The biggest drama of the year at Oxyork Universoty was the first-night video of Joey from the art department being leaked into the campus group chat.

The video was shot in a five-star hotel's presidential suite.

Joey was completely naked, pinned against the floor-to-ceiling window by a man taller than her, with rhythmic sounds filling the air.

Afterward, the man whispered "good girl" into her ear.

Those two words were like a bombshell, causing a huge uproar in the group chat.

[Is that voice... from Humphrey?]

[Joey really knows her stuff, hooking up with our school's board chairman! No wonder those who bullied her before have gone quiet.]

[Always thought Joey was innocent, turns out she's a manipulative bitch, just like her mom, the mistress!]

When the news reached Joey, she was in the dorm knitting a scarf for Humphrey.

Her roommate turned up the volume on the video, passing around the phone with a mocking smile, dragging out her words. "Joey, you sound so practiced, must've done this a lot, huh?"

Surrounded by laughter, Joey's face turned pale as she froze in place, the half-knitted scarf slipping from her hands. She bolted out of the door.

She stumbled towards Humphrey's office, wanting to ask him about the video.

But just Just as she reached the door, she heard mocking voices inside.

"Humphrey, you really didn't leave Joey any face, huh? Deliberately taking such clear pictures of her, leaving her no chance to clarify."

At those words, Joey's head exploded, a chill instantly spreading through her body.

"It's her own fault, isn't it? She angered Humphrey's favorite woman, so getting revenge is only fair."

"It's tough on our Humphrey though, not only spreading rumors that Joey's mom is a mistress but also pretending to be a savior against those bullying her, acting all deep in front of her."

"Hey Humphrey, when you gonna tell her the truth? That girl, if she finds out the guy she's been crushing on is actually her future brother-in-law, she'd probably faint on the spot, haha..."

On the sofa, Humphrey lounged lazily, tapping his cigarette on the ashtray edge, his expression unreadable.

Seeing him silent, his buddy quickly asked, "Feeling sorry for her? She went through so much trouble to send Willette abroad for two whole years, making her suffer there with no food or warm clothes. Can't just let her off like that!"

Hearing Willette's name, Humphrey finally reacted.

He snuffed out his cigarette and said coolly, "Wait till Willette comes back. That day's also the anniversary Joey's been looking forward to for ages. I'll give her a 'surprise', let her pay back everything she owes Willette."

Joey gasped for breath, her gaze through the smoke landing on Humphrey's cold face, feeling a gaping wound in her chest, pain making her vision blacken.

So those rumors smearing her mother were spread by Humphrey!

Humphrey pursued and protected her just for revenge.

The one he truly loved was her half-sister, Willette.

Joey couldn't listen anymore and turned to flee in panic.

But she hadn't gone far when a few women blocked her path.

"Oh look, it's the star of that little video!"

"Just came out of the office, rushing to throw yourself at him again?"

Joey's face turned pale, trying to escape but pushed and shoved by the group.

At that moment, Humphrey's cold voice came from behind. "Mess with Joey under my nose, don't you want to live?"

Humphrey left his office at some point, his body tall and strapping.

A few girls saw him and scattered like birds.

He walked up to Joey, fixed her messy hair, and leaned in. His fingertips brushed her cheek softly.

"Didn't I tell you? If anyone bullies you again, just say my name."

His familiar tobacco scent hit her nose, making her eyes water a bit.

Seeing Humphrey now felt like reliving old dreams. He'd always been the one protecting her countless times.

Back then, when her mom committed suicide and her dad got back with his ex, she felt like an orphan even though she wasn't technically one.

Then school rumors started saying her mom was a mistress and that Willette was the rightful daughter of the Smith family.

As "the mistress's daughter," she got bullied a lot. But Humphrey saved her from all that by using his board member status to create a warm little world for her.

Yesterday was Humphrey's birthday. They got drunk and stuff happened. He ditched his usual elegant act and dominated her right in front of the big window while she trembled from being too nervous.

With Humphrey in her, it felt like she finally found home after wandering for so long. But little did she know, every step was part of a plan.

Joey zoned out for a sec.

When she snapped back to reality, Humphrey had already led her out of the building and into the passenger seat of his car.

Humphrey leaned over as usual to fasten her seatbelt, noticing her red-rimmed eyes and softly comforting her, "The video was an accident, I'll get someone to clean it up. You're not in a good state today. I'll take you home to rest first."

Joey slightly pursed her lips, recalling what he had said in the office, and tears uncontrollably spilled out.

