Chapter 5 Not Anymore
995 Words
The slap left Elena's cheek stinging.
Apparently, Bigail didn't restrain his strength.
It was almost laughable. These so-called family members of hers... were no better than strangers.
Before she could catch her breath, Bigail's cold voice echoed through the room. "Go to Elena's room and take all her communication devices."
Elena pressed her hand to her cheek, stunned. Just as she moved to stop the servants, Dylan yanked her down onto the couch.
"Sit still. Mr. Smith belongs to Angelina. Don't even think about it!" he spat.
Reela's glare pierced her, filled with venom. "Always competing with your sister for everything. I should've never given birth to you, you wretched creature!"
The look in her mother's eyes brought a strange clarity to Elena, like a slap in the face that finally woke her up.
Indeed.
This family had no room left for her.
She turned to Angelina, who was dabbing at her eyes in fake tears, and sneered. "Angelina, are you really that pathetic? Acting like this for years—aren't you tired? Your performance is Oscar-worthy. Ever thought about becoming a movie star?"
Angelina blinked, confused.
Without another word, Elena strode over and slapped her hard across the face.
The slap rang out, and Elena gave her hand a little shake.
That felt so good!
"What's wrong, Angelina? You seem to enjoy watching me get slapped. I want to see you get slapped as well. Since they're all reluctant to hit you, I might do it myself."
Before anyone could react, Elena's hand came down again, landing another slap on the other side of Angelina's face.
Watching those perfect, symmetrical handprints, she felt utterly satisfied.
The shock on the faces of her family members was priceless, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Just as they rushed toward her, Elena grabbed a nearby fruit knife and held it to Angelina's throat.
"Stop, or we'll both go down together!" she warned.
Angelina was indeed the precious treasure they all adored, and the three backed down without another word.
Meanwhile, the treasure herself was too frightened to cry.
Her body stiff, Angelina stared at Elena in terror. "Elena... I'm sorry... this is all my fault... please, calm down."
The pitiful act might have once fooled her, but Elena only felt contempt now.
So, Angelina could feel fear.
Bigail's voice rang out, icy and filled with malice. "Elena, if you dare harm her, I'll make sure you live to regret it."
She could tell Bigail would rather see his own daughter dead if it meant protecting this adopted girl.
The irony was almost too much.
Fortunately, she no longer had feelings for her so-called family.
Elena pressed the blade closer to Angelina's neck.
"Bring me my phone, computer, bank cards, driver's license, and ID—everything. And I mean, intact," she said.
"Otherwise, I'll make sure her pretty face is ruined, and she'll lose one of those precious hands."
Dylan glared at her, his fury barely contained. "Elena, if you harm her, I swear I'll kill you!"
Elena smirked.
"I believe you, but I'll be quicker. Angelina will go first."
Angelina trembled, her fear for her own looks evident, as her beauty was her most valuable asset.
Soon enough, Elena's belongings were all laid out before her.
She looked at Bigail and Dylan in disdain.
"Two choices: see me out the door and let me leave, or I'll make sure Angelina doesn't look quite so flawless anymore."
"Don't doubt me," she added with a smirk. "You can call the police afterward if you like, but remember, the cameras show you all attacking me first. This is just self-defense."
Hearing Elena's threat to leave, Angelina panicked.
"Dad, don't let Elena go!"
Elena yanked her up roughly, letting the knife graze her skin just enough to draw a bit of blood.
At the sight, Bigail and Dylan quickly relented, both putting their hands up. "Fine. We'll walk you out. We won't stop you."
Elena raised an eyebrow, satisfied. She signaled them to carry her things.
When they reached the front gates, she shoved Angelina away, took her stuff, and turned to bolt toward freedom.
Just as she thought she'd escaped, Bigail's voice rang out behind her, cold and authoritative.
"Get her. Break her arms and legs. Lock her up!"
In moments, the estate's security guards closed in, surrounding her.
Elena's heart sank immediately.
She'd miscalculated!
Reela looked away as if she couldn't bear to watch, letting the guards advance on her daughter.
Angelina, meanwhile, nestled smugly in Reela's arms, gave Elena a triumphant smirk, silently mouthing, "You lost, Elena."
Elena looked at the four of them, hatred simmering.
"If I survive this, I'll make sure the Hall family regrets it," she hissed. "This won't end until one of us is gone."
Dylan scoffed, eyes cold, "Regrets? Don't forget you're a Hall, too. You carry our blood."
The way he said it made her want to retch.
Elena tightened her grip on the fruit knife. It wouldn't do much, but she was willing to go down fighting.
Just as she steeled herself, a blinding light cut through the darkness, illuminating her.
A sleek, black car pulled up with a low, powerful rumble, stopping right in front of her.
The door opened, and Felix stepped out, dressed impeccably in a black suit, his gaze settling on her with a mix of frustration and exasperation.
"We're getting married soon. Must you look like this?" he said, his tone somewhat helpless.
Hearing his words, Elena felt a pang in her chest, and she almost cried.
"Mr. Smith..." she whispered.
Felix sighed and gestured toward the car.
"Get in!"
The guards immediately backed away, unwilling to go against Felix.
Elena walked toward him, clutching her things close.
She'd remember this. She'd repay him for this favor, no matter what it took!
Then, just as she was about to step into the car, Dylan's voice rang out.
"Felix, are you really going to marry this venomous woman?"
- Writer
