I wasn't sure if Izzy had been freely entering and exiting Smith House over the past three years.

In Smith House,William's mother held the highest position,and his father doted on her,listening to her every word.Since his mother loved me so much,his father also grew to like me.I had been raised by them for many years.It was natural to develop feelings for them.However,Mrs.Smith disliked Izzy,and Mr.Smith disagreed with William's relationship with her.

I was well aware of this and used it to my advantage.Mrs Smith once told me she didn't trust her son with Izzy.She said that Izzy appeared fragile and innocent but had calculating eyes and a guilty heart.Mrs.Smith and William argued multiple times,but couldn't come to any conclusion.

So,I exploited this,acting recklessly and clinging to William,being empowered by his mother's support.As long as she stood by me,I believed I would succeed.However,I never targeted Izzy,knowing William's affection for her.I treated those he cared about with utmost care.

William never trusted me or considered me a good person.As a result,he reduced his visits home,avoiding his mother's criticism of Izzy.That period coincided with my relentless pursuit of William.

After moving out of Smith House,I settled next door to William.His attitude toward me deteriorated daily.Less than a year later,he sent me to River Mouth for"training."

During my three years in River Mouth,I realized my excessive clinginess must have driven him to it.

"Claire,my darling,you've finally returned.I almost died waiting."Mrs.Smith exclaimed while rushing to embrace me.

Mrs.Smith usually poised and elegant,was now visibly shaken.Her emotional state revealed genuine longing.She genuinely loved me.I could feel it.

Previously,she attempted to match me with William,but he refused.Each time William hurt me,she compensated with extra affection.

Mrs.Smith embodied maternal love,allowing me to be vulnerable.That's why,despite fearing William,I agreed to return to Smith House.For an orphan like me,Smith House felt like home.In River Mouth,whenever I suffered,I drew comfort from Mrs.and Mr.Smith.

Having devoted myself entirely to William,I had no friends or acquaintances.William controlled every aspect of my life.Friendships,studies,and even my wardrobe were arranged by him.

I grew dependent on him,hoping he'd never leave.This dependence fueled unrealistic expectations,leading to my downfall.Now,like a flower trampled in mud,I was stained and unable to escape.

This reality made me repulsive,even to myself.But knowing someone still care,I must persevere.

Living is painful,so I must distance myself from those who caused me suffering.

"Auntie,I traveled abroad,got caught up in the beauty,and forgot to contact you.It won't happen again."

I forced a smile while speaking lightly,trying to conceal my tremors.

"My poor child,did William withhold your allowance?You've grown so thin."Mother asked.She seemed shocked with my appearance.While embracing me she felt my frailty beneath my clothes.The Mrs.Smith I knew would never let me suffer.

"No,William provided for me.I just slimmed down.It's the current beauty standard."I explained hastily.

I couldn't let Mrs.Smith blame William.He might send me back to River Mouth.I ran my mind and immediately made up an excuse–reducing weight for looking thin.

"Nowadays,girls idealize slimness.I used to be slightly heavier.So,this is normal."I added.

Mrs.Smith made me sit down.Her concerns towards me were visible on her face.She explained,"Becoming this thin isn't attractive.Stay with me,and I'll help you regain your health."

I noticed Mrs.Smith's own weariness and newly gray hair.Three years ago,she was immaculate.There were no such wrinkles or gray hairs.Her transformation pained me.I longed for her vibrant past.

"I slimmed down for beauty,but seeing your gray hairs hurt me.From now on,I'll take care of you."I said gently.

While embracing her cautiously,I fought my deeply ingrained fear.William mentioned his mother's birthday wishes was my return.He brought me back to appease her.

I knew my role.It was'making his mother happy'.But I would have done so voluntarily,even if William hadn't shared her wishes.

"Darling,I'm thrilled you're back.You're the best gift I could ask for.With you here,I'll be like my old self again."Mrs.Smith patted my hand while speaking in a warm voice.

Mrs.Smith's gesture made me want to hug myself and apologize.For three years,any physical contact meant brutal beatings or humiliation.

Although I feared her touch,I couldn't avoid it now.I bit my inner cheek,fighting the urge to flinch.I mustn't make mistakes or raise suspicions or else William would be angry.

The consequences of his anger were unbearable.My trembling was subtle,but I feared Mrs.Smith would notice.Luckily,she was too joyful to notice.

Every beating was agonizing.Every humiliation left me with deep scars.Now,being in the home of the person responsible for everything filled me with a sense of despair.I accidentally glanced at William and saw him glaring,his anger palpable.

Fear told me to behave.My pale face likely raised Mrs.Smith's suspicions.

"Darling Claire,what's wrong?Do you not like that worthless boy?I'll chase him away if you want."Mrs.Smith asked,unaware of William's true actions.

