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| Title | Last life my family kicked me out, this time I am the darling of this family |
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| Body | In Valerie Horton's previous life, she was the eldest daughter of the Horton family, one of the wealthiest families in Capstead. Yet, one day, her little sister went missing, and Valerie was cast out for not watching after her.<br /> From then on, Valerie had to live on her own. On her 20th birthday, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. A few months later, she died of grief.<br /> Fortunately, Valerie got to wake up in her 7-year-old self. Inside the little girl's body was a mature soul. Because of what she had gone through in her previous life, she decided to give up on gaining her family's love this time. Instead, she was determined to leave and stay away from her three brothers.<br /> With the knowledge she learned in her previous life, Valerie managed to secure a good living despite her young age.<br /> On the day she told her family that she was leaving, however, her three brothers stopped her.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother, pleaded, "Don't go, Valerie. I'll give you whatever you want as long as you stay with us."<br /> Bruce Horton, her second eldest brother, begged, "Valerie, do you have a favorite star in showbiz? I can get you his or her autograph if you stay."<br /> Tristan Horton, Bruce's twin and Valerie's youngest brother, promised, "Valerie, I'll design the most beautiful one-and-only dress for you."<br /> About her brothers' pleading, Valerie only had one reply. "Thanks. I'll pass."<br /> Only one person had firmly stood by Valerie's side. He had been secretly watched over Valerie and cleared every obstacle in her path.<br /> After Valerie left her family, he hurriedly came to her.<br /> "Do you want to stay with me?" he asked.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 The Outcast Daughter<br /> "You have only two months left."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie Horton left the hospital with her diagnosis. She stood in the yard of the hospital idly and mocked herself inwardly, her face pale.<br /> She remembered how happy she was yesterday when she went home after work with a piece of birthday cake.<br /> The second Valerie ate the cake, she felt intense pain, as if her internal organs were twisted together. She passed out in the rented room due to the agony.<br /> She was used to feeling this pain after experiencing it for two months. At first, she was worried. Yet, she didn't go to the hospital as she thought it was nothing and she needed to save money. She had no idea it would cost her more.<br /> On her 20th birthday, Valerie received the diagnosis of a terminal illness...<br /> Despite being an optimist, she was at a loss about the shocking news.<br /> She didn't remember how she got on the bus and returned to her cheap rented room.<br /> As Valerie saw the dirty walls, she finally snapped out of her trance.<br /> She put down the diagnosis and started cleaning up quietly...<br /> "Knock, knock. Valerie, are you home?"<br /> "Yes, Susie."<br /> Valerie rubbed her red-rimmed eyes and opened the wooden door. Susie Walton, Valerie's landlady, was standing outside with a friend. She beamed when she saw Valerie.<br /> "Valerie, I'm here for the rent."<br /> "Sure. I'll transfer the money to your account now."<br /> Valerie quickly snatched her phone and made the money transfer.<br /> Susie's smile grew wider as she confirmed it on her phone.<br /> "Good. Valerie, remember to come to me if you need anything."<br /> "I know, but I don't need anything at the moment. Thank you, Susie."<br /> After a few conventional remarks, Susie left and slammed the door shut.<br /> Susie's friend immediately grabbed her arm and leaned in.<br /> "What's going on? Why would a young girl live in this kind of place? This room was just a shabby warehouse. Why did you rent it to her?"<br /> "Hey. I wasn't the one who initiated it. That girl begged me, and I had to give in. The 25 dollars is her utilities."<br /> Susie glanced at the door and leaned closer to her friend.<br /> "Well, it's a secret. Don't tell others. That girl is the outcast daughter of the Horton family."<br /> "What? The Horton family? That Horton family?"<br /> Susie hastily covered her friend's mouth.<br /> Susie thought, "I knew it. She's such a big mouth."<br /> "Quiet! Don't you remember that a daughter of the Horton family has gone missing? It's said that Mrs. Horton missed her girl so much that she lost her mind. The Horton family blamed the elder daughter for not taking good care of her sister and claimed she did it on purpose. So, they kicked her out."<br /> Susie nodded at the door, gesturing to her friend that she was talking about Valerie.<br /> They both knew how that story ended.<br /> It was the news of Capstead as one of the wealthiest families had lost a daughter and kicked out the evil elder daughter.<br /> Susie's friend frowned.<br /> "But she seems meek. I don't think she's capable of such a hideous crime."<br /> "Beats me. We're just regular citizens. How would we understand rich people's thinking? She is their daughter, yet they hate her so much. Maybe she's a love child."<br /> Although the two women were gossiping in each other's ears, they forgot how thin the door was and how loud they were.<br /> Valerie heard every word.<br /> She picked up the diagnosis, lost in her memories.<br /> She was just a teenager then. When Zoe Horton, her younger sister, made a fuss about wanting to go outside and asked Valerie to accompany her, Valerie had no choice but to sneak out of the house with her.<br /> She couldn't say no to Zoe's request.<br /> On the exact same day, Zoe went missing. Valerie searched the entire block, yet Zoe was nowhere to be found. She didn't stop walking for a second despite the blood blisters under her feet.<br /> Valerie was so afraid.<br /> She was afraid that Zoe would be in danger. And she feared her family would hate her more because of it.<br /> However, Valerie couldn't cover the news. Once the Horton family learned about Zoe's missing, they exploded with rage.<br /> "Where's Valerie? