공유

Chapter 4

작가: Betty Burns
The first thing Lucille did once she got better was calculate how much the Dortmans had spent on her over the years.

She sat at her table, adding up all the expenses she had incurred since she joined this household. Everything from her living costs to tuition fees added up to three million dollars.

Her late father’s inheritance and old property were worth two million dollars, and she had saved a few dozen thousand from her part-time work. It seemed she had to find more work before she left to make up the difference.

Lucille’s expertise was photography. With that in mind, she found some freelance jobs online. Before long, she had eight offers for everything from wedding photos to graduation shoots.

She accepted every job and worked from day to night. She was too tired to even stand up straight, yet she did not breathe a word of complaint.

It was because her mother told her Dan had been divorced even before they met. He just never made it in public.

In other words, they had dated and married as consenting single adults. She was never his mistress.

Neither she nor her mother had ever wanted the Dortmans’ fortune. Lucille was planning to leave now, but she did not want River to keep misunderstanding her mother, not when Victoria was staying put.

That was why she had decided to pay back everything she owed her stepfather.

She worked her butt off for a week and managed to scrape together three thousand dollars. Just when she was about to slow down her hustle, she suddenly received a huge order.

Someone wanted her to take some photos at a birthday party. They offered her two thousand dollars for it.

Of course, the high commission came with a price. Apparently, the photos had to impress the birthday girl, and they would only pay up once she was a hundred percent satisfied with them.

Lucille took the offer without hesitation. She needed to gather the money ASAP.

On the day of the birthday party, she arrived at the location with her camera only to see a bunch of familiar faces.

The one in the princess dress and crown was none other than Sophia. River stood next to her in a black suit, and Lucille’s heart jolted when she saw them together.

River frowned when he saw how exhausted she looked. “Why are you accepting jobs like this? Isn’t it your dream to become an award-winning photographer? Our parents give you an allowance, don’t they?”

“I’m an adult, and I like this kind of work. That’s why I accepted the job.”

River’s expression turned colder. He was about to tell her off when Sophia hastily interrupted. “Lucy, River’s just worried about you. Don’t pick a fight with your brother.”

Sophia even hugged her arm and pulled her into the party hall, saying she wanted to see what Lucille’s photography skills were like.

Despite her polite praises, she worked Lucille to the bone. Lucille could not stop for even a second all night, pressing the shutter until her finger went numb.

She took almost five thousand photos, but Sophia still was not satisfied. She insisted on Lucille taking a bird’s eye view shot even though the latter was exhausted.

Lucille carried her heavy equipment to the third floor, put up her tripod, and then aimed her camera at the center stage.

Looking through her camera, she watched River step onto the stage. He personally put the necklace that was allegedly a family heirloom around Sophia’s neck.

Sophia smirked in the direction of the third floor and then jumped into his arms. Lucille knew she was doing this to show off to her.

The entire night, Sophia had done everything to publicly display her affection with River. She brought her glass of champagne to his lips, dragged him to the dance floor amidst cheers from the crowd, and complained that her calves were sore so he would give her a massage…

Lucille had thousands of photos of them like this, close as lovers. She was already numb.

She quickly took a photo of them hugging. Before she could click the shutter again, Sophia stood on her tiptoes and kissed River.

Lucille’s hand paused. Her hollow eyes briefly cleared up, and she focused her lens.

In the HD footage, River froze up too. After three short seconds, however, he pulled Sophia into his arms.

He put his hand on the back of her head and pressed her close, deepening the kiss!
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  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 26

    The moment Lucielle ran out of the doors, she saw a black car approaching in the distance.She immediately recognized Elliot’s car and waved frantically to catch his attention.The car screeched to a stop in front of her, and she climbed in without hesitation.“Go! Go!” she urged.Elliot didn’t hesitate and stepped hard on the accelerator.Lucielle anxiously checked the rearview mirror. When she realized no car was chasing them, she finally exhaled in relief.Seeing her relax, Elliot glanced at her and asked, “Who called me? And what were you doing out here?”Before Lucielle could explain, a sharp honk split the air.She snapped back and saw River’s car speeding toward them, with River behind the wheel like a madman.There was no time to explain. She turned to Elliot, her voice tense. “Can you lose that car?”Elliot’s expression darkened as he pressed harder on the accelerator. His tone was grim. “Is that your brother?”Surprised at how quickly he figured it out, she nodded

