Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 7

Brielle and Lillian indeed grew up in the same orphanage and were as close as sisters.

They celebrated life’s little victories and consoled each other’s defeats as if they were blood. On Brielle’s seventh birthday, a two-year younger Lillian had saved up enough to buy a $13 cake. It was the cheapest of the cheap, the kind of cake where you could still taste the bitterness of economy in the frosting And when Lillian brought it out, clumsy as she was, it tumbled to the ground, a heap of broken dreams.

They sat there, tears mingling with laughter, making a pinky promise-when they had the means, they would feast on the finest cakes and cherish every birthday like a treasure.

So, when the Haywoods found Brielle on her tenth birthday, she didn’t hesitate to bring Lillian along, pleading with the Haywoods to enroll them both in school.

In different classes but never apart, the girls were inseparable. But the corrupting allure of wealth can change a person. Those who once fretted over every meal suddenly found themselves in opulence, and their hearts hardened.

“Miranda, Lillian’s cheeks flushed with guilt, her eyes brimming with tears.

Brielle thought of the used condoms in the car, and the deliberately left lipstick, “Mom, since you like her so much, why don’t you adopt her as your daughter?”

It was a retort made in anger. Yet, a flicker of serious consideration passed through Miranda’s eyes.

Brielle felt a sting of humiliation, sharp as a thorn. She’d forgotten that in this house, Lillian was the golden child. Even the house staff couldn’t stop singing her praises.

Hadn’t Brielle, too, given her heart and soul to Lillian?

Lillian, always playing the damsel with her fragile façade.

“I’m giving you three days to move out of that villa,” Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled with the taste of blood.

Ironically, she always felt like she burdened her family by bringing Lillian back. So, no matter what she did, she wanted to be the best. However, her achievements couldn’t compare to Lillian’s sweet words. In the end, she was the outcast in her own home.

Lillian, hearing her words, sneered inwardly. The villa had been a gift from Spencer-what right did Brielle have to command her?

harboring such resentment in her heart, she wore a look of grievance on her face, biting her lips. “Bri, please

watch the performance. She stood up, “I

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held Lillian close, “Bri, what’s gotten into

live, so I

so many properties. Lillian can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you secure

yours

tall, her voice steady, “then maybe Lillian should just

Miranda’s chest heaved with anger. “You’re becoming more and more

from her. On the other

Lillian what she’s done? And while you’re at it, check how many

words left her mouth, Miranda’s hand

out at eighteen, you all were heartbroken. If that’s the case,

believe the daughter who had always been so compliant could be

at the door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and Miranda’s comforting words chasing after

can’t believe Bri would fabricate such lies

Brielle as she clutched her

her car, she licked her dry lips, tasting blood. With a

away.

she saw Spencer’s Porsche, him leaning against it, smoking. His greeting was anything but warm. “Lillian’s missing, Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s with me because I forced her. If you’ve got a problem, take it out on me,

a beat, Brielle

the impact, his

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Chapter 7

seconds, he touched his face, Incredulous, “You hit

my anger out on you?” Brielle