Ch4 - Regret

Polly and Benny froze, staring at each other in disbelief. Neither of them had expected things to turn in their favor so quickly. If that rich man was really willing to marry Violet, it meant they would never have to worry about medical bills again. Lilia could be saved. And maybe—they could stop living on the edge of poverty.

But Violet’s eyes stayed locked on the photo. “As long as you give it back.”

Benny’s grip loosened a little, almost ready to hand it over—then he hesitated, his eyes narrowing. “You’re not lying to us, are you? How do I know I can trust you?”

Her gaze dimmed, bitter. “Think of this as me repaying you for raising me all these years. He won’t come after you for the two hundred grand.”

Polly’s heart leapt. Not only would they never have to repay the money—there was hope for the future now. She couldn’t believe how much Violet’s face, her beauty, was suddenly worth.

She studied the girl again, almost with new eyes. When had Violet grown into such a striking young woman? Silky chestnut hair, delicate mixed-race features that looked carved onto a porcelain doll, luminous brown eyes, a graceful figure—every movement carried an effortless poise.

She looked almost exactly like her dead mother.

Polly tugged at Benny’s sleeve, and at last he lowered his hand.

When the photo was finally placed back in Violet’s hands, her heart unclenched. She ran her fingers gently across her parents’ faces, then tucked it carefully against her chest. Looking up at them, she said clearly, “But I’m not coming back here. Whatever debt I owed you, I’ve already paid it back.”

Her voice was steady, unshakable.

Benny faltered, but Polly quickly motioned for him to stay silent. She softened her tone, speaking in that practiced, honeyed way of hers. “Marriage isn’t such a bad thing, Violet. At least you won’t have to work yourself to death anymore. You’ll live comfortably, like a lady. And if seeing us makes you unhappy—then don’t. We’ll understand.”

To Violet, the words were daggers. She no longer believed a single thing Polly said. They still thought she had spent the night with Mr. Hill. They had no idea that it had been someone else.

Julian. The reckless playboy who’d stepped in, paid the two hundred grand, and told her she didn’t have to repay him—only marry him.

Yes, Julian had proposed marriage. No questions asked, just one year together, and the debt would be gone. On top of that, he’d give her money as compensation.

At first, she’d thought he was insane. But after returning home and seeing just how ruthless her so-called family truly was, she found herself reconsidering his offer. So when she told Benny and Polly she would marry, she hadn’t lied—she’d simply left out who the groom would be.

Anywhere would be better than this house.

She didn’t bother packing her clothes. She only took the photo. With heavy steps, she walked out, whispering to herself over and over—don’t look back.

Back at the hotel, Violet pulled out her phone. The screen flashed a miserable 1% battery. She hurriedly dialed Julian’s number, but the call didn’t even ring twice before her phone went black.

“Perfect… just f***ing perfect.”

She exhaled sharply, debating whether to slip inside to find an outlet. If not, she’d just wait it out in the lobby.

That’s when a couple strolled out as the doorman held the door open. Violet’s gaze brushed the man’s—and her stomach lurched.

Liam.

His brows shot up in surprise, quickly replaced by a mocking grin. With an arm slung casually around the woman beside him, he gave Violet a once-over, dripping with contempt. “Well, look who it is. Haven’t seen you in forever, and you’re still dressed like a broke.”

Of all people, she hadn’t expected to run into her ex. Their fling had been short, ending a year ago, but the bitterness hadn’t dulled.

“Liam, is she a friend of yours?” the woman asked, curious.

He smirked, shaking his head. “Ex.”

The woman giggled. “God, your taste used to be tragic.”

They laughed openly, like Violet wasn’t even standing there.

Her lips pressed tight. She drew in a breath and started toward the doors.

But Liam slid an arm out, blocking her path, chin tilted smugly. “You even know what kind of place this is? This is the priciest hotel in the city. Don’t tell me you’re trying to act fancy, pretending you’re staying here. With your bank account? You couldn’t afford half a night.”

The woman leaned into him with a laugh, tapping his chest. “Don’t be mean. Maybe she works here.”

“Works here?” Liam arched a brow. His gaze raked her up and down. “Cleaning staff, maybe? Or—” he smirked, voice low, suggestive, “using that face for tips as a waitress?”

Violet’s jaw tightened. “Move. I don’t have time for your bullshit. I’ve got more important things to deal with.”

“Ha. Still putting on a show.” He tugged at his suit jacket like he was on a runway, eyes full of challenge. “Tell me something—do you regret it? Breaking up with me? ’Cause if you’d stuck around, you wouldn’t look this pathetic now. At least you’d have nice clothes. Not… whatever this is.”

He twisted his wrist deliberately, flashing the watch on his arm.

Violet locked eyes with him. “Yeah, I regret it. Big time.”

Before Liam’s smirk could spread any wider, she cut in, “I regret ever wasting time on a greasy, cheating asshole like you. You’re the one who screwed my best friend behind my back—you messed up, and now you’re proud of it?”

She jabbed a finger toward his wrist. “And quit waving that fake Rolex around. It’s embarrassing.”

The woman blinked, startled, pulling a step away from Liam. “Wait—what? Is that true?”

Color drained, then flooded Liam’s face. He barked, “Shut up. Don’t listen to her. Baby, she’s just making crap up to embarrass me. You believe her?”

Violet folded her arms. “Cheating or fake watches—doesn’t really matter. You and I both know the truth. And don’t forget—you’re the one who came at me first.”

His jaw clenched, voice spitting with venom. “You should keep your damn mouth shut. No wonder you’re living like this. Serves you right.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Violet shot back, eyes hard. “Worry about yourself.”

The woman sighed, disgust written all over her face. “You know what? I just remembered—I’ve got somewhere to be.” She pushed him off, already walking away.

“Babe—wait, no! We had dinner plans! Don’t go—come on, wait for me!” Liam scrambled after her, completely forgetting Violet.

Violet turned away, ready to leave the whole mess behind.

And then she saw him.

Julian.

Standing not far away, hands in his pockets, that lazy grin playing at his lips. She had no idea how long he’d been there—but he probably watched the entire scene.