Be Your Own Spring novel Chapter 8

One day, when my mom and Lucas Henderson showed up with more gifts,

my professor and his wife blocked them from entering.

His wife handed me a big red envelope with a warm smile.

"Good girl, I've heard so much about how talented and well-behaved you are."

"I've been wanting a daughter like you."

"If you don't mind, would you let me be your mom?"

"I promise I'll treat you just like my own daughter."

Her smile was so kind, just like how I had always imagined a mother would look.

In an instant, tears welled up in my eyes.

I threw myself into her arms and called out, "Mom."

My mom's face turned pale instantly.

"Rozella, I'm your real mother. How can you call someone else 'Mom'?"

The professor's wife patted my shoulder gently.

"Look at you. You're not getting any younger."

"It's time you start thinking about your future, especially your love life."

"There are plenty of great guys at the lab—handsome, well-bred, good morals."

"I'll bring them over so you can pick and choose!"

This got Lucas Henderson on edge.

He quickly rushed toward me.

"Rozella, you can't do this. Don't forget, we're still bound by a marriage contract!"

The professor scoffed, shooting a dismissive look at Lucas Henderson.

"Mr. Henderson, if I'm not mistaken, you're already married, right?"

"Your nationwide wedding is still fresh in everyone's memory."

"Moved on already, huh?"

Lucas Henderson's face froze, and he opened his mouth to explain but couldn't find the words.

The professor continued, "The Rozella you used to push around isn't that helpless orphan anymore."

"Now she has us and the government backing her!"

"Anyone who dares to cross her again or upset her, don't say I didn't warn you."

"Mrs. Mogane, Mr. Henderson, have you two cleaned up your mess yet?"

"If you have time to waste here, maybe you should go back and check if there's anything shady going on in your family businesses."

"If I find anything, I won't hesitate to turn you in."

The professor waved his hand.

Around us, the senior students gathered, standing by my side.

Their unwavering support made me feel something I hadn't in a long time—what it was like to have family.

And for the first time, I had the courage to stand up for myself.

I picked up the leftover water and splashed it directly in Lucas Henderson's direction, coldly saying just one word.

"Leave."

After that, my mom quieted down a lot.

But Lucas Henderson still wouldn't give up.

He started bringing over toys from our childhood, trying to get me to remember the good old times.

After a long silence, Lucas Henderson lowered his head.

"Mogane Aunt transferred all of Mogane family's assets to your name."

"I did the same."

"This money will guarantee you'll never have to worry about anything, living the life you want."

"As for me… Rozella, losing you was the greatest punishment I could ever receive from heaven."

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.

I slammed the papers Lucas Henderson handed me right into his face, then turned and walked away without a second thought.

The next day, I saw the news on TV.

Lucas Henderson had turned himself in.

He admitted to everything—helping Olivia Mogane get off the hook all those years ago and taking full responsibility.

Standing in front of the cameras, all he said was this:

"The dumbest thing I've ever done in my life was let go of the best girl in the world for Olivia Mogane."

I calmly turned off the TV and picked up the research papers on my desk.

The best decision I ever made in my life was seeing Lucas Henderson for who he really was.

Breaking free from the chains of that toxic love and living a brand new life.

Before long, Professor Gerald and his wife officially adopted me.

They received a lot of praise from the public, and many philanthropists donated to the professor’s research.

Amid the commotion, I spent my days between the library and the lab, with books as my only companions.

I lived quietly and productively for six months, until Professor Gerald's biological daughter, Stacy, returned home.