The Day the Truth Was Revealed, They All Cried for Me

Ten years. Ten years of being punished for something I didn't do. How much longer was I supposed to survive this? I pressed my forehead against my knees and whispered to myself, “I didn't kill them.” But even after saying it, I could barely hear my own voice anymore. … That night, I curled beneath a torn blanket outside while rain soaked through my clothes. I was freezing, but I didn't cry. I was too tired. Through the window, I saw Cassandra standing in her room and looking straight at me. Then she smiled. I knew that smile. She was proud of herself. After that night, I stopped counting how many times she hurt me. The bruises, the punishments, the hunger, and the lies all started to blend together. I learned to stay quiet, walk carefully, and keep my eyes down because Cassandra didn't need to hit me. She had my brothers for that. Every day, she became someone different. Sometimes, she was the scared little sister who flinched whenever I came near. Sometimes, she was the sweet one who begged Jacob and Noah to forgive me. And sometimes, when nobody was watching, she looked at me with that cold smile. She knew exactly what she was doing. She knew my brothers would believe her. One night, I finally tried to run away. I waited until the whole house was asleep. I didn't pack anything. I didn't take money. I just ran barefoot into the dark because I didn't care where I ended up. I only wanted to get away. But they found me before sunrise. Jacob's guards dragged me back to the mansion by my hair. By the time they brought me in, my feet were bleeding, and Jacob was waiting for me. “You fucking ran away?” I could barely stand. “I just wanted to leave.” “You don't get to leave.” “Please, Jacob. I can't do this anymore.” His face hardened. “You dare run away after everything you've done?” “I didn't kill Mom and Dad!” “You didn't even blink when they died, and now you're suddenly scared?” “It was Cassandra!” I cried. Jacob slapped me across the face. My head spun, and I struggled to stay on my feet. Noah stood nearby, his jaw tight. “You're still going to lie?” “I’m not lying.” “You're a fucking murderer.” “I’m not!” Then Cassandra walked in wearing a white dress, her eyes red and her face covered in perfect tears. “Jacob, Noah, please.” She came toward them, looking like she couldn't bear to see me suffer. “Don't hurt her anymore. She's still our sister.” I stared at her. She was unbelievable. After everything she'd done, she still had the nerve to pretend she cared about me. “She doesn't deserve this,” Cassandra whispered. “She's angry and confused. Please, just let her calm down.” I laughed, and blood filled my mouth. “You're really good at this, Cassandra.” She looked at me innocently. “At what?” “Pretending.” Her eyes flickered before she started crying again. “You think I'm pretending?” “Yes.” I wiped the blood from my lip. “You should become an actress. You'd win a FAMAS award for sure.” Jacob slapped me again, and my cheek burned. Cassandra immediately grabbed Noah's arm. “Please don't hurt her anymore.” She pressed her face against his chest and cried softly. “She doesn't mean it. She's just upset.” Noah wrapped an arm around her. “Stop defending her.” “But she's still our sister.” I stared at them. My brothers. The same brothers who used to carry me on their shoulders, the same brothers who once promised they'd always protect me. Now they were protecting Cassandra from me. They couldn't see me anymore. They only saw the monster she'd created. … Then one day, Cassandra got accepted into a medical school in US. The whole house changed after that. She was leaving to study medicine, and for some reason, my brothers seemed relieved. For the first time in years, the mansion became quiet. Jacob stopped yelling at me, Noah stopped hitting me, and they didn't even bother punishing me anymore. They simply stopped caring. When I walked past them, they looked through me as if I wasn't there. I used to think being ignored would feel better, but it didn't. It was strange because I could finally walk around the house without waiting for someone to scream my name, yet I still felt trapped. Maybe this was what they wanted. For me to disappear without actually leaving. So I started studying in secret. Late at night, when everyone was asleep, I'd sneak into the library and read whatever I could find. There were old textbooks, business books, medical books Cassandra had left behind, and sometimes I even stole papers from Noah's office and copied whatever I didn't understand. I didn't know why I was doing it. Maybe I just needed to prove to myself that I could still think, that I wasn't stupid, and that I wasn't the useless servant they'd turned me into. Somehow, I was good at it. I learned quickly. Numbers made sense to me, as did business, law, medicine, and languages. I could remember things after reading them once or twice. But what was the point? I could learn everything in the world and still be locked inside that house. Where would I go? Who would take me in? I had no money, no documents, and no family left who believed me, so I kept studying. Months passed, and the maids barely noticed me anymore. One morning, I walked past two of them while carrying a basket of laundry. “Poor thing,” one whispered. “She used to be the young miss of this house.” The other glanced at me before adding, “Now look at her. She can't even raise her head when the masters walk by.” A third maid quietly joined them. “If I were her, I'd run away and never come back.” I kept walking. I wished I could. I wished I could disappear somewhere no one knew my name. Then, one evening, the entire mansion suddenly became busy. People were cleaning everything, the dining hall was being prepared, the silverware was changed twice, and even the guards were standing straighter than usual. I was carrying glasses when I heard one of the maids whisper, “The Murray Syndicate is partnering with the Castilliano Corporation.” “Seriously? That's huge,” another maid replied. “Of course it is. The Castilliano Empire isn't just some ordinary company.” I slowed down as I listened. “The heir is coming tonight.” “Victor Castilliano?” She nodded. “Victor Castilliano. The Don of Castilliano Blood.” My fingers tightened around the glasses. I'd heard his name before. Everyone had. Victor Castilliano was a billionaire, a mafia don, and the president of the Castilliano Empire. People said he was dangerous, cold, and ruthless, the kind of man who didn't need to raise his voice to make people afraid. Some even whispered that he'd destroyed companies simply because their owners crossed him. That night, even the guards looked nervous. Jacob found me before dinner and said, “You're serving tonight. Stay where you're supposed to be, and don't talk unless someone speaks to you.” “Yes, sir.” His eyes narrowed. “And don't embarrass us. I won't tolerate any fucking mistakes in front of the Castillianos.” “I understand.” Noah walked past us and added, “Keep your head down, Larisse. Nobody invited you to sit at the table.” I lowered my eyes. “I know.” A few minutes later, the doors opened. Everyone went silent. Victor Castilliano walked in first. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a black suit that made him look even more intimidating. He didn't smile or greet anyone warmly. He simply walked into the room with the kind of confidence that made everyone move out of his way. His dark eyes swept across the room.

