You Faked Your Deaths to Punish Me?! That’s Illegal, Family! novel Chapter 41

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I burst out laughing, about to call her out.

Then the RA showed up and scattered everyone.

“What’s all the noise? Keep it up and I’ll make sure you all get written up!”

The crowd dispersed instantly. I let out a breath as Tessa and I headed back into our room.

Suddenly she ran over to me, sobbing hysterically.

“I’m so sorry, Wren. I was totally out of line just now.”

“I grew up dirt poor, always getting looked down on. The way you looked at me reminded me of all those kids who used to bully me…”

“I just lost it and hit you. If you’re still mad, you can hit me back!”

Then she started slapping herself, her face turning red and swollen.

I immediately grabbed her hands, my heart softening.

Tessa was definitely not normal, but hearing this, it made sense – growing up in that kind of toxic environment would mess anyone up.

I didn’t feel like fighting anymore.

“Fine, I’m not mad anymore.”

“But you can’t go around calling my dad your husband! That’s just insane!”

Tessa wiped her tears, still sniffling.

“My grandma always told me that when you’re somewhere new, you gotta get tight with the most important person there, or you’ll get picked

on.”

“I thought if I could connect with Mr. Fraser, nobody would mess with me…”

“I’m sorry…”

I frowned hard. What kind of logic is that?

But her story made me feel bad for her, and I couldn’t figure out how to argue.

“Well, you can’t do stuff like that… Whatever, stop crying. Let’s just unpack and chill.”

Tessa volunteered to make my bed, fold my clothes, and organize all my stuff.

Growing up spoiled, I was pretty clueless about this kind of thing.

I was actually grateful for her help.

“Thanks! I’ll buy you lunch tomorrow.”

Tessa smiled sweetly and pulled out some flatbread from her bag.

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Chapter 2

“My grandma made these. They’re amazing – you should try one!”

After all that cleaning, I was starving, so I took the bread and started eating.

“Your grandma’s flatbread is incredible! She could totally sell these!”

I started thinking maybe Tessa wasn’t so bad – probably just insecure, and college would help her adjust.

She suddenly turned on her camera for a selfie.

“I wanna send this to grandma! Show her I made my first friend at college!”

“She’s gorgeous and loves your cooking!”

“Grandma’s gonna be so happy!”

I played along, munching on the flatbread and throwing up a peace sign.

Tessa immediately started messing with her phone, then broke into this blissful smile.

“Let’s add each other on Insta – I’ll send you the pic.”

–

Looking at her expression reminded me I hadn’t even texted Dad that I was settled in yet.

Right then, a message from Dad popped up.

[Made a friend already? That’s my girl!]

With a screenshot attached. I opened it.

It was Tessa’s chat with Dad – she’d sent him photos of my perfectly organized bed, closet, and all my stuff.

Plus our selfie.

[Wren’s doing great! All fed and settled in!]

Dad had responded with two thumbs-up emojis.

I was thinking how thoughtful it was of Tessa to update Dad for me.

Then I saw her Instagram story:

[Gonna work even harder at being the perfect stepmom! Don’t worry hubby! Your daughter’s thriving at school~]

With screenshots of her chat with Dad.

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