Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 31

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

A rare case of bullying.

Leilani, a

Just days after we returned from the picturesque landscapes of Pennsylvania, I found myself stepping into a new chapter of my life. I had just purchased a charming duplex that radiated elegance, nestled right in the bustling heart of Manhattan, New York City. To complement my fresh start, I treated myself to a stunning pink Audi R8, a sleek machine that promised both style and practicality. With my first day back at Frostclaw, Inc. looming on the horizon, excitement bubbled within me like a fizzy drink, ready to overflow.

As I strolled through the upscale clothing boutiques, my cheeks flushed with anticipation. I was on a mission to find the perfect outfits that would suit my new role, but the thrill of shopping was momentarily overshadowed by an unexpected sight.

Upon entering Saks Fifth Avenue, I caught a glimpse of a small family engrossed in selecting clothes. My heart sank as recognition washed over me. It was my family, and as always, Chalice stood at the center of attention, her presence commanding the room.

A lump formed in my throat, and a wave of nausea churned in my stomach as I was struck by a harsh realization: I was starkly different from them.

Their hair, a uniform shade of auburn, glinted under the boutique’s lights, while their blue eyes mirrored each other’s with varying shades of intensity. The smiles they wore were chillingly similar—aristocratic and condescending, as if they were looking down from some lofty perch.

I quickly averted my gaze, trying to shake off the unsettling feelings.

“Welcome, Madame! How may I assist you today?” A young salesgirl named Abby approached me with a warm smile, her demeanor graceful and inviting. “We just received a new shipment of clothes. Would you like to take a look?”

“Absolutely!” I replied, forcing a smile that matched her enthusiasm, allowing her to guide me deeper into the boutique.

Abby’s friendly chatter almost made me forget the turmoil that had bubbled to the surface upon seeing my family. My focus shifted entirely when my eyes landed on a breathtaking red dress hanging elegantly on a rack.

“Oh my gosh, that’s stunning!” I gasped, unable to contain my excitement.

Abby leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with understanding. “That’s a custom piece from Kulture. Are you interested in trying it on?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I nodded fervently. “Yes, I want it!”

Just as I stepped closer to admire the dress, a hand shot out from beside me, snatching it away. A familiar voice cut through the air like a knife. “Dad, Mom, I want this dress!”

My heart raced as I froze in place, recognizing the voice all too well.

Rage simmered within me, tightening my fists as I turned to face the intruder. “I saw it first, ma’am,” I replied through gritted teeth, my tone deceptively polite. “So if you don’t mind, you’ll have to leave that one for me.”

Chalice’s brows furrowed in indignation. “Dad, Mom! It’s Leilani! She’s saying I can’t have the dress I want!”

The moment her words left her lips, the familiar cold stares of my parents zeroed in on me. If I were someone less resilient, I might have shrunk back in fear. But I stood my ground, my voice steady. “No one is stopping you from getting what you want, Chalice. I’m just stating that I got here first, and I have every right to the dress.”

The horror etched across Chalice’s face fueled my anger, and as expected, tears began to spill from her eyes like a broken dam. Before I could process what was happening, she collapsed to her knees.

“Leilani, you don’t have to treat me like this. I’m your sister! Why do you always target me?”

Abby, the salesgirl, looked on in disbelief, her eyes darting between us.

I was momentarily stunned, a whirlwind of confusion and rage swirling within me. “Chalice, get up.”

His hand connected with my face once more, and though I tasted blood in my mouth, I remained silent. Instead, I turned to Chalice, who was still on the ground, and slapped her with a force that made my palm sting.

She cried out, shock etched on her features.

“That, right there, is me bullying her, Mr. Blackthorne!” I hissed, fury coursing through me. “I’ve finally struck her. And trust me, this is the first time I’ve ever done that, contrary to the lies she’s been spreading about me.”

Chalice glared at me, her eyes filled with venom. I returned her gaze with a cool smile. “You should know, it felt exhilarating to finally hit you.”

“You—” she began, but quickly turned to her parents, desperation in her voice. “Dad, Mom!”

But I was done listening. I leaned closer to her, whispering, “My lawyer has reached out to you multiple times, Ms. Blackthorne. I wonder why you still haven’t paid for the dress you ruined. Is it only when I take you to court that you’ll finally pay?”

If looks could kill, I’d have been a goner under the weight of her glare. “It was a mistake, and the court will understand that,” she muttered defiantly.

“Let’s see if they do once I pull the CCTV footage from that day. Let’s see how they’ll believe it was a ‘mistake’ after the world sees how you intentionally tipped your wine glass. How about that?”

Her gasp echoed in the boutique, a sound of pure shock. With that, I turned away, grabbing my shopping bags and card, and strode out of the store with a new sense of empowerment.

For the first time in my life, I felt liberated from their judgment. I didn’t care that their eyes burned into my back as I walked away. I slid into my new car, turning to face them one last time, a triumphant smile gracing my lips.

They could all rot in hell for all I cared.