Chapter 2

Just like in our previous life, our family stood at the most eye-catching spot in the neighborhood to wait.

Last time, Marissa had purposely chosen this spot because she wanted me to be utterly humiliated in public. Unexpectedly, the total opposite happened instead.

She clearly thought it was her turn to be in the spotlight this time, so she had even put on intricate makeup.

Dad, Mom, and Marissa all wore expectant looks as they waited for Xander to arrive.

At that moment, a bright red sports car came to a halt nearby.

When Marissa saw it, her eyes instantly lit up before she hurried over.

After hesitating briefly, Dad and Mom followed her.

The instant Xander stepped out of his car, he drew everyone's attention. Not only was he incredibly handsome and exuded an air of refined elegance, but his gaze shone with a cool indifference. He was in no way inferior to celebrities or models.

"Darling, you're here!" Marissa stepped closer to Xander, a red blush dusting her cheeks.

Dad and Mom immediately straightened up, their posture stiff and awkward.

"Damn, looks like the Lipton family hit the jackpot this time! How did Marissa find such a handsome and rich boyfriend?"

"I'm so envious! They sure are lucky."

"Marissa has always been the more emotionally intelligent of the two sisters, so is it any surprise that her parents love her more? Now that she's gotten herself such an extraordinary boyfriend, how could Yelena possibly compare?"

Our neighbors were gossiping madly, their tones dripping with envy.

Dad and Mom smiled proudly at their words, just like they had in my previous life.

Meanwhile, Marissa threw me a smug smile, completely missing how Xander frowned when he looked down and saw her.

Subsequently, Xander took Marissa on a date in his sports car, and the crowd could only watch enviously.

Dad and Mom puffed out their chests proudly.

"See that? Our dear Marissa was born to be a princess, unlike some people, who are fated to be poor their whole lives," Dad sneered, glancing at me.

Mom eyed me with disdain as she said, "Since she's going to marry Gordon Zolt eventually, she might as well move out earlier. It'll save us from having to look at this eyesore all day."

They had hardly finished speaking when a muscular man approached us.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lipton, Marissa told me that you plan on having Yelena move in with me, so I've come to take her away."

The man was none other than Gordon Zolt, my supposed fiance. A lecherous gleam flickered in his eyes as he scanned my body.

For a moment, Dad and Mom were confused before quickly calling Marissa, only for her to answer flippantly.

"Dad, Mom, you know she's a jinx. I finally found myself such a wonderful boyfriend. What if her continued presence at home jinxes things and ruins my prospective marriage? Since she's going to marry Gordon anyway, there shouldn't be a problem with her moving in with him early."

Dad and Mom exchanged a glance, finding her logic sound.

"Yelena, hurry up and pack your things so you can go with Gordon."

I simply stared at them with numb indifference, not at all surprised by their decision.

Gordon rubbed his hands in excitement. He was relatively well-off, and his favorite hobby was abusing women. In fact, he had already caused the deaths of two wives.

However, he was cunning, only ever marrying women who weren't favored by their families. That way, even if they ended up dead, all he had to do was pay off the family so they wouldn't sue him.

That was why he had set his sights on me while his previous wife was still hospitalized. After all, it was common knowledge that my parents hated me. Hence, he knew that no one would stand up for me no matter what he did behind closed doors after we were married.

…

Just like that, Gordon brought me back to his home.

The instant the door shut behind us, he dragged an assessing gaze over my body.

"Your looks aren't too bad, but I wonder if your body will be able to handle me."

The only response I gave him was a blank stare.

He swiftly disappeared into his room before coming out with something in his hands.

"Change into these clothes, then get on your knees and lick my feet clean."

With that said, he tossed the item in his hands at me before taking off his shoes and sitting on the couch. Immediately, a disgustingly foul stench permeated the air.

I looked down at the scraps of cloth he called clothing, then shot him a smile.

He quirked a brow in satisfaction. "Seems like you're well aware of your circumstances, unlike all those bitches who start wailing like a family member died when I ask them to do anything. They deserved every beating I gave them for being so annoying."

Nodding at his words, I made my way over to him.