Chapter 3

Before I could say anything, Polly pushed her way through the crowd.

She smiled sweetly at me, looking genuinely thrilled by my arrival.

"Alyssa! You came to celebrate with me after all?"

"It’s all Tyler’s fault. He kept saying you hated loud places. I’m so happy you're here!"

With her bright eyes and bubbly tone, anyone would think she was just an innocent, sweet girl.

But I didn't miss the cruel gleam of triumph in her eyes.

A wave of nausea hit me. I was done playing nice. I let out a cold laugh.

"Aren't you tired of acting after all these years, Polly?"

"You already took my parents, my friends, and my status. Is this pathetic little game still fun for you?"

Polly’s eyes instantly welled up with tears. She looked incredibly hurt.

"Alyssa... how could you say that about me?"

"I know I’m just adopted. I’ve never forgotten my place. I would never try to steal anything from you."

I ignored her act and took a step toward her.

"You want Tyler too, right? Fine. He's yours. Consider him my graduation gift to you. Do you like it?"

Before the last word left my mouth, a glass of red wine was splashed directly over my head.

Tyler quickly pulled Polly into his arms, shielding her, and glared at me with pure rage.

"Alyssa! That is enough!"

"Just because you’re a useless failure doesn’t mean you get to drag down everyone who is better than you!"

"She’s your sister! There’s a limit to your jealousy. And now you're throwing a tantrum about divorce? You’re pathetic."

A sneer curled on his lips. He was entirely convinced that I could never survive without him.

He thought this was just another desperate attempt to get his attention.

I wiped the dripping wine from my face, blinking back the burning tears.

A failure? Useless?

So that was what I was to him. A pathetic, disgusting burden.

Then why did he go through all that trouble to save me five years ago? Why did he insist on marrying me despite all the rumors?

When he was teaching me how to love myself again, was he laughing inside?

When he kissed my scars with tears in his eyes, was he secretly holding back vomit?

What an incredible actor.

"Tyler, let's get a divorce. I’m not playing games."

The smirk on Tyler's face slowly faded. He stared at me.

Then, he let out a harsh laugh, as if he had just heard a hilarious joke.

"Divorce? Where would you even go? Back to the Franklins? They don’t want you."

"Look at you. Every single thing on your body was bought with my money."

"I’ve clearly spoiled you too much. If you're so independent, stop using my credit cards."

"Even the clothes you’re wearing right now are paid for by me. You want a divorce? Fine. Strip right here, give them back, and leave!"

The lounge gasped.

All eyes locked onto me. The whispers, the mocking grins, and the sudden clicking of phone cameras filled the air.

Polly tugged at Tyler’s sleeve, pretending to be shocked. "Tyler, stop! Calm down!"

"Alyssa, why do you have to be so stubborn? If you hate me, I’ll stay away from you. Why are you taking it out on Tyler?"

"Just apologize to—"

Before she could finish, I unzipped my jacket and let it drop to the floor.

I didn't stop. I reached for the buttons of my shirt. One, two...

"Fuck!"

Tyler cursed, lunging forward to wrap his own coat around me. He gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing.

"Alyssa, you're a psycho!"

"Are you trying to make me a laughingstock?!"