All Chapters of Only Fool Me Once: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I had been trapped in this pitch-black room for three excruciating months. It wasn't until the leader of the kidnappers received a call that I saw a glimmer of hope. A woman's voice came through the line. "She's not dead yet, is she? Let her go." Only then was I released. But before they let me leave, I endured yet another round of inhumane torment. By then, such treatment had become routine. My body was broken, my spirit numb. The man buttoned his pants after finishing, spat on me, and sneered, "How pathetic. Look at this ruined body. Let's see how you'll ever show your face again, Miss Privileged Superstar!" After they left, I lay motionless for three whole hours before finally mustering the strength to stand. I didn't know where to go—I just wanted to escape this nightmare. Somehow, my aimless stumbling led me to the heart of the city. But instead of salvation, I was greeted by a barrage of blinding flashes. Dozens of cameras were shoved into my face, their o

Lonnie's face twisted in displeasure as he looked at me. His voice was as cold as ice. "Didn't you hear Maxine talking to you? What kind of attitude are you trying to pull now? If it weren't for Maxine pleading on your behalf, I would've kicked you out of the Vaughns a long time ago."I forced a bitter smile. If I could go back three months, I'd beg Lonnie to throw me out of the Vaughns. But I didn't dare utter those words. Maxine's unwavering gaze was a clear warning not to say anything reckless. I feared that if she were displeased, she'd persuade Lonnie to have me taken away again. After all, in this household, she was the one Lonnie trusted most."I-I'm sorry. I promise I won't do it again…" I murmured, biting my lip as I cautiously apologized.Surely, if I apologized enough, I wouldn't be subjected to more torment. Maxine's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the table. "Olivia, I made a special dish just for you today. You have to

The two of them left together, arm in arm, leaving me alone to clean up the mess in the kitchen. After tidying everything up, I took the pot of soup and poured it into the garden. I dug a small hole in the spot Tubby had loved most when he was alive. In my heart, I whispered countless apologies to him, but no amount of words could erase the guilt that consumed me. All I could do was pray that in his next life, he wouldn't have a master like me—that he could live happily and carefree. Back in my room, I changed out of my tattered clothes. To hide the bruises on my body, I had found a discarded coat in a nearby garbage pile after escaping from that dark room. It was the only way to conceal the shameful marks etched into my skin. Even lying in bed, I couldn't bring myself to close my eyes. I was terrified that the moment I did, I'd wake up back in that nightmare, enduring the same torment all over again. If that happened, I wasn't sure I could keep my sanity. My phone buzze

On the screen, Maxine wore a white dress adorned with gardenia patterns, her delicate makeup glowing under the camera flashes, making her seem even more endearing."Maxine, we heard you've hired Olivia as your assistant. Many online users think this could negatively affect your career. What's your take on that?"Maxine held the microphone, feigning a slightly nervous expression. Tilting her head as if deep in thought, she replied with a bashful smile, "Hmm... honestly, I don't think it'll have much of an impact. Olivia and I are really good friends. Even though she... did those things, I wouldn't abandon her. Besides, she wouldn't be able to find a job on her own right now, so of course, I want to help her out."Maxine's response aired, immediately earning waves of praise from the audience.[Aww, Maxine is just too adorable.][Olivia's so lucky to have a friend like Maxine.][Maxine is so kind-hearted! I just hope Olivia doesn't betray her someday.][Maxine, you're the best! I l

"Eat something first, then take a bath and get some rest. I've had someone prepare clothes and everything else for you. We'll talk about the rest tomorrow."Hank's words gave me a sense of security I had never felt before.Once he had made sure everything was in place, he left.Before he walked out, his final words to me were, "Don't worry. I'll make sure to get to the bottom of this. Stay here and don't be afraid."I wanted to say something in response, but I couldn't find the words. Instead, I silently thanked him in my heart.It wasn't long after Hank left when my phone rang, and it was Lonnie."Olivia, where are you? Do you have any idea how much Maxine drank? She was kind enough to offer you a job, and this is how you repay her?"Lonnie was furious, and I could almost picture him gritting his teeth.But what he didn't know was that, back when I was struggling alone in the entertainment industry, those same people had forced alcohol down my throat because they knew Lonnie w