Chapter 3My Brother’s Wrath

Dozens of pairs of eyes instantly fell on Rosie’s attire. She was wearing a stunning, strapless gown that clung to her curves. No one would have ever guessed she was just the help.

I’d hardly ever worn the dress, which is why I hadn’t recognized it at first glance. But now, looking closer, a memory slammed into me.

My brother had bought it for me.

My gaze sharpened, threatening to bore a hole right through her. Rosie’s face went pale, but her eyes immediately filled with tears. She clutched the fabric, her voice a small, innocent whisper. “I thought… I thought you weren’t going to wear this one either.”

She sniffled. “It looked brand new, and I couldn’t bear to see it thrown away, so I…”

I had no patience for her lies. It was true that I had a lot of clothes and that I regularly had my housekeeper clear out the ones I no longer wore. But every single item my brother had ever given me was kept in a separate wardrobe at the very back of my closet. I had made it explicitly clear to her mother that those were never to be touched.

This wasn't discarded. It was stolen.

I fought back the furious rage boiling in my chest. “Take it off,” I said, my voice dangerously low.

Rosie froze. The tears in her eyes welled up and spilled over, a single, perfect drop of humiliation.

I took a deep breath, my fists clenched so tight my body trembled. Ignoring the dead silence that had fallen over the room, I repeated, my voice now a raw shout, “I said take it off! Didn't you hear me?!”

Rosie covered her face and began to sob, as if she had suffered the world’s greatest injustice.

Ian finally stepped in. He moved to stand in front of her, shielding her from my view. He looked at me with open disapproval.

“Nina, that’s enough.”

My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat a sharp, painful throb that sent waves of dizziness through my head. The resentment and hurt I had suppressed all night finally erupted.

I lunged, grabbing a handful of broken glass from the floor and hurling it at Ian.

Robby moved to intercept me, but I swung my arm back and slapped him hard across the face.

The room filled with gasps and whispers. The prying, judgmental eyes hidden in the shadows only fueled my fury.

“Get out! All of you, get out!” I screamed. “Get out of my house!”

I was beyond reason. I started grabbing anything I could reach, throwing and smashing things indiscriminately. The guests, terrified, scrambled for the exits. Soon, only Robby, Ian, and Sean were left.

Ian had angry red scratches on his face and neck from the glass. He was seething, watching me with cold fury. Robby touched the red mark on his cheek, his own expression dark. Sean, who was usually the calmest and best at handling me, wasn't there.

So Robby had to be the one to step in, swallowing his anger. “Nina, calm down. Just calm down…”

His words were meaningless. My eyes were locked on Rosie, who was hiding behind Ian, a triumphant smirk on her face. A fresh wave of rage washed over me, and I lunged at her, intent on tearing that dress off her body.

But Ian—my boyfriend—held her protectively. He grabbed my wrists, his voice frigid. “Haven’t you had enough? No one can put up with you when you’re like this!”

My head was spinning. Before the pain of his words could even register, Robby grabbed me from behind, his arms locking around my waist.

He spoke over my shoulder, his voice laced with impatience. “It’s just a dress. Can’t you be generous for once? I’ll buy you a new one, okay? Is that enough?”

My eyes were raw and bloodshot. My throat felt like it was clogged with sand. But I refused to cry. I would not show weakness in front of these people, my tormentors.

That was the last gift my brother ever gave me.

I couldn’t be generous. I would rather burn it to ashes than let her have it.

I struggled violently in Robby’s arms. Suddenly, I ducked my head and bit down hard on his wrist.

He swore in pain. Enraged, I twisted around and clawed at him, my nails accidentally scratching the corner of his eye.

That was the last straw. Robby’s anger exploded. In a purely reflexive act of rage, he swung his hand and slapped me across the face.

The force of the blow sent me staggering. I lost my footing and collapsed to the floor.

A roar of static filled my ears. And then, the world went silent.