Chapter 4

After I had been completely swept up in his sweet words, the boy exposed numerous recordings and videos of me and him.

In an instant, I became the laughingstock of everyone, utterly disgracing the Lowe family.

At the time, my dad was so enraged that he struck me, sending me sprawling to the ground.

"I knew sending you to a private school would end like this! You’ve completely ruined the Lowe family’s reputation!"

My dad cared deeply about his reputation, and I had shattered it.

Now, his thoughts were no different—it was still all about protecting his image.

Leila could uphold their reputation whereas he thought I couldn’t.

"I only want to go to a public school. Let me attend Shaw City High," I said firmly.

My mom tried to persuade me, but my dad interrupted, "Enough, let her decide for herself. If we love our child, we shouldn’t force her into anything."

I almost laughed out loud but held it in.

The laugh that couldn’t escape my throat turned into a quiet bitterness deep in my heart.

…

I started high school at Shaw City High.

This school was the farthest from home, so after two weeks of classes, I suggested living on campus.

The family was surprised at dinner.

Even Shane, who rarely came home, frowned at me. "Live on campus? Carol, why does it feel like you’re keeping your distance from us?

"You’ve been back for more than half a month now, and you’re still not used to being home?"

How could I ever get used to it?

I had endured three painful years here before, and I never adjusted.

"It’s more convenient for studying," I replied calmly.

Shane narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

My mom held my hand tightly. "Carol, is something bothering you? I always feel like you’re not connecting with us..."

She was right—I wasn’t.

That was why I wanted to keep my distance. Out of sight, out of mind.

"I just want to focus better on my studies," I explained again.

Beside us, Leila’s eyes turned red, brimming with tears. "Sister, you must hate me, don’t you? If you don’t want me around, I’ll go live on campus instead. I won’t appear in front of you anymore."

With that, she got up and began packing her things.

I smiled.

“Leila, you’re in quite the hurry, aren’t you?” I thought.

Over the past two weeks, she had been doing everything she could to provoke me—stirring up trouble, trying to anger me, or tarnishing my name.

But I never fought back or competed, staying as calm and unbothered as a leaf floating downstream.

She didn’t know how to deal with me.

Now that she finally saw an opportunity, she was quick to play the victim, putting on her little act.

Anyone with half a brain could see through her ploy.

Naturally, my parents and Shane noticed it too, but they didn’t care. Their favoritism toward Leila was obvious.

Shane set his utensils down and said, "Leila, what are you talking about? Why would you live on campus? Sit down."

Sniffling, Leila obediently sat back down.

My dad seized the moment and agreed to my request. "Since Carol wants to live on campus, let her. It’s not a big deal."

Of course, it wasn’t a big deal—especially since I already lived on campus in my past life.

Or more accurately, I lived in a rented room near the school.

Back then, Leila had constantly picked fights and spread rumors about me.

Immature as I was, I couldn’t hold back and ended up brawling with her.

We tumbled down the stairs.

I came out unscathed, but Leila’s head was bleeding badly.

I thought I won. But when the family rushed over, I realized just how thoroughly I had lost.

My mom cradled Leila, tears streaming down her face in distress.

My dad was furious. He grabbed me by the arm and yelled, "Carol Lowe, what were you thinking? Have you lost your mind?"

Shane was home too.

Without a word, he kicked me. "Do you think this is the countryside? Who told you it was okay to fight like some stray dog? Apologize to Leila!"

…

The entire family’s anger poured down on me.

Terrified, I stammered out an apology while Leila sobbed as she packed her things.

Through her tears, she said, "Since Carol doesn’t like me. I’ll move out and give her the house."