Jacob stepped forward and said, “Don Castilliano, it's an honor to have you here. I hope tonight is the beginning of a very profitable partnership between our organization.” Victor looked at him. “We'll see about that.” His voice was deep and calm. Noah gave a laugh. “Come on, Don We're not here to waste your time. Let's talk numbers and get this deal moving.” Victor glanced at him. “I don't rush business.” Noah's smile faded a little. “Of course.” I stayed near the wall, holding the wine bottle. I didn't belong at that table. I knew that. Then Jacob looked at me. “Larisse. Wine.” I immediately walked over. My hands were shaking as I approached the table. Please don't spill it. I reached Victor first. “Your wine, sir.” I tilted the bottle carefully. Then he looked up. Our eyes met. I froze. He didn't look annoyed. He didn't look disgusted. He didn't look at me the way my brothers did. He looked at me. Really looked at me. My breath caught. Why was he staring at me like that? I quickly lowered my eyes and moved to the next glass, but before I could step away, I heard Noah laugh. “Don't mind her, Don. Castilliano. She's just one of our servants.” My face burned. I waited for Victor to agree. Instead, there was silence. I glanced up. His eyes were still on me. Then he looked at Noah. “She has a name.” Noah's smile disappeared. Victor turned back to me. “What's your name?” My lips parted. “Larisse.” He repeated it quietly. “Larisse.” … Weeks went by after that dinner. Victor Castilliano kept coming to the mansion for meetings with Jacob and Noah. He never spoke to me and barely looked my way, but sometimes, when I was serving dinner or passing through the room, I could feel his eyes following me. His gaze was quiet and careful, and I never knew what he was thinking. Jacob always looked tense whenever Victor was around. Noah was even more uncomfortable. Neither of them liked having him in the mansion, and I could see it in the way they watched him, careful not to say anything that might offend him. One afternoon, Jacob ordered me to stay in the kitchen while they had another meeting. I was washing glasses when I heard Victor's voice through the slightly open door. “I want Larisse.” My hands stopped, and the glass nearly slipped from my fingers. He wants me? Why? Noah's voice came next, and I could hear the anger he was trying to control. “You can't be serious Don. She's a servant. She's a murderer who killed our parents, and you're telling us you want her?” Victor's voice remained calm. “I've made my decision.” “You're willing to take her into your house after what she did?” Noah asked. “She'll come with me.” There was a long silence. Then Noah spoke again. “I don't agree with this.” “That's your choice,” Victor replied. Jacob finally spoke, his voice more careful. “Don Larisse has been part of this family for years. Whatever happened between her and our parents, taking her away isn't something we can simply agree to.” Victor was silent for several seconds. Then he said, “You'll receive the five billion-dollar contract if you agree.” The kitchen went completely silent. I stopped breathing. A billion dollars? For me? I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Jacob didn't answer immediately. I could imagine him looking at Noah, both of them realizing what Victor was offering. Finally, Jacob said, “That's a very large offer.” “It's not an offer,” Victor replied. “It's my condition.” Noah's voice became tense. “You can't just buy her.” Victor answered without raising his voice. “I'm not buying her. I'm giving you a reason to let her go.” Another silence followed. I heard Jacob breathe slowly before he finally said, “Fine. If that's your condition, we'll agree. Take her.” Noah immediately objected. “Jacob, you can't be serious.” Jacob lowered his voice. “Do you want to reject Don Viktor?” Noah fell silent. Neither of them wanted this. But they were afraid of what would happen if they refused. A few minutes later, Jacob called for me. I walked into the living room with my head lowered. Jacob didn't look at me when he said, “Pack your things. You're leaving with Don Viktor.” I blinked. “Leaving?” “Yes. Tonight.” I looked between