Chapter 8

Falling for someone you shouldn't love was like walking through fire. Valery realized her mistake now—was there any chance of being forgiven? “Hurry up. What are you daydreaming about?” The cleaning lady couldn’t see Valery’s embarrassment. Even if she had, she would have scoffed at her. “Is this enough?” Valery had no money on her today. She had resolved to sever ties with the Dobbs family and didn’t want to owe them anything more. The cleaning lady’s disdain grew. She rolled her eyes and shoved the broom into Valery’s arms. “So much for being a mistress. No better than anyone else. Clean it yourself. Ugh.” Then she left, spitting on Valery’s shoes as a final insult, mocking her in silence. Her body ached all over. But for the sake of the Dobbs family’s reputation, she gritted her teeth and cleaned the area. Soon, sweat drenched her back, mixing with the dirt and grime, creating an unbearable odor. People passing by looked at her with disgust. Valery didn’t say a word in response. After finishing, she went to the hospital to treat her wounds. She thought this would be the end of it. But she was wrong. A photo of her sweeping the ground surfaced online. The comments came swiftly, mocking her with no restraint. “She thought she could become a lady of the Dobbs family. Turns out she’s nothing compared to Anne.” “I heard she’s into Bryce. Does she even look at herself in the mirror? Dream on.” “Pathetic. Is she fighting the cleaning lady for a job or pulling a pity act? Even if Bryce and Hanna are engaged, she doesn’t need to stoop this low.” “Who knows? She’s a thankless leech. Without the Dobbs family, she’d probably be dead in a ditch somewhere.” Each comment felt like a slap across Valery’s face. Bryce was furious. He stormed into her room and kicked down the door. “Valery, what are you trying to do? Are you hell-bent on dragging Hanna into the mess? I told you to come back, didn’t I? What’s with all this sweeping nonsense? Who are you trying to fool?” “What now? Do you love me so much you’re willing to degrade yourself? Let me tell you, not even your grandma can force me. I’d rather marry a dog than marry you.” Bryce rarely lost his temper like this. Valery was stunned. Anne leaned against the doorframe, smirking. “See? I told you, brother. She’s nothing but an ungrateful snake. Claiming she likes you? She’s probably after the family’s fortune. This whole act today—it’s just to gain sympathy and use public opinion to pressure you.” Among the chaotic comments online, many echoed Anne’s speculation. They believed Valery was trying to force a marriage. But Valery knew the truth. “Bryce, I—” “Slap!” Before she could finish, Bryce’s hand struck her face. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. The wounds she had treated earlier throbbed with pain. “Valery, I gave you a chance. You chose to throw it away.” Bryce left. His last words left her confused. But clarity came soon enough. For the first time, Bryce publicly denied her. He said, “I only took her in out of pity. There was never any engagement or title of ‘child bride.’ She’s not a Dobbs. If anything, she’s just a playmate we raised. Sorry to have wasted everyone’s time. Let’s put an end to these rumors.” Those light, dismissive words of “playmate” erased over a decade of Valery’s memories, sinking them to the depths.