Humphrey was slightly stunned, raising his hand to wipe away her tears, then seemed to remember something and opened the car door, "Wait for me a moment. I'm going to buy something."

As the car door closed, Joey realized Humphrey had taken the wrong phone.

His phone was placed in the groove beside the armrest. Joey, almost on impulse, picked it up and entered Willette's birthday.

The phone unlocked successfully, and Joey saw Willette's name at the top of WhatsApp.

In their latest chat history, Willette asked if he could break it off with Joey before she returned to the country.

Humphrey replied: [Just a plaything, I never really got involved with her.]

Joey's heart clenched sharply, forcing back the sourness in her nose as she continued scrolling up.

During the two years Willette was abroad, Humphrey called her every single day without fail, always around 8 PM.

This was also the time he claimed he was holding a board meeting and absolutely didn't want to be disturbed by Joey.

Besides that, he would transfer money to Willette every month, amounts reaching six figures, done so swiftly that there wasn't even a note attached.

Willette was good at acting cute, occasionally sending a few selfies asking for compliments. Humphrey would reply with cute pet emojis Joey had never seen before, reminding her not to dress too thinly and to be careful of catching a cold.

Looking at these chat records, Joey finally understood that she had never truly known Humphrey.

His gentle and considerate demeanor was just the tip of the iceberg of his passionate love for Willette.

When Humphrey returned to the car, she held an emergency contraceptive pill in her hand.

Humphrey gently stroked her head, speaking in an extremely tender tone. "Last night was too rushed. Take this just in case."

Joey tightly clutched the pill box, her lips almost bleeding from biting them.

If she hadn't heard it with her own ears, she would probably still be foolishly thinking that Humphrey genuinely cared for her.

Now, she was completely awake.

When the car stopped in front of the villa, Humphrey habitually went for a goodbye kiss, but Joey dodged his kiss and hurriedly unbuckled her seatbelt.

The man narrowed his eyes and forcefully pulled her into his embrace.

"Still upset about the video?

"I didn't record the video, and the hotel manager has already been fired." Humphrey lifted her chin. "Joey, I never intended to hurt you and never will. Our anniversary is coming up soon, I'll make it up to you then."

Compared to the truth, a lie disguised as kindness often hurt more.

Joey's nose tingled as he pushed away Humphrey. "I'm going back first."

She almost ran into the villa.

Just as she entered the door, she collided head-on with her father, Henry Smith.

Henry's face was dark, and before Joey could speak, he raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Joey, I really underestimated you. Dating is one thing, but filming such indecent videos? You've shamed me to no end!

"No wonder those people at your school always target you; it's all your fault!"

After scolding her, Henry threw a plane ticket in front of Joey. "I booked a ticket for you seven days from now; get as far away as possible and never come back!"

Joey picked up the plane ticket from the ground, her fingers trembling slightly, as if it were a verdict sentencing her to complete abandonment by the world.

Her dad was so ashamed of her and wanted her gone.

Funny thing was, she didn't wanna stay either.

"I'll go," Joey said calmly, "and I'll listen to you, never coming back."

Henry was stunned, thinking he'd misheard.

Back then, he'd arranged for Willette to go abroad for further studies, urging Joey to join, but she flat-out refused. After much probing, he found out she was head over heels in love.

He thought she'd refuse again.

But to his surprise, she agreed so readily this time.

Henry cooled down a bit and said coldly, "Willette's back this weekend. I'm throwing her a welcome party. You should come. The video's out there; if you don't show up, it'll just fuel those rumors."

Joey nodded. "Got it."

Joey took three days off from school.

She used those days to pack up all the stuff Humphrey had given her and listed them online at original price.

Three days later, Willette returned.

Henry hosted a welcome bash for her at the fanciest hotel in town, inviting all the big shots from the business world, including Humphrey.

Joey didn't expect to run into Humphrey at such an event. Just as she turned to leave, Humphrey grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a quiet place.

He pinned her against the wall, his hands firmly braced on either side of her. His hot breath hit her ear.

"You haven't gone to school for days. You're not replying to my messages, and not even on our anniversary. Joey, do you know how worried I've been?"

Humphrey's eyes locked onto Joeys', clearly displeased about her disappearance.

Joey pursed her lips, summoning the courage to meet Humphrey's gaze. "So, Mr. Rhodes actually worries about a meaningless bed buddy?"

Joey, usually so obedient, suddenly showing attitude surprised Humphrey.

He felt a sudden rebellious urge, yanking her closer and tightening his arm around her waist. "Bed buddy? Once in two years, and you call that a bed buddy relationship?"