him and Noah. “Why?” Noah stepped closer, his expression hard. “Don't ask questions.” “I don't understand.” “You don't need to understand,” he said. “Just behave yourself around Victor. Don't embarrass us, don't cause trouble, and don't make him regret taking you.” His words sounded less like an order and more like a warning. “I won't cause trouble,” I said quietly. Noah stared at me for a moment before looking away. I went upstairs. My room was still the same small, miserable place I'd lived in for years. I opened the closet and stared at what little I had. Three sets of clothes, most of them old and worn out. No jewelry, no perfume, no proper shoes, and nothing that made me look like I belonged anywhere. I put everything into a small bag. My hands wouldn't stop shaking. What would happen to me now? I didn't know. Before leaving, I looked around the room one last time. The cracked walls, the broken lamp, and the thin blanket were all I had known for ten years. This was where I'd spent my life being punished for something I never did. I thought I should feel sad. Instead, I felt empty. I picked up my bag and walked out. ... The drive to Victor's mansion was quiet. I sat beside him with my hands folded tightly in my lap while he watched the road. Every now and then, I caught his reflection in the window. He was watching me. I quickly looked away. I still couldn't understand why he wanted me. What could a man like him possibly see in someone like me? Victor was the Don of Castilliano Blood, a billionaire, and the president of the Castilliano Empire. Men feared him, yet he had offered a billion-dollar contract just to take me away. When the car finally stopped, I looked outside. His mansion was huge. Everything was clean and quiet, and the lights were warm. There were guards outside, but nobody shouted at me. Nobody called me a murderer. Nobody ordered me around. I stepped inside slowly, waiting for someone to tell me what I'd done wrong. No one did. Victor noticed me looking around. “This is your home now.” I stared at him. He stepped closer. “No one here will hurt you.” Something inside me broke. I started crying. I tried to stop, but the tears kept coming. I didn't even know what I was crying about. Maybe it was fear. Maybe it was relief. Maybe I'd simply forgotten what it felt like to hear someone promise that I was safe. Victor stood in front of me. “Larisse.” I looked up. He reached out and pulled me against his chest. I froze at first, then slowly grabbed his coat. He was warm and steady, nothing like the cold rooms I'd grown used to. I closed my eyes, and for once, I didn't feel like I had to protect myself. His voice was low beside my ear. “Would you believe me if I told you I fell in love with you?” My heart hurt. I wanted to believe him. God, I wanted to. After ten years of being hated, I wanted someone to love me. So I nodded. Victor lifted my chin and kissed me. It was gentle at first, and I didn't pull away. When the kiss deepened, I held onto him as if he were the only safe thing I'd ever known. That night, I gave myself to him. I thought I'd finally found love. I thought I'd finally escaped. I thought the cage was gone. I was wrong. I hadn't escaped a cage. I'd only walked into a different one. … Moving into Victor's mansion felt unreal. I had the biggest bedroom in the house. The bed was softer than anything I'd ever slept on, the sheets were clean and smooth, and the closet was filled with clothes in my size. There were shoes lined up neatly on the shelves, bags I was afraid to touch, and jewelry that cost more than anything I'd ever owned. Every morning, someone brought breakfast to my room. Every night, Victor came home with something for me. A dress, a necklace, a new pair of shoes. Anything I looked at for more than a few seconds somehow ended up being mine. But there was one thing he never gave me. Freedom. He never took me outside. Not once. There were no dinners with him, no parties, and no walks around the city. I stayed inside the mansion while he came and went whenever he wanted. One night, I finally gathered enough courage to ask, “Can I go with you next time? I don't want to stay here alone all the time.”

