Chapter 3Mending My Heart Without You

The next morning, Daphne brought a hot bowl of lobster bisque to the table. "Beatrice, you have to try this. It's delicious."

"No, thank you," I said politely.

She insisted, stepping closer, and suddenly slipped.

The scalding bisque spilled all over my thighs, the porcelain bowl shattering on the floor. My skin turned angry red, and I gasped at the burning pain.

Daphne burst into tears. "Beatrice, I'm so sorry! It was an accident!"

Catherine spoke first, blaming me: "Why didn't you catch it?"

Richard frowned. "So clumsy and slow."

The text:

[Here it is! She's going to use this to make a scene!]

[She definitely dodged it on purpose. So manipulative!]

[Serves her right for trying to steal Adrian!]

Adrian arrived just then. Daphne threw herself into his arms, sobbing. Adrian held her, glaring at me. "Daphne was just trying to be nice. Why do you have to be so hostile?"

I looked at my biological parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, did I throw the bowl?"

They fell silent, but Richard waved his hand. "Your sister is shaken. That's what matters."

To comfort Daphne, Richard announced, "The small boutique agency we were going to let Beatrice manage—we'll give it to Daphne instead."

Adrian added, "I'll throw in some prime advertising accounts as an engagement gift for her."

"Fine by me," I said quietly.

The text:

[Why isn't she fighting back? Something is off...]

Back in my room, another transfer from Adrian arrived: "Stop targeting Daphne."

I accepted the money. Then, I slowly typed a message and sent it:

"Adrian, do you even remember I'm severely allergic to shellfish?"

Silence. Minutes later, another massive wire transfer appeared.

I smiled and took it all. Consider it my severance pay.

Outside, I heard Adrian's car engine and Daphne's giggles. He was taking her shopping.

By evening, they returned. Shortly after, Daphne ran into my room, crying. "Beatrice! My pink diamond necklace is gone! Adrian's engagement gift..."

She showed me a photo. My chest tightened. I knew that necklace.

A year ago, Adrian took me to an auction and let me pick anything from the catalog. I chose that pink diamond. He bid aggressively and won it.

I waited for him to give it to me, but he never did. When I finally asked, he said he had given it to his cousin.

It had been for Daphne all along.

The text:

[Look at her face! She definitely stole it!]

[Search her room!]

Adrian stared at me coldly. "Beatrice, you were the only one home today. Give it back."

"I didn't take it."

Catherine hurried in. "We aren't accusing you, Beatrice, we're just asking if you saw it."

"Yes, Bea," Daphne sniffled. "It's incredibly expensive..."

It was a blatant accusation. Adrian looked at me with deep disappointment.

That look stung, but only for a second. I was too exhausted to care.

"I've been in my room all day. If you don't believe me, check the security cameras in the hallway and parlor."

Adrian's expression shifted. Daphne froze.

"Oh, let's not get security involved. It ruins the family harmony," Catherine muttered.

Just then, a maid ran in. "Miss Daphne! The necklace was slipped behind your nightstand! I found it and put it away!"

The room went dead silent.

The text:

[Wait, it was a mistake?]

[She really didn't steal it? This is getting weird...]

Adrian looked stiff. He sent another wire transfer: "Sorry for the misunderstanding."

I accepted it.

In my room, I opened my browser and scheduled an appointment at a clinic to terminate the pregnancy.

The text:

[What is she doing? I can't see the screen...]

[Whatever, she's definitely planning something devious.]

I locked my phone and closed my eyes.