, and not many dared to skip classes, so the classroom was packed. Thankfully, my roommate had saved me a seat.

I sat down next to her, took out my textbook and phone from my bag, and casually glanced at a new message.

It was from my dad.

"Caylee, can you come home today?

Dad has something to discuss with you."

Since my mom passed away, he hadn't spoken to me in such a gentle and affectionate tone. Seeing this message gave me a momentary sense of disorientation, as if I had slipped through time.

Once I snapped back to reality, I suddenly remembered what Raegan had said to Andrew last night.

Gradually understanding, I stared at my phone, let out a cold laugh, and tossed it back into my bag.

Probably because I didn't reply to the message, my dad called as soon as I entered the cafeteria at noon.

I answered coldly, "What is it?"

The man who had been shouting "Get out of my house" just a month ago was now speaking softly over the phone, "Caylee, Dad would love to see you. Come home for dinner after class. I'll ask Ms. Sutton to cook your favorite meal."

I found it both ironic and amusing, but I agreed to go back.

On the way, Andrew sent me a message: "Are you done with class?"

I held my phone for a long time without replying, so he sent another message, a string of numbers: "Call this number after class, and I'll have someone pick you up."

Raegan had prepared a table full of dishes, but hardly any were to my liking.

My dad ladled a spoonful of rib soup into my bowl, smiling ingratiatingly, "Caylee, have some soup to nourish yourself.

You've lost weight."

I lowered my eyes and curled my lips slightly, then suddenly tossed the spoon into the bowl and leaned back in my chair. "I'm allergic to peanuts, Dad.

If you want something, just be straightforward."

He stiffened, his smile barely holding. "Caylee, is that how you talk to your father?"

Raegan fanned the flames, softly saying, "Caylee, about what happened at the hotel last time, your dad and I don't blame you..."

"Dad and mom?

My mom's been dead for a long time, and it was you two who drove her to her grave."

I tilted my head, smiling at her. "Raegan, are you trying to follow her?"

Raegan's smile vanished instantly.

My dad, displeased with my attitude towards her, frowned and waved his hand. "Caylee, let's get to the point-before your mom passed, did she transfer the downtown apartment to your name?

And those jewelry pieces she left you, bring them out. Dad needs them urgently."

So it was about money, after all.

I lifted my eyelids and said indifferently, "No."

"Caylee!"

He immediately raised his voice. "The family's company is in trouble and needs this money!

It's your mom and my hard work of over ten years. Can you stand by and watch it fall apart?"

I stared at him in disbelief, almost laughing out loud.

"When my mom was lying in the hospital, and you brought Raegan over, saying everything at home would be handed over to her, I overheard everything from the bathroom."

I watched his face turn deathly pale, my smile fading as I stood up, looking down at him. "Jeffrey, when you brought this woman to provoke my mom, did you think about your ten years of hard work and twenty years of marriage?"

Before I finished speaking, a scalding hot liquid splashed onto my chest.

It was Eliza, sitting across from me.

After pouring the rib soup, she glared at me fiercely. "Don't talk about my mom like that!"

Her young face, not yet fully grown, bore a striking resemblance to Raegan despite not looking much like my dad.

I tilted my head, looking at her for a few seconds, then suddenly raised my hand and slapped her.

"Eliza-" Raegan stood up abruptly, and amidst Eliza's wailing cries, my dad followed suit, reflexively slapping me back.

He used so much force that my head turned to the side, half my face went numb, and my ears buzzed.

"Caylee, your sister is only five years old!"

I pressed my tongue against the painful soft tissue in my mouth, turned to look at him, and said slowly, "Jeffrey, I'm only nineteen."

From the mirror on the restaurant wall, I saw my current state.

The rib soup had stained my clothes, my hair was disheveled, and half my face was already swollen.

I looked utterly pathetic, like a wretched creature.

Jeffrey's gaze shifted slightly. "Jiaojiao..."

"Jeffrey, if you want money, forget it."

I turned around and walked away without looking back.

By the time I stepped outside, it was already dark.

With my injured face, I wandered aimlessly through the streets, eventually buying a few cans of beer from a 24-hour convenience store and sitting down outside.

I drank and reminisced about the past until my phone on the table vibrated.

It was a call from Andrew.

I didn't answer, just watched it ring persistently for a minute before the screen went dark, then lit up again.

"Send me your location, I'll come get you."

I picked up my phone, sent him my location, and regretted it a few seconds later, quickly retracting the message.

"Don't worry about me," I typed back. "I'll stay at the dorm tonight."

In truth, I had no intention of returning to the dorm. With my face like this, I could already imagine the speculation and gossip.

But I didn't want their pity at all.

I sat by the flowerbed, drinking can after can of beer under the convenience store's light.

Halfway through, it started to rain lightly.

Dizzy, I stood up, then sat back down, grabbing my phone to call a cab to a nearby hotel for the night.

The next moment, a familiar, cool voice sounded above me.

"Jiaojiao."

He didn't call me by my last name.

I looked up with my drunken eyes and saw Andrew standing a step away, holding an umbrella.

The rain, tinted by the streetlights, blurred everything around him. He stood there, tall and sharp, looking down at me.

I propped my chin up, smiling up at him. "Andrew, why are you here?"

I must be drunk, because I swear I see sorrow in his usually indifferent eyes.

His soft, warm fingertips gently brushed my swollen face, and amidst the patter of rain, Andrew's voice was exceptionally tender.

"Jiaojiao, let's go home first."