Joey had no clue why Humphrey suddenly flipped out, grabbing her chin as if to kiss her.

Just then, a voice came from the side. "Humphrey, there you are! Willette's looking for you."

Humphrey frowned slightly, releasing Joey to reply, "Got it, heading there now."

Joey feigned surprise and asked Humphrey, "You know my sister?"

"Know her? Their relationship's way more thrilling than you think," teased Humphrey's friend. "Joey, get ready to be blown away."

As the two walked off, a hint of mockery flashed in Joey's eyes.

They thought she was still in the dark, planning to humiliate her tonight.

Little did they know, she was already prepared to cut ties with Humphrey.

During the lively banquet, the lights suddenly went out.

In an instant, a spotlight hit the stage, revealing a sharp-dressed Humphrey escorting Willette in a white gown.

Henry beamed, raising his hand to quiet the crowd before announcing loudly, "Tonight, we gather to welcome Willette back from abroad and share some good news.

"The Smith and Rhodes families have been friends for years, and an engagement was arranged long ago between Willette and Humphrey.

"Now that they're deeply in love, their engagement will be held at the end of the month. Please join us to witness their happiness!"

After Henry finished, Humphrey's friends all turned to look at Joey, eager to see her break down.

But Joey just stood quietly among the crowd, her expression calm, as if none of it concerned her.

Humphrey frowned slightly.

In his mind, Joey would surely lose it upon learning about his relationship with Willette.

Yet here she was, unnaturally composed.

A hint of unease crept into Humphrey's heart. Willette sensed his change and quickly asked, "Humphrey, what's the matter?"

Humphrey subtly averted her gaze. "It's nothing, just spaced out for a moment."

He was well aware that Joey had deep feelings for him and couldn't possibly remain unaffected.

She was just putting up a tough front.

Joey went to the restroom and splashed cold water on her face.

Recalling her past infatuation with Humphrey, she felt she was utterly foolish.

No wonder he had only touched her once in two years.

It wasn't out of care; he simply didn't think much of her.

And her first night with him was merely a perfect material for ruining her reputation.

As soon as Joey returned to the banquet hall, Henry called her over, "Joey, come say hello to your brother-in-law."

Joey approached Humphrey with a perfectly measured smile. "Nice to see you, Humphrey."

Hearing her, Humphrey's expression stiffened.

Willette, however, remained oblivious, smiling brightly. "Joey, I just heard that Humphrey is on your school's board of directors. What a coincidence! If you ever have any troubles, don't hesitate to ask him for help. After all, we're all family."

Joey clenched her teeth, speaking firmly. "I won't trouble him."

She didn't look at Humphrey's expression but could feel his gaze piercing like the biting north wind of the coldest winter, making her shiver all over.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Joey was about to leave.

But Willette stepped forward and looped her arm through Joey's, feigning intimacy. "Joey, we haven't seen each other in ages. I have so much to talk to you about."

Without waiting for a response, she dragged Joey into the lounge.

As soon as the door closed, Willette dropped the smile, replacing it with a cold expression. "Joey, I heard you slept with Humphrey and the video went viral. Do you think such cheap tricks can keep him?

"Let me be clear: he doesn't like you at all—not only does he not like you, he despises you!

"The rumor about your mom being a mistress? That was me spreading it through him. Even pursuing you was my idea. I wanted to see you fall for him bit by bit, only to be destroyed by him in the end!"

Joey was shocked. "Why?"

"Why? Cuz you ain't got no self-awareness, that's why! Your mom's been dead for ages, yet you're still clingin' to the Smith family's stuff?

"All that stuff shoulda been mine! What right does a mistress's daughter have to enjoy the Smith family's wealth and luxury!"

Joey could take anything but couldn't stand her mom being insulted.

She bolted in front of Willette, her voice squeezed out between her teeth. "My mom wasn't a mistress. She married dad without knowin' about you and your mom. You pushed her to her death step by step!"

Willette didn't expect Joey to talk back, so she raised her hand to slap.

Just then, the lounge door burst open.

Seeing Humphrey outta the corner of her eye, Willette quickly grabbed some nut pastries and stuffed 'em in her mouth.

Next second, she went all limp, mumbling, "Joey, why you force me to eat this? I'm allergic to nuts..."

Humphrey rushed to Willette, shoving Joey aside.

Joey stumbled back, her back slamming into the side table.

With a crash, cups shattered, and Joey's hands got cut by glass, bleedin' like crazy.

