Chapter 9

Those who had long harbored disdain for her made no effort to hide their glee, posting mocking remarks on social media. "The once untouchable Miss Dobbs—did you ever realize you were just a playmate? It's laughable. In ancient times, you'd have been no more than a servant." Valery saw the post because the person had tagged her directly. They weren't wrong, and so she chose to ignore it altogether. As she was preparing to sleep, Hanna entered her room. She glanced around at the lavish furnishings, running her fingers along the edge of the dresser. “Tsk, tsk. This room is as luxurious as Anne’s. Bryce really does pamper you.” Valery paid no attention to Hanna's words. Her focus was on the watch Hanna wore. It was the watch she had adored ever since she was seventeen. Back then, Bryce told her, “Don’t envy it. When you grow up, I’ll get you one just like it. By then, you’ll be an adult.” Now, the watch she had longed for rested on Hanna’s wrist. “Admiring this watch?” Hanna said smugly. “Bryce bought it for me at an auction. He said it’s my engagement gift. I’m not crazy about the color, but Bryce likes it, so I wear it… reluctantly.” Reluctantly. Valery felt her tears dry up before they even formed. She was devastated, yet she felt unworthy of her own sorrow. After all, liking something didn’t mean she had the right to possess it. “Oh, by the way,” Hanna added, “Bryce mentioned he’s hosting a party at the house next week. You’d better think carefully about how to apologize to me.” Hanna left, and Valery collapsed onto her bed. She wanted so badly to ask Bryce why he’d chosen the very watch she loved, but she lacked the courage. Most of all, her birthday was approaching. Just days ago, Bryce had promised her a reward if she behaved well. So, it was all lies. He didn’t stop her from moving out because he cared. He wanted her to witness just how perfect and in love he and Hanna were. The next morning, when Valery emerged from her room, Hanna was eating breakfast. Seeing her, Hanna made a point of extending her fork toward Bryce. “Bryce, this is delicious. Try it.” Bryce accepted it with a sweet smile. “Some people really think they’re still the lady of the house, keeping the whole family waiting for her?” Anne sneered, her words dripping with disdain. Valery froze mid-step, her body rigid. She bit her lip and bowed deeply. “I’m sorry. I’ll head out now.” Leaving on an empty stomach with bruises both visible and hidden was painful, but Valery felt a rare sense of relief. Today was her birthday. No one remembered, but she still had her parents. When she was a child, Bryce had her parents buried in the nearest cemetery, just a short walk from the house, to make it easier for her to visit. Using the last of her savings, Valery bought a bouquet of flowers and some food to place at their grave. “Mom, Dad, I’m here to say goodbye. I’m leaving in a week, and it might be a long time before I can visit you again.” “I hope you can forgive me. Also, I sold our house. I’ve been living in the Dobbs family’s house all these years. It’s time to pay the price.” The wind picked up, but Valery felt a strange warmth, as if someone were gently wiping away her tears. “Mom, Dad, I miss you so much.” Over the years, Valery had often cried in secret. The absence of her parents had left a void in her life. How could she not grieve? But her sorrow was a private burden, invisible to others. As she wiped away her tears, her phone rang. She answered it, only to be met with Bryce’s furious voice. “Where have you been? Valery, how many times have I told you not to wander off? Don’t you know Hanna gets worried?”