Chapter 2: Why Can't You Compromise?

Just as Lani had predicted, unfortunate events often occurred simultaneously. When Aurora had just moved into Lani's house and taken the room opposite Lani's, Lani's phone suddenly rang.

"It's my stepmother calling."

Lani glanced at Aurora, standing nearby, sighing reluctantly as she pressed to answer. A sharp, dissatisfied voice of a woman quickly resonated in the quiet space of the room.

"Lani, where are you?"

Lani replied softly that she was at home, and she could hear the cold huff from the other end.

"Come back home tonight. Your father and I have something to discuss with you."

When talking to Lani, Doris always maintained an attitude of disdain and contempt, which Lani had grown accustomed to. She replied in a mild tone and then lazily reclined on the sofa behind her.

"It seems I won't have a peaceful evening tonight."

She could vaguely anticipate the reactions of Doris and her father, Derek, once they found out about the turmoil earlier in the day. They always pampered Hebe to the fullest extent, so in every story, the one at fault was always Lani.

"Do you need me to come with you? That despicable stepmother and your father won't have anything good to say."

Aurora asked with concern, eager to accompany Lani to protect her. However, Lani just chuckled and said it wasn't necessary. After the afternoon, her emotions had settled enough for her to face what was coming.

Before her mother passed away, she had advised Lani to listen and be obedient, even if her father married another woman. However, this time, Lani didn't want to hold back anymore.

When Lani returned home, as predicted, things were far from simple. A hot cup of tea flew straight towards her feet, splashing onto the floor, and a bit of it scalded Lani. She stood frozen, looking ahead at Derek's angry, aging face.

"Lani, you're quite something, scolding your little sister and her boyfriend in the crowded cafe? If this gets out in the media and photos are taken, how can Hebe continue her acting career? The public will vilify Hebe and harm her."

Upon hearing this, Lani only laughed coldly and retorted.

"So, what about me? Hebe stole my boyfriend, and I should smile and say she did a great job?"

"Boyfriend? Dad, that's my boyfriend, the one Hebe seduced and became the third party in our relationship. I haven't even hit her; I only scolded her a bit. Is that too harsh?"

"Furthermore, if it's Hebe's fault, why doesn't she take responsibility for the consequences? If she's afraid of public criticism, it's best not to do such disgusting things. Is there no one else to expose her private scandals in this world?"

Normally, Lani should have been gentle and said whatever sounded pleasing, but her sudden, strong reaction startled Derek, causing his brows to furrow even deeper. Hebe, now appearing weak, approached and gently held Derek's hand, then bit her lip and looked at Lani.

"Dad, it's all my fault. I didn't know Amory was Lani's boyfriend, so I agreed to be with him. I caused Lani pain, so if anyone should be blamed, it should be me."

Lani tilted her head to look at Hebe, wearing a delicate white spaghetti strap dress with an innocent face and a soft, gentle voice, tears streaming down her pitiful face. Every time Hebe cried, all the blame seemed to fall on Lani.

"Why blame yourself, Hebe? You didn't know, so it's not your fault. Besides, Lani is your sister, and it's normal to make sacrifices for each other. Don't cry, Hebe; tomorrow you still have to go to the film set. Be beautiful and radiant."

Derek gently coaxed Hebe with a kind and forgiving expression. Lani watched this harmonious father-daughter scene in front of her, suppressing the bitterness in her heart.

"Dad, do you ever consider me your daughter? Why do you always favor Hebe and not care about my feelings? Is that fair to me?"

Derek, when he turned his gaze towards Lani, inadvertently revealed a weary expression. At this point, Doris, who had been silent from the beginning, also chimed in.

"So, what do you want? Everything has already happened; do you intend to let everyone berate Hebe to your satisfaction?"

Derek seemed to agree with these words and gave Lani a stern look.

"If you dare to reveal any information that harms Hebe, then don't call me your father anymore. We're cutting ties; consider me without a misbehaving child like you."

Hebe's eyes beside him sparkled with joy, raising her eyebrows at Lani triumphantly as if she had won. If it were like any other time before, Lani would have compromised and endured it. However, she had gathered enough disappointment.

"Fine, let's cut ties then. I've long felt like an orphan. You kicked me out of the house just because I didn't give up my room for Hebe, and you never asked if I was doing well."

"You always criticize and get angry, so I don't need this father anymore."

After Lani finished speaking, she laughed coldly.

"As for Hebe's affairs, I won't tolerate them any longer."

Hebe's face quickly turned pale, and Derek couldn't contain his anger, throwing the cups on the table towards Lani. Lani quickly dodged, hearing the shattering sound around her like her own shattered heart, but she still forced a smile.

"Farewell, my dad. This is the last time I'm calling you 'dad.' From now on, we have no relationship."

When Lani returned home, she was so desperate that she couldn't even shed tears. She calmly recounted the day's events to Aurora, who tightly clenched her fists, suppressing her anger, and spoke loudly.

"Alright, I will not let Hebe get away with this. I'll expose all the bad things she's done so that everyone will mock her."

"Furthermore, Lani, you can't just sit back like this. Hebe always wants to compete with you, right? So, find a kind person to marry right away, so that Hebe, even if she steals your boyfriend, will have to reluctantly get married after you."

"Besides, it's also a way to show that idiot Amory that you have charm and that there are plenty of men to choose from. There is no need to cling to a foolish guy like him. You need to quickly build a better life after leaving him."

Aurora spoke in one breath, leaving Lani stunned. Although everything seemed a bit exaggerated and somewhat unrealistic, it also made sense. At least for now, she was sure that if she got married first, Hebe would lose her mind.

Whether it was because of Aurora's nearby anger or her genuine consideration, Lani nodded enthusiastically.

"All right, Aurora, arrange for me to meet some handsome guys tomorrow. I don't have any plans for tomorrow. I want a handsome, tall man who likes cooking and housekeeping, and I can take care of the finances to be my husband."

Aurora patted her chest and assured her that she would take care of everything. In the end, the two of them were full of determination, choosing a potential partner for Lani, and then they went to bed happily, full of anticipation for the future.