Chapter 2

Listening to her, I felt a weight settle in my chest.

Before I could say anything, she hung up on me.

I didn't call back. Instead, I blocked all their numbers.

But the family group chat was already talking about it.

Beth had posted her version of what happened, and the older members of the family all asked about her health first.

One elder wrote, "It's okay. Don't get upset. It's just an application."

Another message read, "Don't make yourself sick over it, Beth."

A third message read, "Monica's not going to do anything to you. Even if she tries, you've got us. With us around, she can't touch you."

Even Colton jumped in to defend her.

"It's fine. I'm here, and I won't let anyone hurt Beth.

"Don't worry, everyone. I'll take good care of my sister."

When I saw Colton's message, I couldn't help sneering.

Beth jumped back in. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, Monica wouldn't be upset, and she wouldn't have left home.

"But I really didn't mean to."

Beth had sent a voice message. Her voice was full of hurt, every word thick with tears.

"I was the one who did something wrong first. I shouldn't have upset Monica."

You could clearly hear her crying, and once she started, the chat got even louder.

Everyone comforted her and blamed me.

Diane even insulted me in front of everyone. "It's okay, Beth, don't cry. I'm going to make that bitch Monica apologize to you.

"If she doesn't apologize, I'll never let her marry Colton!"

Diane said it like a vow.

Reading the messages in the group, I gave a bitter laugh.

As far as anyone knew, Beth had ruined my future, and I was still the one who had to apologize. To them, my future was worth less than Beth's tears.

Before I'd even replied in the group, my phone rang.

It was Colton. His voice was low, and he sighed. "Monica, Beth's crying. Are you still mad?

"Did you see what everyone said in the group?

"Don't be difficult. Just reply, and we'll drop it."

"Reply with what?" I asked.

"Apologize to Beth in the group. Say you didn't mean it."

Colton's voice was soft.

Listening to him made me sick.

"What did I do wrong? Beth is the one who was wrong!" I couldn't hold back my anger anymore.

Colton was quiet for a moment, then went on. "Don't be childish.

"Beth has already put up with a lot from you. You threatened her..."

He stopped halfway and swallowed the rest.

"Okay, just say something in the group, and this will be over. Don't make this bigger than it is."

I laughed softly. From start to finish, Beth was the one making it bigger.

"The names have already been sent to the family council. If the application doesn't get turned in now, do you know what that means?"

Impatience crept into Colton's voice.

"I know, but Beth is innocent. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She didn't do it on purpose, so don't hold it against her.

"You've always been like this. So immature."

I froze, and the color drained from my face.

Colton and I had been together for years, and this was the first time I realized that was how he saw me.

I started recording the call on my phone before I asked him.

"So you think this is no big deal? You're taking Beth's side, and you want me to forgive her, right?"

Colton replied, "I already told you, Beth is innocent. She doesn't plot against people.

"She didn't do it on purpose, so let it go. If you really want to make a big deal of it..." Colton paused, then said flatly, "I won't let you!"

I listened to him and gave a short, cold laugh.

Then I hung up.

Right after that, I saw the group chat had already blown up.

One member wrote, "Exactly. If Monica dares lay a finger on Beth, none of us will let it slide! Don't be scared, Beth!"

Another message read, "We've got your back! And you've got Colton!"

I didn't look any further. I just closed the chat.