Late at night, I lay in bed. I was exhausted and ready to sleep.

Suddenly, my phone rang with a special WhatsApp notification.

I set this notification sound for my only cousin, so I could always get his messages first and respond to him as quickly as possible.

I cared for him and loved him. I fulfilled all his requests and answered all his questions.

Leon trusted me and relied on me. It was as if I was the person who treated him best in the world, as close as a lover.

My cousin's name is Leon Parker. He is an introverted and sensitive young man.

Now, this young man sent me a message late at night, sharing his good news and joy with me.

"Eva, I got in! I got into the university where you work. We can be together all the time now!"

Leon's message was full of happiness and excitement.

He couldn't wait to see me immediately.

To see the person he thought about day and night, who haunted his dreams.

I looked at the words on the phone screen. I curled my lips into a slight hum, then tapped the screen's keyboard a few times with my slender fingers.

[Congratulations, Leon. I'm so happy for you, so proud of you!]

[What gift would you like? How about I buy you a present?]

As soon as I sent the message, Leon replied to me.

I could see how eager he was.

Leon didn't type. He sent me a voice message.

His voice was low and hoarse, with a touch of boyish shyness.

"Eva, I don't want anything. Can I video chat with you?"

I smiled slightly and sent him a "shaking head" emoji.

I leaned closer to the phone and pressed the voice button. My seductive voice was husky and sexy from just waking up. "No, Leon... it's too late to video chat. Violet might hear it. I don't want her to blame me for disturbing your sleep so late. Be good, okay?"

Leon was obedient. He always listened to me.

He never dared to contradict me.

He sent me a "sad" emoji. The emoji was full of his disappointment and longing.

"Got it, Eva. I... I miss you, miss you so much..."

Then he sent me another "missing you" emoji before reluctantly saying goodnight.

I sneered coldly, tossed the phone aside, and my eyes were clear.

"Great, I'm going home.

I should also prepare a surprise for Violet and Leon."

2

I requested a week off from work.

In the CEO's office, I stood expressionlessly across from the desk, waiting for him to approve my leave request.

Lucas held my leave request in his hand, raising an eyebrow.

"Your brother got into college. You're going home to celebrate together?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

"As far as I know, you wrote 'only child' in the family relationship section of your job application. Where did this brother come from?"

Lucas placed the leave request on the desk. His well-defined fingers tapped lightly on the table. His cool voice was full of curiosity and mockery.

He thought, "If you want to take a break, just say so. There's no need to invent a brother out of thin air to fool him."

I looked up at Lucas.

"Mr. Allen, I've been working non-stop for over six months without a break, just waiting for this one-week vacation. You're not the kind of boss who doesn't care about employees' health, right?

"I need a break."

As soon as I finished speaking, Lucas picked up a pen and quickly wrote two words on the leave request.

"Approved."

I took the leave request and left the office with my back straight.

As I reached the door and held the handle, Lucas suddenly called out to me.

"Ms. Parker."

Lucas softened his tone and said, "Eva, if you need anything, call me anytime. My phone is on 24/7."

I smiled silently.

Lucas was concerned about me?

Too bad, I did not need it.

I was a person with an indifferent heart. How could I need anyone's concern?

I left the company. I pulled my suitcase and headed straight to the airport.

I wrote the leave note today but packed my suitcase last night.

I was very clear about it. I had to take leave today. Then, I had to go back to my hometown.

I had to celebrate my cousin getting into college.

I pulled my suitcase with one hand. I held my phone in the other. The screen displayed the message I had just sent.

[Leon, I am about to board the plane. Soon, you will see me.]

My name is Eva Parker.

I was 25 years old. I was a sales manager at a trading company.

As soon as I graduated, I joined this company with my rich internship experience.

In three years, I worked tirelessly with no days off for 365 days a year. I secured million-dollar sales deals for the company. I earned my current position.

There was no other reason.

I wanted to give Leon the best of everything. I wanted him to depend on me mentally and materially. He could not live without me.

The plane slowly took off.

I touched the pendant around my neck. I felt sad and excited.

"Mom, I can avenge you very soon.

You must watch carefully. Watch how I avenge you. Watch how I tear off the ugly masks of those people!

And... my sister who never got the chance to be born.

I will seek justice for you!"

...

Three hours later, I got off the plane.

In the airport terminal, as soon as I came out, I saw a boy waving at me.

The boy wore a black T-shirt. He was tall and slim. His thick hair was long and slightly curly. His eyes, under a mask, stared at me. His gaze followed my every move.

When he saw I noticed him, the boy's eyes curved into crescents.

He smiled.

I curved my lips. My cold eyes softened instantly with affection.

Oh. It was Leon.

He had come to pick me up.

How nice.

Although Leon was not my biological cousin, he was my aunt, Violet Baker's child with someone else. But we had lived together for ten years.

It was not true that I had no feelings for Leon.

But so what? He was still my mother's killer!

I reached out to greet Leon. Then, I pulled my suitcase and walked toward him.

As soon as I stopped, Leon eagerly called out.

"Eva," he said.

I smiled. I sweetly responded to him.

"Leon, have you been waiting long?" I said.

Leon had just turned 18 this month. He had grown incredibly tall.

He looked down at me. His slightly raised eyes held a happy look. There was also a hint of subtle surprise.

Leon spoke in a deep, youthful voice. He said, "I have not been waiting long, Eva."

I did not know if he was hot or shy. But his fair face under the mask turned red. The redness spread to the base of his ears.

I chuckled. I stood on tiptoe. I reached out and ruffled his soft hair.

What a cute and obedient boy.

Leon and I had not seen each other for six months.

The reason was that I did not have annual leave. I had to work overtime. Now, with a suitcase in hand, Leon guessed that I would stay for a few days this time.

He asked me, "Eva, how long will you rest at home now?"

I tilted my head. I looked at him with gentle eyes.

"Shall we talk while we walk?" I said.

Leon froze. Then, he scratched his head. The base of his ears turned slightly pink again.

"Eva, let me help you with your suitcase," Leon said.

Leon said this. He reached out to pull my suitcase. His young fingers accidentally brushed against the back of my hand in his haste.

Leon reacted as if shocked by electricity. His hand jerked away.

I raised an eyebrow. I looked at him amused.

"Am I that terrifying to scare you like this?"

Leon realized that his reaction had been a bit exaggerated.

He lowered his head. The base of his ears started to turn red again. His voice was panicked and shy.

"Eva..." he said.

I smiled. I let go of the suitcase handle.

"Alright, I will not tease you. I will let you have it. Help me pull the suitcase. Is that okay?" I said.

Leon softly said, "Hmm." Then, he pulled up my suitcase.

When we left the terminal and arrived at the parking lot, I saw a brand-new electric scooter. My eyes widened in surprise.

"Leon, you want to take me home on the scooter?" I said.

Leon nodded. He softly said, "Yes, Eva. I just bought it today. I bought it especially to take you home."

I curled my lips. I asked him with curiosity, "This scooter is a brand name. It is not cheap. Did you buy it with your savings?"