Chapter 5

I struggled to run, but they forcibly pinned me to the ground.

Vivian grabbed my hair and stepped on my face.

My consciousness dissolved in blood and tears. My vision blurred into a sheet of red.

They tore at my clothes, toying with me like a completely broken plaything.

In my stupor, Sebastian's face became strangely clear.

One moment, sunlight fell on his handsome face as he smiled and greeted me.

The next moment, he gripped Grandfather's hand, telling him to rest assured he'd never let us down.

Fireworks exploded above our heads. Usually so reserved, he kissed me frantically: "Mila, I love you. I love you most. I'll always love you."

Blood pooled in one place. I don't know where I found the strength, but just before they succeeded, I pushed them away violently.

I'd never been this disheveled before.

My clothes were in shreds. My bare feet were covered in blisters from being scraped by stones.

It hurt so much, but I couldn't worry about the pain. I ran forward desperately.

I fled, and a crowd chased behind me.

Vivian's mocking voice kept coming from behind.

"Mila Rivers, I did it on purpose. I just wanted to see you fall into the mud."

"Sebastian loved you so much, but I got him with just a crook of my finger. There's no place for you in the Foster family. The Rivers family is barely hanging on. Where else can you go?"

She was right—I had nowhere to run. I'd been forced to a dead end.

Ahead was rushing river water. Behind were people closing in step by step.

Vivian panted from exhaustion. "Mila Rivers, stop struggling. You have nowhere left to retreat."

I lowered my eyes and laughed mockingly at myself.

Life was truly full of ups and downs. Yesterday I was still looking forward to a happy married life, and today all that remained was fear, humiliation, and tears.

Sebastian, if there's another life, I never want to meet you again.

With a splash, water rushed in from all directions, flooding my ears, mouth, and body.

I didn't struggle. I let my body sink continuously.

Suddenly, a pair of warm hands pulled me upward.

Before losing consciousness, I heard a clear voice:

"Mila, stop loving my brother. Love me instead from now on, okay?"