Cynthia Moore's POV
After Felix finished speaking, he glanced over at me again, taking in my disheveled appearance. However, as our eyes met for a few seconds, I quickly looked away. Yes, despite our countless intimate encounters, once we put our clothes back on, we always became strangers again.
Just then, my half-sister Brittany emerged from somewhere and said, "Felix is right, Dad. No matter how much Cynthia annoys you, she's still your daughter. There's no need to be so harsh. It would look bad if people heard you were mistreating your flesh and blood. Besides, tomorrow is Grandma's 80th birthday, and Felix and I will be getting married soon; it's best to keep things calm..."
That was Brittany, my half-sister from the same father, who fortunately didn't inherit her mother Karen's quarrelsome nature. Brittany always spoke softly and sweetly in public, so well-mannered and gracious. Coupled with her beautiful and delicate face, I felt like an ugly duckling next to her.
I then looked over at Felix. Upon seeing him stand next to Brittany, and her hand climbed his arm. Was I seeing things? Felix seemed impatient. The affectionate scene confirmed again that they were a legitimate couple. Meanwhile, I was nothing more than a bed partner, not even a lover to her fiancé!
Why am I always just the backdrop for Brittany to shine upon? Why is it that even though it was her mother who destroyed my family and caused my mother's death, I'm the one who ends up suffering in the end? Oh, what did I do to deserve this?!
My soul seemed to tremble with injustice, yet I still forced myself to remain calm.
I couldn't let these evil people who hurt me see me in distress!
Ignoring my pain and disarray, I glanced over at Felix and chuckled sarcastically. "Well, well, well, so the renowned Mr. Brooks turns out to be my sister's future husband, huh? What a small world."
Brittany frowned. "You two know each other?"
"Not at all," Felix denied.
I pressed my lips tightly. I just know that I'm just a clown to him at this moment. Perhaps Felix even felt utterly disgusted to be associated with a former bed partner like me, huh?
I sneered inwardly. What did it matter, anyway?
Brittany then pretended to be enthusiastic as she introduced me to Felix, "This is Cynthia Jenkins, my sister. Due to some reasons, she's not living with us right now."
Felix mouth tightened, and he nodded silently.
The pain in my body was now too much for me to linger any longer.
Feeling both heartbroken and sneering, I gritted my teeth and dragged my bruised body out of the villa's courtyard, stumbling through the large iron gate. I hadn't gone far when I suddenly heard Brittany's voice behind me. "Wait!"
"What is it?" I turned around and asked.
Brittany walked up to me, crossed her arms, and smirked disdainfully. "Don't forget to come to my wedding next month on the 25th... my dear sister."
They are getting married!
*****
Afterward, I limped painfully for several minutes before I managed to climb into my car and immediately locked the doors. I slumped in the driver's seat and felt like a wreck. My head was throbbing, my hands aching, my legs sore, my back in pain, and my stomach hurting. Every inch of me was tense and bruised from Mark's punches and kicks, and there was a distinct taste of blood in my mouth.
I then replayed the recent events in my mind and couldn't help but feel a surge of grief. My nose tingled, and tears streamed down my face. The accumulated pain of many years burst forth at that moment. I sat in the car, sobbing uncontrollably, gasping for air.
That night, I drank recklessly at a bar, getting completely wasted. Eventually, I called my cousin Janet Moore to pick me up.
Janet took me to her rented place. By then, I was utterly unconscious. I was a mess, covered in bruises and cuts, smelling like booze. I didn't bother to remove my makeup or take a shower. I just crashed at Janet's for the night, looking rough as hell.
When I woke up the next day, it was already three in the afternoon. I then drove back to my own home.
After I entered the underground parking of my complex and took the elevator up to my 23rd-floor apartment, I fumbled for my keys in a daze. However, just as I was about to insert the key into the lock, I suddenly realized that the door was slightly ajar.
My heart pounded as a chill ran through me. Had someone broken into my home?!
This terrifying thought lasted only a few seconds before I relaxed. My life is already a mess. What else is there to worry about? It's just a thief anyway. If they want to steal, let them. Go ahead and take whatever they want.
Feeling utterly defeated, I pushed the door open heavily, and it banged against the wall. I looked up and caught sight of a man sitting on the sofa. Even in his seated position, his towering stature was unmistakable.
After taking a closer look, I realized it was Felix!
He sat there like a ghost, silently smoking and exhaling clouds of smoke as he relaxed on the sofa. He looked at me through the smoke, one hand pressing hard against his forehead. His muscular arms rested on the back of the couch. His imposing presence nearly made it impossible for me to open my eyes.
This unbelievable scene left me stunned for a moment.
Why is he everywhere? He had just been at Jenkins Villa yesterday, and now he's in my house?! Or maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me?!
Felix pausedhis smoking. Neither of us spoke.
After a long silence, he finally began slowly. "You're back. I've been waiting for you all morning."
My first instinct was to call the police.
I said, "Hello, is this the emergency line? There's a man who has broken into my home, please come and arrest him immediately! Yes, he hasn't left yet; the address is..."
Before I could finish speaking, Felix snatched my phone away and hung up the call.
His towering figure then leaned over me and pinned me down on the sofa. Felix's voice was low as he said, "Fine, call all the police in the city if you want. I don't mind adding another charge to my record, but don't think for a second that I'll let you off the hook."