Humphrey didn't even glance at her, quickly squatting to hold Willette. "Willette, you okay?"

Willette teared up, helplessly grabbing Humphrey's arm. "I just wanted to catch up with Joey, dunno what I did wrong, she suddenly forced those pastries on me... Look at me, am I breakin' out in hives?"

Humphrey looked down and saw Willette's skin sproutin' huge red welts right before his eyes.

"What do we do? The banquet ain't over yet, I can't embarrass you. Makeup... yeah, gotta cover it up with makeup!" Willette sobbed.

Humphrey gripped Willette's wrist hard. "Cut the crap. Come on, I'll take you to the hospital."

With that, he picked up Willette, coldly glaring at Joey before leaving.

Joey struggled to get up, her hands bleeding nonstop, quickly staining her dress red.

But she felt no pain, like all her senses were sucked away after falling into a deep abyss.

She called a waiter for a first aid kit, shakily and painfully bandaging her wounds.

After the ordeal, Joey was exhausted, dragging her heavy steps to leave.

As soon as she entered the hallway, a few figures darted out, yanking her into the storage room.

Then a big hand clamped onto her chin, forcing her head up, and high-concentration pepper spray gushed into her mouth.

Joey's eyes widened in terror.

She, like Willette, was allergic to chili peppers by nature.

So much chili water could easily kill her!

"Uh... let... go..." Joey struggled with all her might.

But those guys didn't give her a chance to fight back, forcing cup after cup of chili water down her throat.

She was choking, turning red in the face, and her body started convulsing uncontrollably.

Her injured hands scratched helplessly on the ground, making a heart-wrenching sound.

Seeing her miserable state, they didn't stop but instead ramped up their insults. "Willette is the apple of Humphrey's eye. You dare touch her? Don't you know your own worth?

"Heard you were bullied a lot at school and probably used up by all kinds of guys. How could Humphrey want someone like you?

"Drink this chili water quietly and make amends to Willette. Otherwise, you'll regret it!"

Joey's vision was getting blurry, and her consciousness was fading.

With her last bit of strength, she muttered almost unconsciously, "Humphrey..."

Just then came a mocking laugh from above. "Haha! You still think Humphrey will save you? This chili water is what he made us give you. He'd be happy if you died for hurting Willette!

"Let's tear off her clothes and send pics to Humphrey to make him happy too!"

The men rushed over and quickly ripped Joey's dress apart.

They took crazy photos of the barely conscious and half-naked Joey until she finally passed out completely.

When Joey woke up again, she found herself lying in a hospital bed.

Humphrey was sitting beside her bed, working on his laptop, as if sensing something, he looked up at Joey.

Their eyes met, and Humphrey let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief, his tone as cold and hard as ever. "Feel good being bullied? Learn your lesson this time; don't bother Willette again."

Joey silently turned her head away, a tear slipping quietly down the corner of her eye.

Once, she had seen Humphrey as her salvation.

But now, what he did was no different from those who bullied her.

Watching the silent girl on the bed, Humphrey felt an inexplicable discomfort in his heart.

She was jealous and hurt Willette, so it served her right to be in this state.

But why did he still feel sorry when he saw her crying?

At that moment, a nurse pushed open the door. "Mr. Rhodes, the air conditioner in Miss Willette Smith's room is broken..."

Humphrey frowned. "Fix it then, do I need to be informed about such a small matter?"

"It's already reported for repair, but the maintenance staff won't arrive for another hour. Miss Willette Smith keeps saying she's cold, and the hospital doesn't have any spare rooms for her..."

Hearing this, Humphrey immediately stood up. "How do you run this hospital? It takes so long to fix an air conditioner?" He frowned deeply. "Willette has always been fragile. She can't handle the cold. Get Joey to switch places with Willette first."

"Uh..." The young nurse glanced at Joey on the bed, hesitating.

Joey was allergic to chili and was force-fed so much chili water.

She barely survived, but her esophagus and stomach lining were severely burned. One wrong move, and she could be in danger again.

Meanwhile, Willette just ate a nut cake and needed a few antihistamine shots to recover.

But in Humphrey's eyes, all the suffering Joey went through seemed negligible...

"What are you standing there for? If Willette gets cold, your hospital might as well close down!"

With Humphrey putting it that way, the nurse had no choice but to comply.

Soon, Joey was moved to Willette's room.

Humphrey went to be with Willette, leaving Joey alone in the large ward, staring blankly.

Recalling everything she'd been through recently, Joey couldn't hold back her emotions anymore, tears streaming down her face.

As she cried, a chill crept in.

Following the cold sensation, Joey suddenly noticed the air conditioner was on, blowing cold air non-stop.

In a flash, she got it all.

Willette deliberately said the AC was broken to swap her out, making her suffer in the cold and get rid of that grudge.

As the temperature in the ward dropped, Joey felt the chill seeping into her bones, even her teeth were chattering.

She tried to call for help but her throat was swollen shut.

She reached for the call button but her arms were weak and fell back down after a few seconds.

Joey was totally hopeless and could only curl up tighter to keep warm.

After who knows how long, someone finally found her forgotten in this dire situation.

But when Joey forced open her eyes, she saw Willette's smug face.

"Joey, look at you now. What's the difference from a stray dog? Humphrey went all out to make you suffer for me. Now your torture pics are everywhere and everyone is laughing at you.

"Oh yeah, just now phub messaged me asking if you want to be their next drama's lead. Hahaha..." Willette laughed as she spoke.

When she finished laughing, she grabbed Joey's most severely wounded arm and squeezed hard.

Blood splattered and Joey saw black spots before her eyes.

"So now you should know who he really loves? If you're smart, admit your mom is a mistress then disappear from my sight before I puke seeing your face!"

The light faded from Joey's eyes, replaced by endless silence.

Disappear? Sure thing.

Soon, she would head overseas, never looking back.

The day before Joey heading abroad, Henry sent someone to pick up his two daughters from the hospital.

Joey and Willette hopped into the same ride.

Halfway through, the driver suddenly took a sharp turn into a narrow alley.

By the time Joey sensed something was off, the car had already pulled up in front of an abandoned factory.

The driver swung the doors open, and two burly kidnappers stormed in, yanking both her and Willette out.

Willette was scared out of her wits, screaming at the top of her lungs, "Help! Let me go!"

Joey was in a daze too.

The driver was arranged by her dad, so how did he end up colluding with kidnappers?

Before she could figure it out, both were tossed into a dilapidated room.

One kidnapper coldly said, "One of you is Humphrey's fiancée, the other his future sister-in-law. Asking him for a hundred million ransom isn't too much, right?"

Willette's eyes widened, but before she could speak, the kidnapper dialed Humphrey's number and put it on speaker.

"Hello?" came the deep voice from the receiver.

The kidnapper gave Willette a look, and she immediately sobbed, "Humphrey, it's me, Willette! I... I've been kidnapped. They want a hundred million in ransom..."

Humphrey's tone instantly turned icy. "Don't touch Willette! Send me the account, I'll transfer the money right away."

Hearing that, the kidnapper handed the phone to Joey. "You talk too. If Humphrey throws in another five million, we'll let you go."

Joey clenched her fists.

Humphrey hated her so much; why would he bother spending money to save her?

Just as she was figuring out what to say, another kidnapper whispered to his buddy, "Bro, didn't Miss Joey say it was a hundred million? How come..."

Though his voice was low, it clearly reached Humphrey on the other end.

Humphrey's fingers gripped the phone tightly, his face dark as thunder.

'So Joey was in on it with the kidnappers!' he thought. 'No wonder the driver was bribed, and they had the audacity to demand a hundred million from me.'

Thinking this, Humphrey coldly said, "Joey's life or death doesn't concern me. You deal with her yourselves!"

Since Joey wanted money so badly, he'd give it to her—a final cut to their toxic entanglement.

At this, Joey's heart sank to the depth of abyss.

So, Humphrey really wanted her dead.

He never loved her, but only had endless, bone-deep hatred for her.

Not long after, a screeching tire sound came from outside the warehouse.

Humphrey burst in, hugging Willette tightly.

Then, he glanced at Joey in the corner like she was trash, telling the kidnappers, "The money's transferred. As for Joey, do whatever you want with her—sell her off in some remote village or finish her off, up to you."

Joey watched helplessly as Humphrey carried Willette away.

Once the two were gone, the kidnappers stopped pretending and sneered openly, "Heard you slept with Humphrey before, thought he'd have some feelings for you. Guess even five million bucks was too much to ask—you're worth less than a stray to him!"

Joey coldly looked at them. "You got the money; can I leave now?"

"Leave?" The kidnappers laughed like it was the funniest thing. "Money's in hand, but the job's not done yet. You're in for a treat!"

They pounced on Joey, tearing off her clothes.

The next second, a burning cigarette butt seared her skin!

Joey screamed in agony, cold sweat and tears streaming down her face.