Victor looked at me for a long moment before smiling and stepping closer. Instead of answering, he kissed me. That was his answer. I didn't ask again. I told myself I was being ungrateful. After everything I'd been through, this was already more than I'd ever had. I had a beautiful room, expensive clothes, servants who brought me whatever I needed, and a man who told me he loved me. I loved him too. He said I was his. Wasn't that enough? The staff hardly spoke to me. Whenever I entered a room, they bowed and quietly walked away. Some gave me polite smiles, but nobody ever tried to talk to me. I pretended it didn't bother me, even though the silence often made the mansion feel more like a prison. At night, Victor would hold me against his chest, run his fingers through my hair, and stay quiet. One night, he whispered, “I'll marry you someday, Larisse. When the time is right, I'll make you my wife, and you'll never have to worry about being alone again.” I believed him. I believed every word because, for the first time in years, I felt safe beside someone. I thought I'd finally found a home, somewhere I belonged. When Victor left for US, he kissed my forehead before getting into his car. “Wait for me, Larisse. I'll be back soon.” “I will,” I promised. He left. And I waited. One day became several, and several became weeks. There were no calls and no messages, but I kept telling myself he was busy and that he would return when he could. Then one morning, I was carrying the breakfast tray back toward the kitchen when I heard two maids talking near the hallway. “I heard Don Castilliano's fiancée is studying medicine in US,” one of them whispered. The other sounded surprised. “His fiancée? What about Larisse? I thought she was the one he was going to marry.” A quiet laugh followed. “You actually believed that? She's just his bed warmer.” I stopped walking. My fingers tightened around the tray as their words sank in. I couldn't move for several seconds. Bed warmer? Was that all I was? I carried the tray back to my room and closed the door behind me before finally breaking down. I cried until my head hurt and my eyes burned, unable to stop thinking about everything Victor had told me. He'd said he'd marry me. He'd told me I was safe. So why did he have another fiancée? Why had nobody told me? The next morning, I woke up feeling sick. The smell of food made my stomach turn, and when I stood up, the room spun around me. One of the maids noticed me holding onto the wall and immediately became concerned. “Miss Larisse, you don't look well. You should see a doctor before it gets worse.” I didn't argue. I went alone. My hands were shaking the entire way. After the examination, the doctor smiled at me and said, “Congratulations. You're four months pregnant. You and the baby appear to be doing well.” I stared at her. Pregnant. I was pregnant with Victor's child. My heart started beating so fast that I could barely breathe. I pressed the test results against my chest as tears filled my eyes. “He'll be happy,” I whispered with a smile. “I know he will.” This could change everything. Victor might finally take me outside and introduce me to the world. He might even make me his wife just as he'd promised. I thanked the doctor and hurried back to the mansion, holding the report carefully in my hands. But the moment I stepped inside, I heard a familiar voice. Victor. He was home. My heart jumped. I forgot about everything else and ran toward the living room, smiling before I even reached the door. “Victor, you're back!” Then I heard a woman's laugh. I stopped. I knew that laugh. No. It couldn't be... I pushed the door open, and my entire body went cold. Cassandra was sitting on Victor's lap. Her arms were around his neck, and she was kissing him while his hands rested on her waist. The pregnancy report nearly slipped from my fingers. They both looked toward me. Victor's face showed nothing. No surprise. No guilt. Nothing. He looked at me as if I were a stranger who had simply walked into the wrong room. Cassandra blinked before putting on a surprised expression. “Larisse? What are you doing here?” I stared at her, unable to understand what I was seeing. “Why are you here, Cassandra? You told me you were studying medicine in US.” She gave a small laugh as she slowly stood up and smoothed her dress. “You're really asking me that? After living in this mansion for so long, you still don't understand who I am to Victor?” Then she lifted her left hand. A huge diamond ring caught the light. My eyes stayed on it. Cassandra stepped closer and held it right in front of my face, her smile widening as she watched the realization spread across my expression. “I'm Victor Castilliano's fiancée,” she said softly. “Did you really think you were the woman he was going to marry?” My whole body went cold. The room seemed to spin around me, and for a second, I couldn't even breathe. No. This couldn't be real. I turned to Victor, my lips trembling. “T-tell me she's lying. Please, Victor. Just tell me she made it all up.” He didn't answer. He didn't even look at me. He stood there with his jaw tight, his face cold and unreadable. His silence hurt more than any words could've. Cassandra stepped closer, her expensive perfume filling the room. She looked at me with disgust before turning to Victor. “Babe, why is that Murray slave here?” she asked sweetly, as if I wasn't standing right in front of her. “Did you forget what I told you? She's the reason my mom and dad are dead. Jacob and Noah hate her for killing them, and they kept her locked up for years because of what she did.” She grabbed Victor's arm and leaned against him. “And now you've brought her into our home? You're hurting me, Victor. I trusted you, and you're letting the woman who destroyed my family stay here.” My throat tightened. I wanted to scream that she was lying. I wanted to tell him everything. But I was so used to being blamed, beaten, and silenced that the words got stuck in my throat. Victor finally sighed. His voice was cold when he spoke. “Cassandra, listen to me. I didn't bring Larisse here because I love her. She's only here to warm my bed. That's all she is to me.” I stared at him. “Bed... warmer?” My knees nearly gave out.

