It was strange. After the lucky charm was placed under my pillow, I recovered from the fever by the next day.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Bradyn's disheveled but smiling face.
The light in his eyes was so bright that it illuminated my entire world.
From that moment on, my heart seemed to beat solely for him.
For nine years, I orbited around him. It was so long that he became a habit I couldn't break.
Bradyn glanced at the lucky charm in my hand and scoffed.
"It's just some trinket. I didn't expect that you would treat it like it's priceless."
I finally understood. To him, I was just like that trinket, something insignificant, easily discarded.
The car pulled into the Ruiz's house.
After getting out, Bradyn took a deep breath and then frowned in disgust before reluctantly grabbing my hand.
I knew he was only doing it for our parents, but I recoiled inside.
His cold fingertips pinched my palm, sending a sharp pain through me.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trembling all over, trying to pull my hand away.
But Bradyn's warning look stopped me.
"Giana Miranda, behave yourself! Don't try anything stupid, or you know what will happen!"
I stopped resisting, letting him lead me inside, numb and devoid of feeling.
Our parents and Bradyn were all there, their faces lighting up with joy when they saw Bradyn holding my hand.
"Oh, look at that, Giana and Bradyn are still as close as ever!"
"They grew up as childhood sweethearts. Of course, they are close."
"They're all grown up now. Maybe we should start planning the wedding for next year?"
"I saw a beautiful wedding dress in Milan recently. I'll have it custom-made for Giana in a few days."
What were they talking about? Were they really talking about me and Bradyn? How could that be possible? He had made it painfully clear through his actions that I shouldn't have any illusions. If I dared to hope, he'd only break me further, leaving me even filthier and more shattered.
I couldn't endure his punishment again!
I suddenly felt a cold, venomous gaze slide over my skin like a slimy snake.
It was Kelsie. She was here, in the Ruiz's house!
Bradyn had actually brought her into his home!
She stood there with her chestnut curls cascading over her swan-like neck, the sapphire earrings dangling from her ears sparkling like treasures. They were expensive.