Chapter 2

My mother died early, leaving my father and me to depend on each other.

When I was 16 years old, my father brought home Georgina Campbell and ten-year-old Ethan, telling me, "Mia, meet Georgina and Ethan. From now on, the four of us will be a family."

Dad was incredibly busy with work and I spent most of my time alone. I did not resent Dad's relationship with Georgina. In fact, I looked forward to our life as a family of four.

Georgina was wonderful to me too, constantly finding new ways to cook delicious meals for me. Even if I mentioned something casually, she would make it for me with her own hands.

I was endlessly grateful to have met Georgina, who treated me like her own daughter. I made sure to be twice as good to both Georgina and Ethan. However, for some reason, Ethan remained cold toward me.

Georgina told me that Ethan was slow to warm up to people, that things would improve with time, and not to take it to heart.

After hearing Georgina's words, I became even more attentive toward Ethan. Every day, I eagerly shared with him all the interesting things that had happened to me.

I thought that if I was sincere with him, I could eventually open his heart. However, I never realized that Ethan's coldness was directed only at me. He simply despised me.

Returning to my family home now, I felt like I was in another world. Ethan reached for the backpack on my shoulder, which caused me to immediately take a step back in fear.

He suppressed his anger and shouted, "Mia! What are you trying to pull now?"

My lips trembled violently as bloody memories surged through my mind.

I quickly recited the conduct rules over and over until I suppressed my fear.

Ethan's brow furrowed deeply as he said sternly, "Mia, I'm warning you. My mother just recovered from her illness and can't handle any stress. If you dare pull any of your stunts in front of her, I won't forgive you."

Thinking of Georgina's illness made my heart ache terribly. I quickly shook my head. "I won't do anything inappropriate in front of Georgina. I promise."

Ethan snorted coldly. "You'd better keep your word."

I followed Ethan into the house and saw Georgina sitting on the couch with Linda Yates keeping her company.

At that moment, Linda had linked arms with Georgina, acting coy with her. Georgina was laughing at her charming behavior, her eyes full of affection.

I clenched my fists, then let them fall open helplessly. Linda was my cousin, and she was the same age as Ethan.

In the eighth year after Dad and Georgina got together, Linda's parents were imprisoned for illegal business practices. With no one to care for her, Linda came to live with our family.

Linda was beautiful and a sweet-talker, quickly winning over both Dad and Georgina. Even Ethan, with his reserved personality, was particularly kind to Linda.

Until one day, I discovered that Linda had secretly placed a hidden camera in Ethan's room. After questioning her, I learned that Linda planned to use Ethan's private footage for money.

In my anger, I gave her a harsh lecture and slapped her. Though I was angry, I had not used much force, but somehow Linda fell onto the corner of a table.

Ethan, who had just returned home, witnessed this scene. After giving me a vicious look, he carried Linda to the hospital without looking back.

Later, Ethan discovered my feelings for him.

After becoming a business magnate, the first thing he did was send me to the ladies' finishing academy.

I felt wronged. The person who had wanted to hurt Ethan back then was Linda. I had only been trying to protect him.

Despite this, why did Linda receive Ethan's protection, and even Georgina's affection?