Chapter 2

Three years later, Julian Blackwood came to pick me up.

I stood at the main gates of The Sterling Institute for Young Ladies, watching the familiar black Maybach slowly pull to a stop.

The car door opened, and Julian Blackwood stepped out of the driver’s seat, still exuding that same aloof and distinguished aura.

What was different from three years ago was the woman in his passenger seat.

She wore an elegant white dress, her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a gentle smile graced her face.

“This must be Aurora, right? Hello, I’m Vivian Sinclair, Julian’s fiancée. You can just call me Vivian.”

I numbly nodded, my voice barely a whisper, “Hello, Vivian.”

After speaking, I turned and got into the backseat of the car.

Julian sat in the driver’s seat, his face stern as he started the engine.

“How have you been studying these past few years? Do you still harbor those childish infatuations?”

My fingers trembled slightly, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand.

I remembered the days of electric shocks, being dragged mercilessly, and degrading acts of humiliation.

A stone seemed lodged in my throat, making it almost impossible to speak.

I trembled, closing my eyes for a brief moment, my voice barely audible, “No, never again.”

Julian’s brows furrowed slightly, a peculiar emotion suddenly swelling within him.

This was the answer he most wanted to hear, yet why did he still feel so uneasy?

“Good, you understand.”

I smiled bitterly, lowered my head, and said nothing more.

The car sped along, finally stopping at the gates of the Blackwood family villa.

I got out of the car, habitually heading towards my room.

However, when I pushed open the door, I found it had already been converted into a cat sanctuary.

Vivian stood behind me, a hint of apology on her face.

“Oh, Aurora, I’m so sorry. Julian and I are getting married soon, so I moved in a while ago.I love rescuing stray cats and dogs, and your room gets the best sunlight, so I put the cats here.I’ll have the staff clear it out now.”

I shook my head.

“No need, Vivian. You’re the mistress of this house now. It doesn’t matter where I stay.”

After saying that, I turned and went to the guest room, unnaturally docile.

At dinner, Julian was exceptionally attentive to Vivian.

He served her food, spoke to her in soft, gentle tones, his eyes filled with tenderness.

I kept my gaze fixed on my plate, eating my meal as if none of it concerned me.

Vivian spared a glance for me, saying softly, “Aurora, don’t just eat rice, have some vegetables too.”

My body reacted instinctively, a programmed response. I mechanically shoved food into my mouth with my fork, a frantic, desperate act, even as my throat burned, I swallowed without a flicker of emotion.

Vivian smiled at Julian. “You said Aurora was difficult to get along with, but I think she’s very compliant now, so well-behaved.”

Julian looked up at me.

He hadn't expected such a complete transformation.

Since my return, I hadn’t thrown a single tantrum. He nodded in satisfaction.

“It seems you learned well there. From now on, just like today, get along with Vivian.”

I had finished the large serving of food in front of me.

I stood up and said, “I’m full. I’ll go back to my room now.”

I returned to my room, closed the door, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

From my pocket, I took out a small box containing the money I’d saved during my years at The Sterling Institute for Young Ladies.

I recalled Julian’s words about getting along with Vivian, but my mind was already made up.

I would buy a plane ticket and leave this place, leave Julian.

I counted the money and found it was only enough for a low-cost flight nine days from now.

I took out my phone, my fingers trembling as I clicked to purchase.

The moment the ticket was issued, I closed my eyes, tears slowly streaming down my face, a mix of relief and despair.

After washing up, I lay in bed, just as I had at The Sterling Institute, forcing myself to close my eyes.

But perhaps it was being back in a familiar place; the moment I closed my eyes, Julian’s face kept flashing in my mind.

That day, his eyes were cold, his voice low, as if coming from a great distance: “You are utterly beyond reason, completely indecent. How dare you even fantasize about your own guardian?”

Past memories intertwined in my mind.

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, the door suddenly opened.

Someone walked in, frowning, and said, “Why are you sleeping so early? You forgot to drink your milk.”

Hearing the man’s voice, I instantly jolted awake, sitting upright reflexively.

I had forgotten I was home, still thinking I was at The Sterling Institute.

There, whenever a man entered my room, I had to immediately unbuckle his belt, even during my period.

Any delay in each step meant enduring agony worse than death.

So, I frantically rushed forward, knelt on the floor, and while fumbling with the man’s belt, I cried out, “Don’t hit me, don’t hit me, I’ll serve you right away.”

Just as the belt was about to come undone, all the lights flickered on.

Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw Julian standing before me, holding a glass of milk, his expression a mixture of disbelief and shock.

“What are you doing?!”

*** [PAYWALL] ***