So that was all I was? The maid's words came rushing back to me. Just a bed warmer. The man I thought had saved me was no different from the people who had hurt me. He'd promised me safety. He'd held me in his arms and told me I'd have a future with him. I believed every word. Cassandra tilted her head and gave a small smile. “Oh, I understand. You're a man, Victor, and you have needs. I won't blame you for that, but don't expect me to accept her as anything more than what she is.” She walked toward him, grabbed his collar, and pulled him down into a long kiss. Right in front of me. I couldn't move. I couldn't look away either. My chest felt like it was being crushed while Cassandra held him close, making sure I saw every second of it. When she finally pulled away, she looked at me. The sweetness disappeared from her face. “You bitch,” she spat. Her palm struck my cheek. SLAP! The sound rang through the room. I stumbled sideways and grabbed my face. My cheek burned, but I barely felt the pain compared to what was happening inside me. “Of all the people in this world, why did it have to be you?” Cassandra screamed. “You already took everything from me, and now you want my man too? How shameless can you be?” Tears filled my eyes. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Cassandra raised her hand again. This time, Victor caught her wrist. “Enough.” His voice was low and dangerous. Cassandra glared at him. “She deserves it, Victor. She's been playing innocent for years, and you're still protecting her.” Victor tightened his grip before letting go. “Don't test my patience, Cassandra. I said enough.” Then he looked at me. There was no warmth in his eyes. “Larisse, go upstairs. Stay in your room until I call for you. Don't come down without my permission.” I lowered my head. “Yes.” That was all I could say. I walked upstairs with my hand pressed against my cheek. My legs felt weak, and every step made my chest hurt more. When I reached my room, I closed the door and leaned against it. I slowly sat on the edge of the bed. My hands were shaking so badly that I could barely pull the folded paper from my pocket. The sonogram. I stared at the tiny image through blurry eyes. “Our baby,” I whispered. A broken sob escaped my lips. I pressed the paper against my chest and cried. I cried until my throat hurt and my body became weak. I cried until there was nothing left inside me except pain. Downstairs, I could hear Cassandra's voice. Then her crying. I knew what she was doing. She was probably in Victor's arms again, pretending to be hurt because of me. And he was probably comforting her. Just like everyone else always had. … That night, I learned that even when someone gives you a beautiful room, expensive clothes, and promises of a future, you can still be trapped. The next morning, I woke with swollen eyes and a heavy ache in my chest. Sunlight came through the curtains, making the room look normal. Then I saw her. Cassandra was sitting on the couch like she owned the room.Her legs were crossed, and there was a smug smile on her face. Something was between her fingers. It took me a moment to recognize it. My heart dropped. My sonogram. Cassandra twirled it between her fingers and looked at me. “So,” she said with a quiet laugh, “you're pregnant, hmm?” I froze, feeling as if my heart had stopped beating. “Give it back,” I whispered, staring at the sonogram in Cassandra's hand. Cassandra smiled. “Not yet. I want you to hear something first. Trust me, Larisse, you'll enjoy this story.” “I said give it back.” She ignored me and leaned against the couch, turning the paper between her fingers. There was something ugly in her eyes, something that made my stomach twist. “You always thought you were better than me, didn't you?” she asked. “You had Mom and Dad's love, the nice clothes, the big room, everything. Even when we were children, you were always the one everyone chose.” I lowered my eyes because I didn't want to listen, but Cassandra wasn't going to stop. “You want to know how I became Victor's fiancée?” she continued with a smile. “I'll tell you because you should know exactly how easily I took him from you.” My fingers curled against my palms as she slowly walked around the room, enjoying every second of my silence. “Four weeks ago, Noah and Jacob told me Victor had taken you away. They said you were living in his mansion and that he was protecting you. Can you imagine how angry I was?” She laughed softly. “You had everything again. Even after all these years, you still had someone willing to take care of you.” She stopped in front of me. “So I decided I was done watching you get everything.” My throat tightened as Cassandra's smile grew wider. “Noah told me Victor was going to US for business. I begged him to introduce us, and I made sure I looked perfect when I met Victor. I wore white silk, cried a little, and acted like I was some helpless woman who needed a strong man to protect her.” She giggled. “Men are so easy when they think they're someone's hero.” I stared at the floor while she spoke, unable to hide the pride in her voice. “I studied medicine in US, remember? I knew exactly how to make a situation look real. So when Noah arranged the shooting, I knew what to do.” My head snapped up. “What shooting?” Cassandra laughed. “The one that made Victor fall for me.” She came closer, her eyes shining with satisfaction. “Noah hired men to stage the whole thing. There were guns, screaming, and fake blood everywhere. I made sure Victor saw me trying to protect him. I even let myself fall and covered myself in blood.” Her smile widened. “Victor believed every second of it.” I couldn't breathe. “He carried me to the hospital himself,” she continued. “He stayed beside my bed all night and refused to leave until the doctors said I was safe. When I woke up, he looked at me as if I were the only woman in the world.” She touched the diamond ring on her finger. “He told me I saved his life. He said he owed me everything, and I knew I'd finally gotten what I wanted.” She crouched in front of me. “So I told him exactly what I wanted.” Her smile turned cruel. “I told him I wanted him. I wanted to be his woman, his fiancée, and the woman standing beside him for the rest of his life.” I stared at her, my mind numb. She lifted her hand and showed me the ring again. “And he gave me this. He promised me the world because he thought I'd taken a bullet for him.” She laughed under her breath. “Guilt is such a useful thing, Larisse. Sometimes it's even better than love.” Something inside me broke. A laugh slipped out, quiet at first, then louder until tears rolled down my face. I covered my mouth, but I couldn't stop. Cassandra frowned. “What the hell are you laughing at?” I wiped my cheeks. “So that's it?” I asked, still laughing weakly. “Fake blood, hired men, and a little acting? That's all it took for you to get him?” Her face darkened. “Don't laugh at me.” “I can't help it.” My voice cracked. “You worked so hard for a man who doesn't even love you.” Her eyes narrowed. I looked at the ring on her finger. “You can have him, Cassandra. I don't want him anymore.” For a moment, she said nothing. Then her anger disappeared, and that scared me more. Her expression became calm again, almost sweet, but I knew her too well. That wasn't kindness. It was the look she wore whenever she was about to hurt me. I slowly stood. “What are you planning?” She stepped closer. “You're pregnant. I'm Victor's fiancée, and I'm the woman who supposedly saved his life.” Her smile returned. “Let's find out who he'll choose when he has to save one of us.” My stomach dropped. Before I could move, Cassandra grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the window. “Let go of me, Cassandra!”