  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 25

    Three hours later, River returned.He smiled when he saw Lucielle sitting quietly in the corner. Tossing her a bottle of water and a bag of snacks, he said, “Eat something, Lucy. We’re leaving now.”Lucielle looked down and rummaged through the bag but didn’t move.She waited until River’s patience began to wear thin before she raised her hand, holding the bottle of water.Having not eaten anything all day, she struggled to twist the cap open and had no choice but to ask for his help.River’s mood visibly improved.He smiled as he opened the bottle for her and ruffled her hair affectionately. “Finally come to your senses, Lucy? We’re made for each other. Just stay by my side like this, okay? I’ll explain everything to Mom and Dad.”Lucielle didn’t argue. She even gave a slight nod. “Okay.”At her response, all of River’s frustration and anger from the past month seemed to evaporate.He smiled happily, picked up a bun, and began eating.Lucielle took a few sips of water before

  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 24

    After forcing her out of the car, River dragged Lucielle into a small, windowless room with no ventilation.Without a word, he took all her belongings and locked the door behind him.“Be a good girl and wait here. I’ll be back with your passport in a few hours, and then we’ll leave.”He didn’t wait for her response before turning and walking away.Lucielle clenched her fists, then pinched herself to calm down and focus.Squatting on the ground, she began piecing together everything she knew, searching for a way out.Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. The distinct sound of high heels clacking against the floor told her it wasn’t River.Desperate, she pounded on the door with all her strength, hoping to draw the person’s attention.The footsteps stopped just outside, and a familiar voice spoke.“Where is he taking you, Lucielle?”It was Sophia.Lucielle’s fleeting hope vanished.She hadn’t seen Sophia since that day at the graveyard. For her to be here now could only

  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 23

    Once school started, Lucielle and Elliot were almost inseparable outside of class.It didn’t take long for Lucielle to settle into her new life and move on from the events of the past.Her mother called from time to time to update her on what was happening back home.During one call, her mom mentioned that after returning from Europe, River had abruptly announced that he would no longer be marrying Sophia.Sophia refused to accept this and repeatedly went looking for him at home, but River avoided her at every turn.To make matters worse, River had a heated argument with his father and insisted on leaving Dortman Group.Lucielle listened silently, making no remarks. After all, her mother was her only connection to the Dortmans now.When the call ended, Lucielle checked the time and messaged Elliot, asking when his class would finish.His reply was quick. He told her he would be having lunch with friends and suggested she eat on her own.Understanding, Lucielle packed up her th

  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 22

    Lucielle woke up to an empty house the next morning.Elliot wasn’t home either. He’d left a note saying he had an errand to run.She paid it no mind and returned to her room after breakfast, switching on her computer to prepare for class.She had just finished reading the first chapter when her phone rang. The screen displayed an international number she didn’t recognize. Hesitant, she debated ignoring it but decided to answer.For a moment, the line was silent. Just as she considered hanging up, River’s voice came through the speaker.“I’m downstairs. Spend my birthday with me, Lucy.”Lucielle froze, unsure why he had come to the villa.Knowing him, he would do whatever it took to make her leave the house, dragging her along if necessary.Not wanting to give him the chance, she refused. “You should spend it with your mom, River. It’s been a while since she saw you. I’m sure she misses you a lot. I won’t be coming down, though. Happy birthday.”Another heavy silence followed.

  • Boat Against the Current   Chapter 21

    Lucielle spent the next two days at home.Elliot’s parents were busy with work, leaving just her and Elliot in the house.Perhaps at his mother’s request—or maybe out of concern that she might get bored—Elliot took her on a tour of the house.From the wine cellar in the basement to the rooftop garden upstairs, and from the private cinema on the third floor to the pool in the backyard, they explored every corner.They made full use of the facilities, chatting casually throughout the day. Before they realized it, the sun had set.That evening, Lillian hosted a barbecue party. As they gathered around, she shared stories about Victoria’s past with Lucielle. Meanwhile, Elliot and his father managed the fire, handed out freshly grilled skewers, and kept everyone’s glasses filled.A warm summer breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the soothing notes of a romantic piano solo played in the background.Lucielle felt her entire body relax. She leaned back, gazing up at the fai

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