Chapter 4Beauty Remedy Secret

One day, Del brought Ryan home and announced they were getting married.

The moment I saw his hands all over her, I felt a chill wash over me. This wasn’t the same sweet Ryan I’d known for years. Rage boiled up inside me, and I threw myself at them.

“You cheating jerk! Delilah, you knew he was my boyfriend, and you went behind my back?”

But two fists were no match for four hands, and I quickly found myself shoved aside.

Leaning against Ryan, Del looked at me with mocking pity. “Sorry, little sis, but I’m looking better than ever. Anyone can see who’s the better choice here.”

Ryan scratched his nose, looking guilty but shrugging. “Lily, don’t be mad. Just look at you two! You’re as plain as a twig. I can’t help it if Del’s curves are more… enticing.”

They had the nerve to defend their betrayal!

Just as I opened my mouth to fight back, Mom’s voice cut in sharply, “Enough!”

Mom stared at Ryan and Del with a look that could pierce steel, then turned to help me to my feet.

“So, Ryan, you were Lily’s boyfriend, but now you’re marrying Del? You wouldn’t mind if I tested you a little first, would you?”

His eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. “Not at all! Whatever you think is fair!”

Mom’s face softened as she gestured toward the door. “It’s late. Stay the night, and I’ll consider your proposal tomorrow.”

With a smug smile, Del took him into the room next to mine, and soon I heard creaking noises echoing through the wall.

But the noise quickly died down after ten minutes, and I laughed quietly to myself. So much for Mr. “Enticing.”

When I couldn’t sleep, I peered through the hallway and saw Del sneaking out—back to the cellar. Well, if she could play dirty, so could I.

I went straight to Mom’s room and told her what Del had been up to.

Mom nodded, unbothered. “I knew she was sneaking in. I gave her chance after chance, but she can’t resist temptation. If something goes wrong, she’ll have no one else to blame.”

Then she looked at me, her gaze thoughtful. “Lily, your sister is reckless, but you’ve followed my rules. Would you like to take over the remedy shop?”

I blinked, stunned. Weren’t we supposed to be married first? Was this all just a test?

Quickly, I nodded. If I inherited the shop, I’d not only secure my future—I’d finally make Del pay for everything she’d done.

Smiling with satisfaction, Mom took my hand. “Follow me.”

When she opened the cellar door, I was shocked. It was larger than I’d ever imagined, divided into smaller rooms and chambers.

She shot Del a cold look as we passed her chamber. Through the half-open door, I glimpsed Del lying on her back, her body flushed and moving rhythmically, lost in a haze of her own making.

Finally, we reached the end of the cellar, where a large, heavy trapdoor lay. I followed Mom down the narrow staircase to a stone door.

When she twisted the lock, the sight on the other side was one I’d never forget.

Mom gave me a satisfied smile, nodding approvingly. “Come with me,” she said.

As she opened the door, I felt my eyes widen with shock.

The back room was far bigger than I’d imagined, divided into several small chambers, each secluded from the others.

Mom cast a cold, almost disgusted look at Del’s chamber as we passed. Inside, I caught a glimpse of her, completely exposed, her skin flushed red, her body moving in a rhythmic, trance-like state, and soft, breathy sounds escaping her lips.

We walked on, further into the back room until we reached a small doorway. In the center was a heavy trapdoor.

Following her lead, I descended the narrow stairs to a stone door at the end of the corridor. Mom reached up, twisted the knob with careful precision, and opened it.

What lay inside was a scene I would never forget for the rest of my life.