Chapter 4

Grandpa and Grandma Miller were satisfied with his explanation.

They didn't say anything else until we reached the house.

The car stopped, and I was dragged into my father's workshop yard.

At night, it was deserted. He threw me onto the concrete, then dumped a bucket of saltwater straight over my head.

Blood mixed with saltwater, stinging my entire body.

"Wake up, you coward, are you awake?"

"If you're awake, hurry up and write down all of Rhea's preferences for Victor."

"So when Rhea comes tomorrow, those two original fiancés can pick up where they left off."

I shivered uncontrollably, like a heap of broken meat, sprawled on the cold concrete.

I trembled, my voice shaking as I refused.

"Dad, I beg you, just this once. I finally found someone I can spend my life with."

"Don't take her away and give her to Victor."

"Aren't Victor and Jessica happy together? Why can't you just leave me alone?"

My father grew even angrier.

He picked up a plastic ladle from the ground and smashed it against my head.

"You piece of trash, you think you can bargain with me?"

"Victor is the only one in our Miller family who went to college, he deserves the best. You, you just deserve his scraps."

I was locked in the factory's chicken coop.

Victor, toothpick in mouth, looked annoyed.

"This useless guy is surprisingly tough."

He looked at my father, his voice full of complaint.

"Big bro, if this worthless kid won't budge, what if that bitch of a woman is set on him?"

"It's so annoying. I want my things back, why do I have to get this trash's permission?"

Grandpa and Grandma Miller hastened to comfort him, afraid Victor would get too upset.

"It's all yours, it's all yours."

"Don't be angry, my boy."

My father also tried to soothe his brother.

"He's tough-mouthed, but his body isn't.

"Later, I'll contact someone to have him trafficked to the US by tomorrow. When that woman comes tomorrow, tell her directly that Alex Miller beat you up and stole your engagement, all for the Hayes family's money."

"I heard the Hayes family hates liars more than anything."

His shamelessness shocked me.

But I didn't believe Rhea would change her mind about me just because of their words.

The next day, Rhea returned from abroad.

She came straight to the Millers' house, carrying bags full of luxury items.

She saw the living room packed with Miller family members, but I wasn't there.

Victor saw her and greeted her with a look of feigned delight.

"Rhea, I finally see you again."