Chapter 6: Half-Sister Vivian Brooks

While Liam Hart was in the shower, Allie Brooks quickly finished packing her luggage.

When she went to change clothes, she ran into a bit of a problem. Her chest and neck were marked with faint love bites, courtesy of Liam.

That man…

Allie had no choice but to put on a turtleneck, something she usually avoided.

When Liam came out, he noticed her wearing a pale yellow turtleneck sweater. She looked soft and innocent, with her hair pulled back into a simple ponytail, highlighting her smooth forehead. A faint blush tinted her cheeks, and her eyes held a lingering fog, giving her an unintentionally adorable look—a real-life version of the internet’s “soft girl” aesthetic.

With her youthful, round face, she looked even younger, like a high school junior.

Liam walked over with a teasing smirk. “Why the sudden wardrobe change? Don’t you usually complain about turtlenecks being uncomfortable?”

Feigning innocence, he was clearly poking fun at her.

Allie rolled her eyes at him.

Liam chuckled inwardly.

When they first started living together, Allie had been shy and careful around him, as timid as a little bird.

Now, she was bold enough to roll her eyes.

He liked the progress.

Liam personally drove her back to the Brooks family home, then left after dropping her off.

The moment Allie stepped inside, the housekeeper, Mrs. Jean, greeted her warmly. “Miss Allie, it’s so good to have you back!”

Allie smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Jean. Where’s my father?”

“The master hasn’t returned yet, but Mrs. Lisa is here. She’s even cooked dinner herself tonight.”

Allie nodded and headed upstairs.

As she reached her room, the door across the hall swung open. “Finally back? I thought you’d vanished for good.”

It was Allie’s half-sister, Vivian Brooks.

Vivian was a senior in high school, but her look was far from typical—her hair styled in the latest curled trend, vibrant red lips, elaborate makeup, and clothing far bolder than her age, complete with intricately designed nails.

Next to her, Allie, with her natural face and casual look, appeared much younger.

Allie’s relationship with Vivian was strained, and she was used to her sister’s provocations.

She opened her door and replied coolly, “Finished your homework yet? You’re graduating this year, aren’t you?”

Allie stepped into her room, but Vivian followed her in. “Who was the guy who just dropped you off? That wasn’t Nick’s car. Did you two break up?”

Allie replied flatly, “That’s none of your business.”

At the mention of Nick, Allie’s expression tightened.

Vivian smirked. “I knew it. I always said Nick would get bored of you eventually. So, when did he finally dump you?”

Allie clenched her fists, pointing to the door. “Vivian, get out of my room.”

Vivian scoffed. “Who do you think you are, ordering me around? This is my house, not yours. You’re just a burden on our family. Dad’s already promised me that after I graduate, he’ll take me and Mom on a vacation to the Maldives. Just the three of us. Why do you even come back here? You’re just extra baggage.”

“Weiwei, that’s enough.”

Lisa Ruyan walked in and glared at Vivian. “How dare you speak to your sister that way. Leave her room. Now.”

Vivian huffed but eventually left. Lisa sat down next to Allie, taking her hand gently. “Vivian is young and immature.

Don’t take her words to heart.”

 

**** **** 

 

Allie Brooks gently pulled her hand away from Lisa Ruyan’s, her face unreadable. “Lisa,” she said softly, “don’t worry—I won’t tell Dad.”

Despite over a decade in her life, Allie never called her stepmother “Mom.” Lisa had joined their family, but Allie never felt like she truly belonged. As her younger half-sister, Vivian, loved to remind her, she was just an outsider in their picture-perfect family.

Lisa’s smile was polite, hiding any annoyance. “Your father’s home, Allie. Let’s head to the dining room for dinner.”

Allie followed, her gaze falling on a durian layer cake, her favorite. Her dad, David, had remembered. She gave him a soft smile as she took her seat.

But just as quickly, Vivian shot her a smirk, picked up the cake, and tossed it into the trash. “Dad, this stuff reeks! Why should we suffer just because Allie likes it?”

David frowned, irritation flashing across his face. “Vivian, that was uncalled for.”

Lisa intervened, her voice smooth and soothing. “It’s just a cake, David. We’ll get another one tomorrow. Right, Allie?”

Allie gave a forced nod. “It’s fine. Really.”

But Vivian wasn’t done. As they ate, she looked over at David, putting on a concerned face. “Dad, did you know? Allie and Nick broke up.”

David’s fork froze mid-air. “Is this true, Allie?”

Allie shot Vivian a glare before nodding. “Yes, we broke up.”

“What happened?” David’s voice held a mix of shock and worry. “I was just speaking with Mr. Lawson about your future together.”

Allie took a deep breath, steadying herself. “It’s...complicated, Dad. Cher’s pregnant. And the baby is Nick’s.”

David’s face hardened. “That boy... he’ll answer for this.”

Vivian leaned back with a mocking laugh. “Seriously, Allie? Cher was supposed to be your best friend. If you were a little more... exciting, maybe Nick wouldn’t have gone looking somewhere else.”

“Vivian!” David snapped.

Allie pushed back her chair, keeping her voice calm. “I’m done here.” Without another word, she headed upstairs.

Back in her room, she felt the weight of betrayal settling on her. Nick, her first love, had chosen someone else—and Cher, her closest friend, had been a part of it.

A soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. David stepped in, his face filled with worry. “Allie…”