Shawn's lips tightened. "I believe you," he paused, "however, it's not you that I was referring to; it's the person behind you."‘Huh?’ Amanda's tears ceased instantly, and she swiftly turned to look behind her, as did everyone else.Anderson.Confusion swept through the room."You sending provoking pictures to Yvonne, making her rush back to the country... I was initially going to let you be. However, things changed after discovering you were the one who instigated the accident three years ago. And then you completely crossed the line by sending me those absurd threat messages," Shawn's icy voice confronted Anderson.Anderson stood, clearly taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Shawn's discovery to be so soon. He usually covered his tracks meticulously…“Why? After all these years working for Grandfather, why engage in such actions?” Shawn's brows furrowed deeply.Anderson chuckled. There was nothing to hide anymore, so why not come out clean? “Exactly. I've toiled for the old geezer fo
Jennifer Mandez smiled, observing the girl's downcast expression as she joined her side. She gently took off her gloves and cradled Mia's cheeks in her palms."Be free with me, Mia. I'm your mother as well. I held that title before I resumed being Shawn's mother," she chuckled.She paused briefly before continuing, "I want you to forgive me for hurting you. I apologize sincerely. Now, I know better. You're a rare gem, and I wouldn't want Sunshine to be with anyone but you."Mia's eyes widened, "Does that mean we have your blessing to proceed…?"She nodded, grinning."Thank you, Mom!" The girl squeaked happily, and they embraced in a tight, warm hug.“Now, we have to start preparing for the wedding. The date’s just around the corner.”She nodded and they both returned back inside.Soon, the wedding day arrived. Despite the commonality of extravagant weddings among the wealthy, Shawn and Mia's celebration stood out for its simplicity. Only a select few family and friends were invited, a
Mia's head spun, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. Her whole body shook violently, and her teeth clattered uncontrollably.She clenched her hands into fists, digging her fingernails into the flat of her palms.With a cracked voice, she asked in disbelief, "What did you just say?"Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she desperately hoped that his words wouldn't break her heart again."I'm sorry, Mia. I can't do this again," he uttered, his voice low and calm, but the words reverberated loudly in her head.The tears she had been fighting so hard to hold back broke loose, streaming down her face.Mia sobbed uncontrollably while Max watched her in utter silence.Suddenly, the weather changed, and it started to drizzle. Even nature seemed to share her sorrow.Max and she had known each other for more than half their lives. They practically grew up together. Even as kids, they had harbored feelings for each other, and at the age of fourteen, Max had asked her to be his girlfriend. Sh
Max pursed his lips, "she'll be fine. She'll understand."—Mia dragged her legs down the hallway. Her whole life felt miserable. Her whole life felt like a lie.The whole thing even felt like a dream to her. A long sad dream, and she wished she’d wake up quickly from it. It was way too scary. How could her boyfriend betray her with her best friend? It wasn’t possible.She only read it in novels and saw it in movies.Never in her eighteen years of life did she expect such a thing would actually happen to her. Nah, it was over for her. Totally over for her.Her legs suddenly gave way, and before she knew it, she collapsed to the ground.When Mia opened her eyes again, she was in a ward in a hospital. It was already the following morning.She had been rushed to the hospital immediately after a janitor found her lying unconscious on the ground.She had really thought he was 'the one.' Max. Their names even shared the same initials—'M.'Initially, she had thought Max came last night to giv
Mia's heart raced. Her plan had worked, but now she had to figure out how to navigate this unexpected turn of events.The two younger people were still lost deep in their thoughts when the grandpa ushered them into the luxurious car.Before they knew it, they were already on their way to sign their marriage certificates.In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the civil affairs bureau's office. Under grandpa's watchful eye, they went through the necessary procedures, signed the marriage certificates, and had them stamped.And just like that, the two became a married couple.When they stepped outside again, the grandpa was beaming with a smile."You have made me the happiest person on earth." He patted Shawn on the shoulder before stepping into the limousine.Shawn watched his grandfather and felt warmth in his heart.It was true that the old man was indeed very pleased. He hadn't seen his grandfather this happy in a very long time, so he decided to keep quiet."Aren't you coming in?" G
Barbara's expression suddenly shifted to one of concern. "Mia, why are you home? Isn't your sister still in school?"Although her words appeared to show genuine concern for her stepdaughter, Mia sensed an underlying message.The witch was insinuating, "Why aren't you taking your studies seriously like your sister?"Barbara was deliberately stirring up trouble in front of her father. Again.But Mia was accustomed to this behavior. Barbara always did this."Yes, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in school?" Mia's father bellowed.Yet, Mia couldn't help but be shocked each time her father sided with Barbara, falling into the witch's trap repeatedly. Why? He had never taken her side, not even once."Have you suddenly lost your ability to speak?" Mia's silence started to irritate him."Dad," she looked directly into his eyes, hoping to find a glimmer of affection. "Were you not informed that I fell ill?"Her father's brows furrowed. "Ill?"He glanced at his wife."Yeah, the school
Barbara spoke up, "Although you give Mia and Vivian the same amount of money for their upkeep, Mia might have other expenses that the money isn't sufficient for."This statement infuriated Mr. Thompson even more. He swiftly turned towards the cab driver and commanded, "If she fails to provide your money, take her to the police station. Better yet, do whatever you want with her."Angrily, he turned around and marched into the house.Mia's heart shattered as she watched her father's retreating figure, while Barbara's eyes gleamed with triumph as she snickered victoriously.Mia shifted her gaze from the door and fixed her eyes on the woman who claimed to be her mother.Her stepmother clicked her tongue and sneered, "You are a disgrace to this family." With that, she turned and walked inside the house.Tears, which Mia had been holding back, finally streamed down her face. Why was the world so cruel to her?"Ahem." The cab driver cleared his throat, a smug grin stretching across his face.
Mia's mother had found her when she was homeless and starving, living in the slums. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, Mia's mother took her in.If she didn't treat that woman's daughter well, wouldn't that be considered ungrateful? Wouldn't the deceased be disappointed?After ensuring that Mia was completely out of sight, Madam Grace shook her head and returned to the mansion.—Mia flagged down a taxi by the roadside and returned to the school's dormitory. She had missed the day's classes and needed to copy some notes.She actually wished she didn't have to go back to the dorm, to her room—the room she shared with Martha, her supposed best friend—but what other choice did she have?Like Madam Grace had rightly said, her mother wouldn't be happy to see her in such a state. Mia needed to forget about the past, focus on the present, and move on. Right?As soon as the taxi pulled up in front of the dormitory's imposing iron gates, Mia paid the driver and began walking slowly insid