She tightened her grip and dragged my body closer to the open window. Below us was the mansion's enormous swimming pool, its blue water several floors beneath us. “What are you doing?” I struggled against her. “Let go of me!” Cassandra suddenly screamed at the top of her lungs. “Larisse, stop! You're going to kill me!” “What are you talking about? You're the one pulling me!” She didn't answer. Instead, she yanked my hand with all her strength and threw her body backward. I lost my balance at the same time. For one terrifying second, we were both falling. Cassandra screamed. I screamed too. Then we hit the water with a violent splash. Cold water swallowed me instantly. I sank beneath the surface, choking as panic tore through me. I didn't know how to swim. I kicked desperately, but my body only sank deeper. “Help!” she screamed the moment she broke through the water. “Victor! Help me! Larisse pulled me! She tried to drag me down and kill me!” I couldn't hear anything clearly beneath the water. My lungs burned as I fought to stay conscious. Then I saw someone dive into the pool. Victor. He reached Cassandra first. He pulled her from the water and lifted her into his arms while she clung to him, crying uncontrollably. “Victor,” she sobbed. “She pulled me to the window. She wanted us both dead. I tried to stop her, but she dragged me down with her.” Victor's face changed instantly. Rage filled his eyes as he looked toward the water. “Where is Larisse?” Cassandra pointed weakly toward the pool. “She's still down there.” Victor looked at the water, then shouted, “Find her!” Several of his men jumped in immediately. I was barely conscious by then. My arms felt heavy, and my lungs were screaming for air. I tried to fight my way upward, but my strength was gone. Then strong hands grabbed me and pulled me toward the surface. I broke through the water and coughed violently, barely able to breathe. Someone dragged me toward the edge while another man pulled me from the pool. My vision blurred. I heard Victor shouting somewhere nearby, Cassandra crying in his arms, and his men calling for a doctor. I wanted to tell him the truth. I wanted him to know Cassandra had done this. But I couldn't speak. My eyes slowly closed as darkness swallowed everything. The last thing I felt was someone carrying me away from the pool. Then everything went black. When I opened my eyes, all I could see was a white ceiling. The sharp smell of medicine filled my nose. My throat was dry, and swallowing hurt. When I looked down, I saw a thick bandage wrapped around my stomach. I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my body and forced me back against the pillow. The door opened. Victor walked in. His face was hard, and there wasn't even a little warmth in his eyes. “Is this how you repay me?” he asked, his voice low and controlled. “I took you away from that hell. I gave you a place to live, clothes, food, everything you could've wanted, and this is how you repay me?!” I stared at him, confused and scared. “W-what are you talking about?” He came closer and folded his arms. “Don't act innocent, Larisse. You tried to kill Cassandra. She saved my life once, and she took a bullet meant for me. Then you pushed her through the window and nearly drowned her in the pool.” My eyes widened. “No, Victor. I didn't push her. Cassandra grabbed me first and I was only trying to get away from her.” “Enough.” His voice suddenly became harder. “You always have an excuse. Every time something happens, you cry, point at Cassandra, and make yourself look like the victim. I'm fucking tired of it.” Tears slipped down my cheeks. “Please, just listen to me. She lied about me before, and she's doing it again. I swear I didn't hurt her.” Victor stared at me for a long moment. Then someone knocked. A nurse slowly opened the door. “Don, Miss Cassandra just woke up. She's still crying and asking for you. The doctor said she's frightened and keeps calling your name.” Victor's jaw tightened. He looked at me one last time. His eyes were so cold that I felt my chest ache. “Save your lies for later,” he said. “I'll deal with you when I'm done with her.” Then he turned and walked out. The door closed behind him. I stared at it, tears running down my face. He didn't believe me. Again. I lowered my eyes to my stomach and placed my trembling hand over the bandage. “Don't worry, baby,” I whispered. “We'll leave this place. I'll protect you somehow. I promise.” I couldn't stay here. I reached toward the IV in my hand and slowly tried to pull it out but before I could touch it, the door suddenly burst open. Jacob and Noah stormed into the room. The twins looked furious. Jacob reached me first. His palm cracked across my face so hard that my head snapped to the side. SLAP! “How fucking dare you, Larisse?” he shouted. “How dare you put your hands on Cassandra after everything she's done for this family?” My cheek burned. “I didn't,” I whispered. Noah stepped closer, his eyes filled with rage. “Don't fucking lie to us again. You killed Mom and Dad, and somehow that still wasn't enough for you? Now you've gone after Cassandra too?” I shook my head desperately. “No. She was the one who attacked me. She pushed me toward the window, and I was only trying to get away.” Noah laughed bitterly. “She did what?” His voice rose. “You've been saying