Seeing her like this only got the kidnappers more excited. "Heard you got bullied like this at school. Today, we'll help you relive it."

"Bro, let's brand her with a word."

"Sure, what word?"

"Bitch—lots of strokes, perfect for her! Hahaha!"

Cigarette butts were pressed inch by inch onto her leg, waist, and back. Joey was sweating like crazy and almost passed out.

After who knows how long, they finally stopped, laughing maniacally as they walked away.

Joey curled up in the ruins, her body twitching occasionally.

As it got darker, the excruciating pain started to fade. She struggled to get up, leaning on the wall and staggering as she took steps.

Joey stopped a car by the roadside and struggled back home.

No sooner had she stepped in than she saw a scene that stabbed her heart.

Willette was curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, looking like an injured kitten.

Humphrey was beside her, feeding her medicine spoon by spoon with extreme care.

Noticing Joey out of the corner of his eye, Humphrey looked over at her with a gaze as sharp as a knife, filled with almost tangible disgust.

"You have the nerve to come back?" Henry strode forward and slapped her hard across the face.

Joey felt dizzy and nearly fell over.

"I know you're upset about Willette coming back, but she's your sister. Are you not afraid of scaring her to death with this prank?

"If it weren't for Humphrey arriving in time, who knows what kind of mess would've happened!"

Inside, Willette was secretly pleased but pretended to comfort Henry. "Dad, don't hit Joey. I'm fine."

"Stop defending this brat!" Henry's chest heaved violently; he was clearly furious.

Joey stood frozen where she was, ears ringing.

The next second, Humphrey finally spoke up after being silent all along. "Apologize to Willette." His tone was extremely cold, like ice forming around him.

Joey gritted her teeth.

With some unknown courage, she retorted, "I won't apologize."

She realized during the kidnappers' torture that Willette had arranged everything to frame her. She didn't do anything wrong; why should she apologize?

Willette sighed and feigned magnanimity. "Forget it, Humphrey. Maybe Joey wasn't intentional. I don't want our sisterly bond to be ruined..."

"She almost killed you! Is asking for an apology too much?" Humphrey stared straight at Joey; his disgust grew even more intense.

'When did Joey become so wild and uncontrollable?' he wondered.

Even Joey's dad got angry at her stubbornness.

He grabbed Joey's arm roughly and dragged her in front of Willette like a chicken until she winced from pain. Then he noticed numerous burn marks on her arm.

He frowned tightly.

Just as he was about to ask what was going on, Humphrey's cold voice cut in, "For framing Willette, you went to such lengths, Joey. You've really outdone yourself with 'anything goes.'"

When he heard this, Henry's confusion instantly cleared, replaced by even stronger fury.

He grabbed my shoulders and shoved hard, forcing me to my knees with a thud. "Seems you've got no regard left for this family and for me!"

I raised my head numbly, meeting Humphrey's icy gaze head-on.

He had Willette in his arms, looking down at me like I was a criminal, while I knelt before him, my dignity crushed to dust.

Humphrey felt an inexplicable discomfort from my stubborn gaze.

He repeated coldly, "Joey, just apologize to Willette, and I can let this go."

I laughed at that.

My reddened eyes glared at Humphrey as I said firmly, "Again, I won't apologize. Do your worst."

Humphrey was stunned; the last shred of pity in his eyes vanished.

What followed was my father's relentless, storm-like beatings and scolding.

Already weak, I soon collapsed like a stray dog without a backbone, losing consciousness completely.

*****

Joey didn't know how long she was out.

When she woke up, the living room was empty.

Enduring the searing pain all over, she propped myself up with her hands on the sofa and wobbled back to her room to double-check her luggage.

Just as she was about to close the suitcase, Willette's voice came from behind.

"Enjoying the farewell gift I prepared for you?" Willette leaned against the doorframe, her lips curling in utmost disdain. "I originally wanted to keep you till the engagement party, let you wish me and Humphrey well. But dad wouldn't hear of it; he thinks you've shamed the Smith family and doesn't want you here for even a second longer.

"Joey, once you're gone this time, don't ever come back. After all, this family is only complete without you.

"Oh, and thanks for being my husband's free toy for two years, keeping him company during the days without me."

Joey bit her lips tight, saying nothing.

With a click, the suitcase closed, along with the last shred of attachment to this home, sealed away forever.

The next day before dawn, she boarded a flight abroad.

She left decisively.

Before boarding, she deleted all contact with Humphrey without hesitation.

As the plane cut through the vast sky leaving a white trail, it marked the final end to her miserable past.