Emelia’s Pov I blinked, “You don’t mind?”She smiled faintly, a little shy but resolute, “Not really. If anything, being implicated might actually bring me more attention. I’m an actress, remember? Even bad press is still press. It might give me more opportunities.”I stared at her, unsure whether to admire her bravery or call her insane, “Eliza,” I said slowly, “Don’t you think this kind of attention could… break you? Mental health isn’t something to gamble with. Once the crowd turns on you, it gets ugly fast. You might regret it.”But she just shook her head, her smile still in place, “I’ve endured worse, Emelia. My dad walked out on us when I was nine. My mom’s health has been failing since I was fifteen. I’ve worked jobs where the directors screamed in my face, made me rehearse in freezing weather, called me useless, ugly, talentless. I’ve gone to sleep hungry more times than I can count. You think a few people calling me names online is going to shake me?”I sat back, struck by
Emelia's Pov “But it did.” I cut in, my voice unkind. Eliza bit her lips and lowered her head, “I have no excuses for what I did. Despite the fact that I knew it would cause some problems to others, I still did it and accepted the money. If I had fought harder, I would have been able to escape Melanie. I'm sorry once again, I really am.” Eliza bowed, her voice apologetic. I glanced at Elijah who shrugged. She looked really sorry. I sighed and walked towards her, placing my hands on her shoulders. She was only one year older than me, and yet, she was already taking on huge responsibilities like this. What she did was bad but I wouldn't blame her, after all, circumstances have its way of treating others so badly that it would make them forget their morals. “As long as you know that what you did was wrong, I forgive you. However, I still incurred quite a lot of scolding and I'm still bitter about it.” Eliza laughed, “It's okay. I'll receive any punishment that you give me. I can't c
Emelia's Pov I rolled my eyes at Elijah’s overly proud expression and crossed my arms, “Can you help me set up a meeting with Eliza?”His smirk widened like he had been waiting for me to ask, “Already ahead of you.” He said smugly, stretching his arms behind his head, “I actually sent someone to check on her the moment I saw the video. We can go see her right now if you want.”I straightened immediately, “Right now?”Elijah pushed himself off the bed and grabbed his car keys from the nightstand, “Yeah. She’s safe. I moved her out as soon as I got the footage and realized Melanie might still try to use her or silence her. I wasn’t going to take that risk.”I followed him to the door, surprised but also… grateful, “You gave her a place to stay?”“She didn’t really have much of a choice.” He said, holding the door open for me, “Melanie threatened her and her sick mother. I wasn’t about to let her go back to that broken-down house with a target on her back.”We didn’t talk much on the dr
Emelia’s Pov I sat in stunned silence as the video continued to play out. Melanie wanted to ruin me this much? Wow. The girl leaned in closer to Melanie, clearly unsure, “What if I get caught?” She asked, voice quivering slightly, “I don’t want to go to jail for this. I didn’t sign up for anything illegal.” Melanie’s sweet smile turned razor-sharp, “Relax. It’s just a school. Nobody’s going to press charges over a few missing exam papers, especially not when everyone believes Emelia did it.” Her voice dripped with venom when she said my name. I felt a chill crawl down my spine. The girl still looked hesitant, shifting in her seat, “But what if she proves it wasn’t her?” Melanie’s face darkened. That’s when the tone of the conversation shifted. “If she proves it?” Melanie echoed, her voice lower now, laced with threat. She leaned forward, her nails tapping rhythmically against her coffee cup, “That’s for you to take care of and make it so well that no one would ever th
Emelia’s Pov “How were you able to recognise her?” I glanced up at Elijah who shrugged. “Give your big brother some credit. I can do anything if I want to.” His tone of voice was cocky, laced with confidence and a hint of pride that made me roll my eyes instinctively. “Yeah, yeah. Big brother my foot.” I scoffed, nudging his shoulder with mine, “You’re not even subtle about bragging anymore.” “I don’t need to be.” Elijah replied smoothly, leaning back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head, “I’ve spent years watching everyone lie through their teeth, so forgive me for enjoying a moment of being the smartest one in the room.” I chuckled, my eyes still fixed on the screen. The camera panned slightly to show Melanie sitting across from another girl, one whose face was turned away from the camera, but there was something about her silhouette and posture, even the way she tilted her head when she spoke… It was familiar. I don't know where I had seen something like
Emelia’s Pov I watched as Nora's eyes widened dramatically, confusion arising on her face. Her eyes darted around, probably trying to figure out what I meant by what I said. But it was true, even if I forgive Liam and the rest, I would never forgive Nora, Ethan and Amelia. Especially Nora. I stepped away from her with a smile, glancing towards Amelia. Amelia was still staring at me, her face red with anger. I walked towards her, since she was already angry, why not use her anger fully? “Mom.” I called out sarcastically. She had always hated me calling her that form of endearment. In the past, I thought it was just because she hated me, but now I know it's because I'm not even her biological daughter. “Don't you ever call me that!” Amelia whipped her head towards me, her chest heaving. “Why not? You're my mother, aren't you? You're the one who birthed me and Nora is just a little bastard that you brought from outside thinking that it was me. Why do you treat Nora better than