Chapter 2

2.

I practically bolted from the room. I was terrified that if I stayed another second, I would regret my decision.

The things I had risked my life for, Pierce had treated like trash. He once told me, "Sierra doesn't need your hand-me-downs. Stop acting so generous, Raina. Your fake behavior makes me sick. "

I hid in a bathroom stall and sobbed until I couldn't breathe. The acid in my stomach kept rising.

"Raina, why are you so useless? " I cursed myself. "Why are you making yourself so pathetic for a man? "

Was I just stupid?

No.

It was because I truly, deeply loved him.

I heard the sound of footsteps and muffled laughter outside. I quickly covered my mouth, not wanting anyone to see me in this state.

"Did you see Raina's face? It was hilarious. I've been waiting for this day forever. "

"Exactly. A hen that can't lay eggs shouldn't try to act like a phoenix. "

"I heard she crawled into Pierce's bed right after Sierra died. Finally, someone is putting her in her place. It's so satisfying! "

The familiar voices made me feel like I was falling into an ice pit. It was Pierce's friends and… his sister, Pippa.

Every word they said stabbed me in the heart. I bit my finger hard, the salty, bitter taste of blood filling my mouth.

I realized with agonizing clarity that the people I thought were friends and family actually despised me.

And Pierce, the man behind it all, had never once defended me.

My phone vibrated. In the small, quiet stall, the sound was amplified.

"Who's in there?! "

My pupils shrank. I didn't dare breathe.

But the people outside weren't going to let me go.

Pippa kicked the door repeatedly. "Which little bitch is hiding in here eavesdropping? Get out here right now! "

"I'm a Sterling. If you piss me off, I'll make your life a living hell. Come out! "

I tried to hold the flimsy lock with my hands, but the violent shaking was too much.

Pippa's friends forced the door open. They saw me collapsed on the floor. Instead of being embarrassed, they laughed.

Pippa grabbed my hair and dragged me out of the stall.

"Oh, look! The CEO's wife is hiding here crying. Do you need us to help you feel better? "

They all burst into loud, mocking laughter.

I covered my ears in shame, curling my body into a ball.

Pippa saw how pathetic I was and laughed even harder. She snatched my phone and patted my cheek.

"Stop acting, you bitch. No one is protecting you now. Playing the victim won't work. "

I tried to grab my phone back, but two women pinned me down.

Pippa looked at me like I was a broken toy.

"Raina, what goes around comes around. "

"If you leave the Sterling family quietly, I might let you keep a little bit of your dignity. "