Chapter 6

So that's how it was. My stepmother seemed so caring that even when she tried to ship me off abroad, I thought she'd been set up. Looking back now, all those little cakes, desserts, and chocolates she snuck to me behind Dad's back were nothing but poison, pushing me deeper into despair.

"Ruby, whatever you want, just tell me. I treat you like my own daughter," she'd say.

So I spent my childhood indulging myself, living what they called a "joyful and carefree education," while Runa was always buried in endless classes, praised for her hard work. And me? I had to save up just to sneak off to art lessons.

When Matthew found me, I was still in a daze, but I told him what I wanted.

"Dr. Bates, I want them ruined."

I must've looked like a vengeful ghost, my words dripping with bitterness. He tried to comfort me, but I stopped him with a look when I saw his hand reach out.

"I'm fine. I just need some time."

Before he left, he handed me a carton of milk with a sticky note: "Don't forget