*I’ll take you overseas and keep you confined. Then you’ll be mine alone.”
I composed myself and attempted to negotiate: “Alexander, this is unlawful imprisonment. Release me, and I’ll act as if nothing occurred.”
He just laughed ominously, running his fingers through my hair: “You think I’m foolish? If I set you free, you’ll immediately contact the authorities and have me arrested.”
I needed to try a different tactic. “Alexander, when did you start having feelings for me?”
He paused before answering. “When you offered me that strawberry milk outside. I later discovered it was something you couldn’t even afford for yourself.”
*Lily, you were willing to give me things you couldn’t have. You must have had feelings for me, right?”
His tone seemed almost beseeching.
I wanted to speak up and shatter his misconceptions.
But given my current predicament, and fearing he might do something drastic, I remained silent. My lack of response seemed to give Alexander a ray of hope.
He embraced me lovingly, placing his head on my shoulder.
“I knew you cared for me. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you well forever.”
But that wasn’t what I wanted.
I hadn’t struggled to leave my village just to end up with someone.
The authorities found us quickly.
It turned out my dormmates noticed my absence for several nights and informed the counselor.
I was successfully rescued, while Alexander was apprehended and imprisoned.
Upon returning to the dorm, I even purchased some snacks and fruit with my part–time job earnings to bring back.
After Olivia’s departure, only three of us remained in the room.
The other two roommates had become more friendly towards me because of this incident.
They explained they hadn’t intended to criticize me before. It was just that my behavior then was so undignified, it made people look down on me.
8 Chapter 8
But now they said they understood. One roommate gave me a firm pat on the shoulder.
“I just realized you weren’t weak. You were playing the long game!”
“Yeah, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have known Olivia’s family’s snacks were questionable. She was always bragging to us, but ended up in prison from her ill–gotten gains!”
I smiled faintly without responding. This was the best outcome for me.
I heard from others that Olivia received a five–year sentence. Her family went bankrupt. Some were arrested, some fled. Essentially, no one could care for her anymore.
She was allowed one family visit per month. But she specifically requested to see me.
The correctional facility contacted me several times before I finally made time to go.
Olivia had completely lost her previous haughty demeanor. She wore prison attire, had short hair, and no makeup. She was even missing part of an ear, apparently from my bite.
When she saw me, she broke down in tears.
“Lily Parker, do you know you’ve destroyed my life? I used to be a proper wealthy heiress. It’s all because of you that I ended up like this!”
I was genuinely perplexed and retorted: “Did I tell your family to add extra preservatives? Or did I tell you to assault me?”
Olivia’s voice was raspy from crying: “We weren’t the only ones adding preservatives. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have been the only ones scrutinized so thoroughly. If it wasn’t for you, no one would have investigated us so intensely.”
“Lily Parker, you’re my nemesis. You’ve ruined my entire family! And you took Alexander. Are you content now?”
At the mention of Alexander, I realized I hadn’t inquired about him.
But facing Olivia, I said: “I’m not with him. He’s probably in the same situation as you, operating sewing machines inside.”
Olivia was dumbfounded, completely taken aback.
