Chapter 2
1086 Words
Her grandfather raised her after her mother passed away.
Crushed by his wife's death, her father drowned his sorrows in alcohol every day. He eventually fell off a cliff on a rainy day and died.
From then on, her grandfather trained Rowan to be the family's heir.
Rowan still remembered the rough, warm palm of her grandfather resting on her head.
"Rowan, the doctors said your condition is nearly impossible to cure, and it'll leave permanent damage even if it gets better… I won't be around for much longer. If you ever can't go on, call the number I taught you. I've left you a safety net."
Before leaving, the police turned to Rowan. "Someone has submitted evidence proving your innocence, and we've received orders to release you. Do you need a ride home?"
Rowan refused. "This is my home."
She turned and pushed the door open, walking straight toward Miles. Under his stunned gaze, she raised her hand.
Smack—
The sharp sound rang out. Miles's head snapped to the side, a clear hand print blooming on his cheek.
"Miles!"
Zara paled with shock, frantically checking his injury. Her lashes fluttered, a dark glint flashing in her eyes. She turned sharply toward Rowan and snapped angrily, "How dare you hit him? You—"
She never finished her sentence.
Smack—
Rowan landed another crisp slap without hesitation.
This one struck Zara square across the face.
"Ah!"
Zara let out a shrill cry and collapsed to the floor. Her head caught the corner of a table, and blood began to flow instantly.
"Zara!"
Miles's eyes widened in shock. He rushed to cradle her in his arms, gently touching her face to examine the wound.
"Are you alright?"
"It hurts, Miles… my head hurts so bad…" Zara sobbed in his embrace, her face covered in blood. "Don't blame Rowan. I'm the one who got in her way…"
Miles's expression turned ice-cold. He spoke softly to soothe Zara. "Don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you." He then stood, his face dark as he snapped at Rowan. "Apologize!"
"Why?" Rowan pressed her lips tight, her tone frigid. She took a step forward, seemingly ready to strike again.
But before she could move, Miles suddenly lifted his hand and slapped her hard.
The sound was dull and heavy, yet it split Rowan's lip and drew blood.
Sharp pain washed over her. She stumbled back several steps, her lower back slamming into the sharp edge of a cabinet. The sting was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.
Still, she did not crumple to the ground like Zara. Instead, she straightened her spine defiantly and stared right back at him.
She took the blow without a single whimper.
The rage burning in Miles's chest faded when he saw her eyes quietly redden.
"You can't go around hitting people on a whim… or even killing them…" Veins bulged on his forehead, though he forced himself to calm down.
"No matter what I do, you're supposed to stand by me. I'm your wife, not her!" Rowan's voice shook with rising emotion, thick with suppressed sobs.
Miles fell silent for a moment before replying flatly, "Zara has suffered enough. If I don't protect her, she'll have nothing. Besides… I'm doing this for your own good."
For her own good? Was framing her for murder also for her sake?
He looked straight at Rowan, his words cold and final like a verdict. "You're obsessive and overbearing. You've made countless enemies while running the Dye Group these past few years. If you keep this up, you'll end up ruined. Zara is kind-hearted. She can take over the company and clean up all your messes…"
"Rowan, stop this. Have you not only killed your father, but now you want to hurt Zara too?!"
"I never killed anyone!" Rowan shouted hoarsely.
"You still lie even now. The evidence is undeniable—you ordered those murders!" Miles stared at her, filled with disappointment. "Turn back while you still can."
An indescribable, crushing pain surged in her chest, threatening to consume her entirely.
She took a deep breath.
Miles would never believe her. There was nothing left to say.
"Sign the stock transfer agreement and hand the Dye Group over to Zara. We can all live peacefully as a family from now on." Seeing her silence, Miles softened his tone.
Rowan let out a cold, mocking laugh. "A bastard daughter is no family of mine."
Miles immediately rose to defend Zara.
"Do you think she chose to be born out of wedlock? It was your father who forced Zara's mother. She's the real victim here. Because of you, she was locked out of the Dye family, forced to grow up in an orphanage and endure endless bullying. While you, born into wealth and spoiled by everyone. Rowan, you owe Zara everything."
Hiding behind Miles, Zara shot Rowan a triumphant glance upon hearing this. She then clung to Miles's arm, feigning fragility as she whimpered:
"Miles, she looks terrible. I was wrong for trying to take what's hers… Maybe I should just leave?"
"You don't have to go. The Dye family always had a place meant for you, and it's time you take what belongs to you. She's the one who owes you." Miles comforted her gently.
Watching the two of them lean close to one another, Rowan's heart ached like it was being torn apart.
Owe her?
Zara was only a year younger than her. Years ago, Rowan had begged her grandfather to bring Zara home. Yet on her very first day back, Zara had tricked her and locked her in the dark basement.
Rowan had nearly lost her life during one of her episodes. It was only then that her grandfather, enraged, sent Zara away for good.
She owed Zara nothing. And she certainly owed Miles nothing.
Rowan could no longer hold back her fury. Ignoring the throbbing pain spreading through every inch of her body, she stepped toward the cabinet by the entrance that held a vase.
The second she moved, Miles realized her intent. His eyes widened in panic, and he lunged forward to stop her. "No—!"
It was too late.
Click.
Rowan pulled a handgun out from a hidden compartment and aimed it straight at Zara.
Miles tensed up instantly, stepping in front of Zara to shield her.
"I hate betrayal more than anything."
Rowan's finger curled around the trigger, her voice icy cold. "You both deserve to die."
- Writer
