Chapter 0008
Elijah somehow found out about Shaun harassing me. His family was worried about me, and they arranged for Jordan to move into the house opposite mine the next day.
I felt like I was troubling him, and I didn’t know how to thank him.
Jordan suggested, “Grandpa keeps talking about your cooking. I’d like to have a taste too.”
“Alright. You don’t need to cook from now on. Just come over to my house for your meals.”
“Sounds good to me.”
However, I was meeting Tyler today and didn’t have time to make lunch. When Jordan heard about this, he came along with me to the Lanes.
He knew his boundaries and waited for me in the car. He didn’t come inside but told me to scream if anything happened.
Tyler gave me my inheritance and paid me the compensation without much hassle. He thought my acceptance meant reconciliation. He tested the waters,
“Sienna, it’s getting late. Why don’t you stay for lunch?”
I stood up and replied sarcastically, “Do you think I’ll treat you like a brother again after you’ve given me my inheritance? This inheritance is rightfully mine, Tyler Lane. At most, this is just us getting even!”
Tyler said, guilt–ridden, “I know I made many mistakes before, and I know you’re disappointed in me. I’m not expecting forgiveness. I just… I just want to do what I can to make it up to you.”
“That isn’t necessary. You and I will remain strangers for the rest of my life.”
I turned to leave.
Tyler wanted to follow me. I stopped and turned back to look at him with disgust.
“If you’re really sincere about making things right, then stop appearing in front of me. You only disgust me!”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll make your wish come true.”
Tyler tried to smile, but it looked worse than crying.
I no longer cared about him and left without hesitation–just like how he had treated me so many times before.
Tyler and Shaun didn’t appear in front of me again after that. Five years later, I learned they had worked with Florence to take Jenna down.
News about Jenna bullying others at school, stealing boyfriends, and spreading rumors trended online. She was too afraid to leave the house because of the extreme cyberbullying, fearful of being attacked.
Jenna had always lived a luxurious life but had no means to earn money. Rumor had it that she sold her blood on the black market every few days. The needles used on her weren’t properly disinfected, and she contracted hepatitis B. This led to late–stage liver cancer, and now all she could do was wait for death.
Florence reappeared in front of me after five years. She slapped herself every day and donated blood regularly in hopes of reconciling with me.
Florence had experienced all the misery I went through and was now just skin and bones. She no longer looked like a wealthy woman and begged me pitifully, “I did everything you asked, and Jenna got what she deserved. Sienna, can you forgive me now?”
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I asked her instead, “I begged for twenty–six years. Do you think five years of suffering can compare to what I endured?”
That was when Florence finally realized I would never forgive her. She left in despair and was hit by a speeding car as she wandered onto the street, not paying attention.
Lying in a pool of blood, she reached out to me.
I didn’t look at her. I walked past her coldly.
She cried out with the last bit of strength she had, “Sienna, I’m sorry…‘
I stopped and looked at her. “I won’t forgive you.”
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Then I walked away. Florence had lost too much blood and died as she repeated her apologies to her daughter.
I heard of her death when I was picking out wedding gowns for my upcoming photoshoot. I was momentarily taken aback but quickly resumed smiling as I continued discussing styling with Jordan.
He may have looked like a member of the mafia, but he was a wonderful husband. Jordan was an amazing cook and prepared delicious meals every day. He washed the dishes and did the housework. Every corner of the house was spotless, thanks to him.
Being a top photographer, Jordan had a great sense of style and gave me excellent advice on my wedding gown and overall look. This was a stark contrast to Shaun, who had never cared about such details. Jordan was more serious about the designs than I was.
Moreover, he was a man of integrity. He would never do anything as despicable as Shaun, even if he no longer had feelings for me.
Shaun drank heavily on the day of my wedding. He reeked of alcohol, and his eyes were bloodshot. He tried to cause trouble at the wedding, but the bodyguards dragged him away as soon as he started shouting.
Wayne, eager to build a good relationship with me and the Hales, gave Shaun an hour to pack his belongings. Then, he bought Shaun a one–way ticket to go abroad.
Shaun would never inherit Reeves Group unless something miraculous happened. If he wanted to stay under the Reeves‘ protection, he would have to remain there for the rest of his life.
Shaun, in despair, called me after changing his number. He sounded both angry and defeated. His voice cracked as he spoke, “Sienna, I admitted my mistake and apologized to you sincerely. I was serious about making things right. Five years ago, you backstabbed me, and I lost my position as Reeves Group’s successor because of you. I didn’t say anything about it, did I? My love life and career are a mess. Why would you still do this to me?”
I replied calmly, “An abuser has no right to accuse the victim of anything. Your guilt is nothing compared to the misery I endured.”
“Do you… do you hate me that much?”
“Yes, I do. I wish you a fate worse than death for the rest of your life.”
Jordan called me out to toast the guests after I finished putting on my gown and makeup.
I hung up and smiled as I walked out. Many guests attended my wedding. I held Jordan’s arm as we walked through the crowd.
When I glanced up, I spotted Tyler standing in a corner, a camera in hand, pointed at me. He couldn’t meet my eyes and stumbled away.
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I barely spared him a glance before looking away.
Jordan and I went directly on our honeymoon after the wedding.
Before we left, Elijah gave me a wedding gift.
There was a note written on it: “Wishing you bliss and happiness in your marriage. Your brother, Tyler.”
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