INICIAR SESIÓNThird-Person POVKatalin had dated a man named Sam White when she was in college. Everyone in the Crawford family, including Hugo, knew about him because Katalin was still dating Sam when she first slept with Hugo.Hugo's business gathering and Katalin's class reunion happened to be held at the same place. Hugo had been plied with alcohol all night, and when he came to, he found himself staring straight into Katalin's eyes. Katalin bawled her eyes out. Hugo was at a loss when Brianna walked in and caught them red-handed. No matter how much he tried to explain himself, the truth was right there in front of her. He had cheated on her. Even if his heart wasn't in it, he had still slept with someone else. Fortunately, he managed to earn Brianna's forgiveness. Still, he had to make things right with Katalin. Because of this incident, Katalin broke up with Sam. Initially, Hugo had only wanted to look out for her. However, as time went on, Katalin was a breath of fresh air compa
Third-Person POVBy the time Bianca showed up at their doorstep, Hugo and the others had already been putting up missing-person notices for half a month. Even though they knew it was useless, they wanted to give it a try anyway. Kieran sat on a stool, anxiously tugging at his hair. "My sister couldn't have left on her own; someone must've taken her away! But who could that person be? Ever since she fell ill, most of her friends haven't been in touch with her. Who else could've helped her?"No one answered him because none of them could think of anyone who might have helped Brianna.Bianca knocked on the door at that exact moment. Katalin was the first to recognize her. Having both been sponsored by Brianna in the past, Katalin had always harbored some hostility toward Bianca.Bianca had better grades and had gotten into a better college than she had. Fortunately, Bianca was an introvert; she didn't have the gift of the gab, nor was she good at winning people over. After learn
Brianna's POV"Why did you leave them?" My eyes were closed, and the voice in my ear sounded as gentle as water. Dr. Sinclair had instructed me to answer her questions with complete honesty. "Because they hurt me." "Are you happy now that you've left?" "I don't feel happy yet, but I'm not in pain anymore." Dr. Sinclair paused for a moment before inquiring, "Ever since you left, has that voice in your head come back?"I shook my head. "No, I hardly hear it now.""That will be all for today." Dr. Sinclair lifted the blanket off me and handed me two bottles of medication. "Remember to take them on time. From now on, you don't have to come in as often; once a month will be enough." Bianca Langley, who had just walked in, lit up when she heard that. "Does that mean Brianna is doing better?" Dr. Sinclair nodded. "Yes. Her condition will improve once she's away from the people who trigger her. Besides, she's been receiving treatment for such a long time. It would also be gr
Third-Person POVTime ticked away. Vivian and Kieran took turns calling Brianna, but no one answered.At last, ten minutes later, the flames died down considerably. Several firefighters rushed out of the burning building, and Hugo and the others immediately crowded around them. "Excuse me, did you see anyone inside while you were putting out the fire?" Hugo's voice trembled uncontrollably, his heart in his throat. When the firefighters shook their heads, he let out the breath he'd been holding. "Thank goodness. Thank goodness Brianna isn't in there." The color slowly crept back into Sean's and Sierra's cheeks. "That's good to hear. Bri's alright. Bri's alright."Kieran also breathed a sigh of relief, though he didn't stop calling her. "But why isn't she answering her phone? Since she's fine, she should answer so we know she's safe!" At last, Katalin saw her chance. She closed the distance between them and cautiously asked, "Is she ignoring us on purpose because she's mad at
Third-Person POVHugo stumbled and fell several times on his way there before finally reaching the courtyard. Towering flames danced in his eyes.The acrid smoke rushed straight into his nostrils, causing him to break into a coughing fit. However, he froze for only a split second before breaking into a run, trying to charge into the courtyard.His neighbor, who had come out to watch the commotion, hurriedly stopped him. "Have you lost your mind? The fire's raging! You'll get yourself killed if you go in there."Hugo struggled desperately against their hold, tears streaming down his face. "I have to go in. Let me go! Bri's still in there!"The man, who was restraining him, refused to let go. "The firefighters are already putting out the fire inside. They'll save her. If you go in, you won't be of any help; you'll just get yourself killed too!" Right then, the others who were a bit slower than Hugo had also reached the entrance. The flames illuminated their faces with a reddish gl
Brianna's POVI chuckled, though it sounded more like a sob. "What, did you think that was harsh? I haven't even started!" I pointed at Katalin, gritting my teeth so hard that it felt like they might shatter. "I sponsored her for three years and brought her out of the countryside the moment she graduated from high school. I introduced her to my family, my friends, and my boyfriend, and how did she repay me? By shamelessly fucking with—"Before I could finish speaking, I was slapped across the face. My head snapped to the side. The dull ache slowly spread from my cheek to the base of my ear. For a moment, all I could hear was the ringing in my ears. I turned my head in utter disbelief. Dad's face flushed crimson, and his hand was still hanging in the air. He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving with rage. All of a sudden, I remembered how, when I was a kid and fell off my bicycle while learning to ride, he had been so heartbroken that he cried. I lowered my gaze and no







