Chapter 2

The long-suppressed bitterness overwhelmed me the moment I saw my mother.

I sobbed, shouting, "Mom..."

"Shut up! I wish I never had a daughter like you!"

My mother entered my room, her face cold, her eyes frightening.

She picked up the ice water from my bedside table and splashed it directly on my face, her voice a harsh warning.

"Chloe has always been so careful and timid, already pitiful enough, yet you still bully her like this."

"If outsiders knew about your disgraceful behavior, where would the Su family put its face?"

"Did my teachings mean nothing to you?"

My blood dripped onto the floor, each drop eroding the last shred of hope I had for the Su family.

I stared at Dad's portrait on the wall, lost in thought.

Back then, everyone envied me.

My brother cherished me since childhood, and my childhood sweetheart adored me.

The only hardship I'd ever known was a severe illness at the age of twelve.

At that time, Liam and Noah, hoping for my swift recovery, went to a secluded monastery in the mountains to pray for me.

They kneeled at every single step, each bow a prayer for the illness to leave me.

When they returned, Noah placed a blessed amulet around my neck.

"I never believed in superstitions, but if it means you'll recover, I'll make an exception."

"You must wear this amulet from now on, as if we're always by your side."

"We prayed before the Buddha that all your pain would be ours to bear, and you would only know happiness."

But such promises ceased on the day Dad died in his car accident.

Chloe's father, trying to protect my father, was severely injured.

In the intensive care unit, he entrusted Chloe to the Su family.

But my father still passed away.

Without his support, the Su Corporation was on the verge of collapse.

Chloe, with her innocent facade, won everyone's sympathy.

They all pitied Chloe, and the downfall of the Su Corporation.

But no one pitied me.

"Skylar, why aren't you apologizing to Chloe?"

Liam and Noah looked at me with expressions full of blame.

When they saw the pool of blood on the floor, they froze.

Noah frowned deeply.

"Skylar, why are you bleeding so much?"

"You're hurt, why didn't you say anything? Let me see!"

He stepped forward to take my hand.

I hid my hand behind my back, avoiding his touch. "No need."

Noah hadn't expected me to be so cold.

He furrowed his brows, looking at me with displeasure.

"You're still so stubborn at your age! The Su Corporation is facing a major crisis right now, we don't have time to coddle you!"

"Fine, I'll go buy you some caramels. Eat them, and don't cause any more trouble."

Ever since I was little, whenever I got angry, he would buy me caramels.

Because I loved him, I would stop being angry with him.

Now, everything had changed.

I glanced at the caramels in Chloe's hand and shook my head.

I returned to my room and quietly packed my luggage.

The magnificent ivory gown in the closet was particularly eye-catching.

This was Mom's coming-of-age gift to me. She had commissioned dozens of artisans, painstakingly crafted over three sleepless nights.

The pearls on the tiara were rare South Sea gems, personally sourced by my father and Liam at great expense.

The earrings beside it were specially brought back from abroad by Noah.

Back then, all the society girls in the city marveled at my bridal gown.

"Miss Skylar is truly so blessed."

But now, the gown remained, yet the hearts had changed.