Chapter 5

Once I got involved with Theo, Cora began to dislike me even more. She would deliberately stop the staff from saving me dinner when I practiced piano and would secretly take or tear up my homework.

At school, she teamed up with other wealthy kids to bully me, splashing dirty mop water on me and then strutting past with their noses in the air. I complained to Grandpa. But he just shrugged it off, saying, "It's just Cora being playful. You're older, you should let her."

He forgot that I'm only a year older. Besides, she has friends to share with, a mother to spoil her, and a grandpa to back her up. I have nothing here.

I could only endure it and hope she'd tire of her pranks soon. But continually giving in only encourages a bully.

At thirteen, I signed up for the Seaside City Piano Competition. The night before the contest, she shredded the dress I was supposed to wear and poured laxatives into my milk. I caught her in the act.

For this competition, I'd practiced until 1 or 2 AM every night. The gold prize came with a reward of 30,000 yuan. I wanted to give it to Grandma.

When I saw Cora showing no shame despite being caught, I lost my temper for the first time. I pushed her hard and scolded her, "The Lewis family has raised you with such poor manners!"

She was shocked that I dared to retaliate and lunged at me, trying to pull my hair. I grabbed her hands, turned my back, and threw her over my shoulder, slamming her to the ground.

In Oakridge, I used to carry dozens of pounds of waste, so dealing with a pampered girl was no challenge.

"Cora, is bullying the weak your idea of pride? Do you think I won't hit you back? I don't punish you because I pity you for not having a father, just like me! Remember, I owe nothing to your mom or you! From today, I won't tolerate you anymore. You better behave!"

Cora noticed the cup of milk on the table. Milk splashed all over her head and face, leaving her in a mess. She froze for a moment, then covered her face and started crying.

I turned to leave. When I looked back, Theo was watching me with interest. "Oh, the new little wildcat finally showed her claws? Pretty sharp ones too."

He's known for being rebellious and unpredictable. Although he had hinted I should fight back, he’s known Cora for years. Surely, he wouldn’t hit me for her sake.

I stiffened and walked past him without looking, trying to keep my face calm. I hoped my composure would intimidate him a bit. As I passed, he chuckled and called out, "Hey, your walk is off."

"…"

He crossed his arms and said from behind, "Well done. That's how you do it. Fight back if someone bullies you."

In the Lewis family, rare acts of kindness came from him.

A fleeting sadness crossed his face, disappearing almost instantly. Later, I learned he had a similar childhood. With no one to protect him, he stumbled and grew into someone nobody dared to mess with.

"You have to stand tall so everyone looks up to you rather than looking down."

Watching him walk away, it felt like something hit my chest.

That night, a brand-new dress appeared in my room. The card read: [Good luck tomorrow, wildcat with the funny walk.]

I pressed the card to my heart and had the sweetest sleep.

The next day, after the competition, I stood on stage with the gold trophy, enviously watching other winners receive flowers and blessings from family and friends, feeling a sense of loneliness.

As I exited the venue, Theo stood at the bottom of the long stairs, smiling and waving at me. "Fiona, come over here to your third brother."

His words left me dazed. Theo was third in the Taylor family. Everyone knew only those he approved of could call him "third brother."

The trunk of his car was filled with flowers. Among them was a small cake. On top, it read [TO: Fiona].

The cake was small, the words scrawled crookedly. Yet, my eyes welled up, and I hugged my trophy, sobbing.