Chapter 3

It was a winter day when I was pushed into the river by some local kids while I was outside washing clothes for my sister.

The river water was bone-chillingly cold. They laughed more and more raucously on the shore:

"Serves you right! Your sister is a slut, always seducing our dads. You're a slut too!"

"Sluts should drown here! Hahaha!"

I frantically waved my arms for help, but they just stood on the shore, coldly watching me.

After what seemed like an eternity, all my strength was exhausted.

I felt my body sinking, the icy river water seeping into my lungs.

At that moment, I found myself oddly reluctant to leave my sister.

If I died, where would she find another slave to beat and scold at will?

Just as my life was about to come to an end, he appeared.

His name was James.

He was a teacher in our town, a full ten years older than me.

With such an age gap, I shouldn't have developed feelings for him.

But having grown up without a father's love, seeing him shivering all over from rescuing me, soaking wet, yet still trying to comfort me...

I couldn't help but fall for him.

He taught me how to read and write, told me about morality and shame.

As I grew older day by day, I always wanted to find the right time to express my feelings.

But now, I would never get that chance.

How did his photo end up here?

It certainly couldn't have been voluntary. There must be some hidden story!

My thoughts were in a complete mess.

Mrs. Wilson put away her phone with a grin:

"Good choice. He's educated and handsome, a perfect husband material."

With that, she waddled off to James's house to announce the good news.

But I rushed there ahead of her. He was sitting in his room, reading a book.

That scholarly appearance, I could never associate him with those ill-fated men.

I stumbled into the room:

"Why did you go to choose my sister's husband! Don't you know her personality and temper? Do you have a death wish?"

Without waiting for his answer, I grabbed his hand and started to pull him out:

"Come on, let's go to my house right now and tell my sister this is all a misunderstanding!"

But before we had taken a few steps, he yanked his hand away:

"What are you going crazy about? Of course I went to choose because I like your sister. What else did you think it was for?"

This was like a bolt from the blue. After all, I had always believed he had feelings for me too.

I thought he just couldn't express it due to the town gossip. Now, how was I supposed to accept that it was all just my one-sided imagination?

My emotions spiraled out of control, and I screamed at him hysterically:

"She kills people! Think about all those men before!"

To my surprise, he just sneered:

"That's because they weren't capable enough, couldn't give your sister what she wanted. I'm different. I'm educated and experienced. Your sister will definitely fall in love with me."

Seeing his confident demeanor, my heart ached.

Forget it, this feeling was just my unrequited love anyway, nothing to be reluctant about.

"Actually, I've been so nice to you all this time for your sister's sake."

Just when I thought I couldn't be more devastated, he dealt me another blow.

I looked at him in shock, but the tenderness that used to be in his eyes had completely vanished, leaving only coldness.

So that's how it was!

In an instant, anger clouded my mind, and I couldn't help but laugh:

"You've been so good to me, and I have no way to repay you. I can only bring you some good news - my sister has chosen to marry you."