As long as the past three years remained hidden,I could stay with the Smiths.I no longer sought love,but craved familial love and friendship.

These were my motivations for living.

"Get out,boy,and bring your father back.We'll dine together as a family.You can fend for yourself at the office."Mrs.Smith ordered William.

William's subservient demeanor was almost comical.I didn't want to see William

.His presence was terrifying me.Mrs.Smith's actions brought me unexpected joy.

"Aren't you ashamed to eat with us?Claire's weight loss is clearly for your sake."Mrs.Smith scolded William.

William stood silently,unable to retort.

"Mother,why don't I count as family?"William asked.His voice was laced with resentment.

"You're just a servant.You are suitable only for working.Claire is my princess.She is a true member of this family."Mrs.Smith replied.

William's humiliation was palpable.

"Leave now.You're ruining my appetite."Mrs.Smith urged.

William's departure left me uneasy.

Would he retaliate against me for Mrs.Smith''s words?

Mrs.Smith instructed the chef to prepare my favorite dishes.But my stomach being damaged from years of torture in River Mouth,couldn't handle spicy or heavy food.

In River Mouth,I dared not speak of my suffering.Now,I had no one to confide in.

"Claire,darling,don't worry.I'll throw you a grand welcome feast.Eat well and regain your weight."Mrs Smith said with a voice filled with concern.

Her words brought tears to my eyes.In River Mouth,they preserved my appearance,fearing William's wrath.But William's actions were contradictory.He sent me to River Mouth,yet instructed them to protect me.I couldn't understand his motives.

After dinner,I excused myself.I was afraid that my condition would raise suspicions.Weeks of malnutrition had taken its toll.

I guessed William hadn't gone to the office.He was probably with Izzy.Everyone seemed joyful except me.

After coming back to my room,I collapsed.I was overwhelmed by pain and fear.When I woke up,I felt slightly better.Mrs.Smith had assumed my frailty to excessive weight loss.

A plausible excuse.

I didn't want the Smiths to worry or suspect William's involvement.For now,this reasoning would suffice.

As expected,my wound started bleeding again.Fortunately,I had a medical kit in my room,thanks to William's basketball hobby.

Mrs.Smith regularly checked the kit,ensuring it was well-stocked.I treated myself,and the bleeding stopped.For months,I lived cautiously in the Smith household,trying hi avoid any kind of attention.

Mrs.Smith noticed my unusual behavior and began probing me.Previously,I wouldn't have cared about offending others.As the only girl in the Smith family,Mrs.Smith had spoiled me rotten.Everyone outside the household flattered and catered to me.

Now,I was unrecognisably timid.William likely feared his secret would be exposed.When Mrs.Smith noticed something was amiss,William swiftly took me out of the house.

Mrs.Smith agreed with William's decision,advising me to avoid him.

"Don't go to my mother.I'll find you if needed.Move to the apartment on YT Road."

After throwing out these words coldly,William dropped me off.

"Okay"

I nod my head in agreement before entering in the car,minimizing my presence as much as possible.

"Have you really learned to behave or are you faking it?"William asked before adding,"You bullied Izzy,making her cry.You're so cruel."

I meekly apologized,avoiding further confrontation.William's tone turned icy as he said,"Don't try to manipulate me

.I won't mistreat you if you obey."

William's hand on my head triggered me.In River Mouth,such gestures preceded with suffocation.

I immediately knelt and began trembling.But,he misunderstood my reaction.He said in an indifferent voice,"You're acting again,thinking everyone will pity you?"

His distrust were build from Izzy's words.I knew the truth.Izzy's influence made William so cruel.

"Please forgive me.I won't repeat my mistake."I apologized.But,William's annoyance grew more.

"Get up.I don't want to see you."He said in a cold voice before turning to the driver.He ordered the driver to stop and tossed me out.

I took a deep breath after being free from William

.Suddenly,a familiar voice startled me.

"Hey,you're hard to find."

I turned to see July,my River Mouth protector.

"July!I've missed you so much."I rushed into her arms as I was overwhelmed to see her again.

"There,there,don't cry.Did I arrive late?"July asked.

"No,you're not late.I'm just happy you're here."I replied.

July's warm demeanor soothed me.

"Let's go.I've got your back."She led me to a luxurious car.The expensive vehicle hinted at July's residents.

We arrived at a high-end complex.The apartment's decor suited my taste.With July by my side,I felt at home.

"Do you like it?Let's stay here."July's simplicity hid something great.

Time passed and William's absence lifted my spirits.However,nightmares continued haunting me.

I woke up from another terrifying dream.While being shaken from the dream,I prepared dinner.July's whereabouts were unknown.As a guest,I took care of household chores.

That was the only thing I could do to contribute from my side..Though July wouldn't keep score.I couldn't exploit her kindness.For now,our symbiotic relationship brought me peace.