the same shit for years. Cassandra lies, Cassandra frames you, Cassandra hurts you. Every time something happens, she's somehow guilty and you're the innocent one.” “She is lying!” I cried. “Please, Noah, you have to believe me. She planned everything because she wanted Victor, and she—” “Shut the fuck up!” Jacob grabbed the metal tray beside my bed and threw it onto the floor. The cup and glass shattered, and water spread across the tiles. “You really think anyone's going to believe you over Cassandra?” he snarled. “She's the one who stayed with us after Mom and Dad died. She's the one who helped this family survive while you did nothing but cause trouble.” I covered my mouth, trying to stop myself from sobbing. Jacob leaned closer. “You're nothing but a fucking stain on this family, Larisse. Mom and Dad are dead, and instead of being grateful that we kept you alive, you keep hurting the people we love.” My whole body trembled. “I never killed them,” I whispered. Noah grabbed my chin and forced my face toward him. His grip hurt. “You've had ten years to tell your story, and nobody believes a word of it,” he said coldly. “So stop begging us to believe you, because we're done listening.” I cried harder. Jacob stepped back and looked at me with pure disgust. “Don't expect us to save you this time. You're on your own.” They turned toward the door. Before leaving, Noah looked back at me. “You'll pay for what you did, Larisse. Even if Victor decides to forgive you, we won't.” The door slammed shut. … That night, I pulled the tape from my skin with shaking fingers. It made a soft tearing sound, and I bit my lip hard when I pulled the IV needle free. Pain shot through my arm, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get out. I slowly lowered my legs from the bed. My body felt weak and cold, and my stomach still hurt whenever I moved. Holding onto the wall, I forced myself toward the door. I was almost there when it suddenly flew open. Victor stood in the doorway, his face red with anger and his eyes filled with something that made me freeze. “So you're trying to escape now? After everything you've done, you still think you can just walk away from this?”

I stepped back. “Victor, please. I just want to leave!” “Shut up!” His voice shook the room. “Do you even understand what you did to her? Cassandra tried to kill herself because she's terrified of you! She's losing blood right now, and she could fucking die because of what you did!” My lips trembled. Victor crossed the room in a few steps and grabbed my arm so hard that I gasped. “You'll give her your blood.” I stared at him. “What?” “You heard me. You're both RH-negative. She needs blood, and you're going to give it to her.” I tried pulling away. “No, please. I can't give blood.” “You owe her!” He shoved me against the wall and grabbed my throat. I gasped, my hands flying to his wrist as his fingers tightened around my neck. “Victor... please!” “I bought you from your brothers,” he said through clenched teeth. “I knew exactly what everyone said about you. I knew they called you a murderer, and I still took you away from them. I gave you a home, clothes, food, everything you didn't have before.” His face was inches from mine. “I let you sleep in my bed. I let you touch me. I gave you everything, and now you're acting as if you're too fucking good to help the woman who saved my life?” Tears rolled down my cheeks. “I'm not trying to hurt her. Please, Victor, you're hurting me.” He released my throat but kept his hand around my arm. “You should be grateful. Do you have any idea how many women would beg for the place you had? You got to sleep beside me, touch me, and live under my roof. I chose you, Larisse.” His eyes filled with disgust. “And now I can't even stand looking at you! Now give her your blood.” My heart broke as I looked down at my stomach. I couldn't hide it anymore. “I can't give her blood,” I whispered. “I'm pregnant.” Victor went completely still. For a moment, something flashed across his face before he laughed coldly. “Pregnant? You really expect me to believe that shit?” “It's true!” I cried. “It's your baby. I found out before you came home, and I was going to tell you.” He stared at me. “You'll say anything when you're scared.” “I'm not lying!” I grabbed his sleeve with trembling fingers. “Please. Don't make me do this. If you take my blood, you could hurt my baby.” Victor yanked my arm away. “Enough! You're giving Cassandra your blood whether you want to or not. I don't give a damn about your excuses anymore.” He dragged me from the room while my bare feet scraped against the floor. When we reached the nurse's station, several nurses turned toward us. “Take her blood,” Victor ordered. One nurse looked at my pale face. “Sir, she's weak. We should check her condition first.” Victor slammed his hand against the counter. “I said take her blood! I don't care how much blood you have to take. She'll pay for what she did.” “Sir, if she's really pregnant, we need to—” Noah stepped forward. “Just fucking do it. She owes our sister her life, and we're done hearing her excuses.” Jacob glared at me. “Stop wasting everyone's time. Take the blood and get it over with. Cassandra needs it more than you do.” I shook my head desperately. “Noah, Jacob, I'm pregnant. It's your nephew or niece. Please, just listen to