Devali's Deception: Vivianne's Misery

Emotional connection — that was exactly the phrase I heard from my older sister, Claudia Nova, when I asked her what love means. She is like a role model to me, my ally and my only confidant in everything, especially whenever I get scolded by Papa, because I can be so stubborn.I listen to no one except my sister and Papa. All I know is that I have to be better and do better, so that Papa won’t be disappointed in me.But right now, I am looking at my sister, sitting there and gazing out over the whole of Manila.This spot is like a sacred haven for both of us; we sit drinking our coffee, in such peace and quiet.I ignored the stinging pain in my back, my exhaustion, and even my eagerness to attend the party. In my rush, I knocked over Papa’s favorite vase — and he struck me with his swagger stick.Still, I set aside the pain and chose to be happy and celebrate my sister’s engagement.“You’re engaged to Arthur, and you’re also Papa’s heiress. I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I’ve been aw

I thought the matter would finally settle after I made an example of that maid, but it was far from over.I had begun to withdraw into my own private space, especially after one of Papa’s business partners turned his anger toward me. Everyone around me seems convinced that I abducted my own sister out of jealousy.I can hardly believe it — and honestly, I find it laughable. Their accusations are completely meaningless and baseless.And so here I am now, in a quiet, hidden spot, thankful that I managed to slip away from Zeb’s watchful eye.“This is just how life goes. There is nothing I can do about foolish people,” I muttered, more as a daily reminder to myself than anything else. I tied my hair back securely and slipped on my earbuds.I went for my morning run; it always brings me a sense of peace, away from all the people and problems I have to deal with.For today, just for one day, I wanted to shut everything out. I hoped they would grant me this small freedom — because tomorrow,

“You're all fucking useless!” Papa yelled, and everyone in the room fell silent.No one could move, and not a single person here wanted to speak.“Isn't three million enough? There's already a huge bounty for you when you turn them in, yet not a single lead?” Papa snapped before turning to me.I have a bad feeling. When Dad looked at me, I felt like I was the one he was going to focus on next.“You, rebelling before you even look for your brother?” I lowered my head and gasped when a loud slap made my whole body feel the force of the hard strike.I trembled, not from fear. From anger. Really, in front of other people too. I could accept it if it were just the two of us, but in front of so many people, it's infuriating.“I asked other reliable people and they said that someone is stopping us from finding Nova, or it's just that Nova doesn't want to be found.” I received another loud slap, and I wanted to sink into my seat. Once is enough, but he did it a second time.“Fuck all of this,