me once.” “You've lied enough,” Noah said. Jacob looked away. “Hold her down.” The nurses hesitated, but the men around me followed the order and forced me onto the bed. “Please! Don't do this! I'm pregnant! You'll hurt my baby!” Nobody listened. A nurse inserted the needle into my arm, and I cried out as I turned my head away. I watched the blood slowly fill the bag, my blood being taken from me for Cassandra. My fingers went numb, and the room began to spin. “Please...” I whispered weakly. “Someone... please help my baby.” No one came. My vision blurred as the voices around me became distant and my body grew colder. I'd begged Victor. I'd begged my brothers. I'd begged the people who were supposed to help me. Nobody cared. So I made one decision while I still had enough strength to think. After this, I wouldn't let them hurt me anymore. I wouldn't let Cassandra win again. I whispered so quietly that no one heard me. “After this... I'll end it all.” Then everything went dark. … When I woke up again, the room was quiet. My body felt completely drained. My arms were weak, my breathing was shallow, and I couldn't feel anything inside my stomach anymore. The nurse stood beside my bed, her face filled with sadness. “Miss Larisse, Cassandra survived. She's stable now, so the doctors don't think she's in danger anymore.” I slowly turned my head toward her. “Did... did Victor come?” She looked down. “No. Don. Castilliano hasn't come back.” I nodded. Of course he hadn't. Why would he? My hand slowly moved to my stomach, and the silence inside it made my heart beat faster. “Where's my baby?” The nurse froze before her eyes filled with pity. “I'll get the doctor.” A few minutes later, the doctor entered and stood beside my bed without looking directly at me. I already knew something was wrong. “Doctor... where's my baby?” He took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, Larisse. We tried, but we couldn't save your baby.” I stared at him, unable to understand his words at first. Then it hit me. My baby was gone. I looked down at my stomach and forced a small smile even though tears were already filling my eyes. “So that's it,” I whispered. “My baby died because they took my blood for her.” The doctor stayed silent. A weak laugh escaped me before turning into a sob. “My baby didn't even get a chance to live.” He lowered his head. “I'm truly sorry.” Then he left, leaving the room quiet again. I lay there staring at the ceiling. My baby was gone. Victor didn't come. My brothers didn't come. Cassandra survived. She got everything, while I lost the only thing I still had. That night, I got out of bed. My legs were so weak that I nearly fell, but I caught the edge of the table and forced myself to stand. I didn't bother looking for shoes or a coat. I walked out wearing only the thin hospital gown, and nobody stopped me. Maybe nobody even noticed. Outside, the rain was pouring. It soaked my hair and clothes within seconds, but I kept walking. I didn't know where I was going at first. I just wanted somewhere far away from that hospital, from Victor, from my brothers, and from Cassandra. Eventually, I reached a bridge and stopped near the railing. The water below was dark and moving fast. My hands shook as I held the cold metal and looked up at the sky. “Mom... Dad...” My voice cracked. “I'm so tired. I tried, okay? I really tried. I tried to be good and make everyone happy, but nothing I did was ever enough.” The rain ran down my face, mixing with my tears. “My brothers hate me. They still think I killed you. Victor said he loved me, but he only wanted me when I was useful.” My hand moved to my stomach. “My baby is gone too. They took everything from me.” A sob escaped my throat as I closed my eyes. “Can I just rest now?” The question stayed in my head, but I had no answer. I only knew I couldn't keep living this way. I thought about Victor, the way he'd once held me and the promises he'd made. “Goodbye, Victor. You hurt me more than anyone, but some stupid part of me still loved you. I don't even understand why. Maybe I loved you because I never knew what real love was supposed to feel like.” Then I thought of Noah and Jacob. “Goodbye, Noah. Goodbye, Jacob. I hope someday you remember that I was your sister before you decided I was a murderer, before I became someone you were ashamed of.” I looked down at the water again. “You'll wake up tomorrow, and everything will keep going. Cassandra will still be there. Your businesses will still be there. Your lives will go on, and nobody will even notice that I'm gone.” Lightning flashed across the sky as I pressed my palm against my stomach one last time. “My baby, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. I wanted to be your mother. I wanted to see your face, hold you, and give you the life I never had.” My knees trembled. “I'm sorry.” The rain kept falling as I slowly stepped toward the edge. “I don't want to hurt anymore.” I held my breath as the wind pushed against me. “Mom, Dad... if there's really a place where I can be with you again, please let me come home.” I looked at the dark water below and whispered, “Baby, wait for Mama.” Then I stepped forward. My foot slipped beyond the edge, and for one second, I felt weightless. Then I fell. Cold water closed over me, and everything around me disappeared into darkness.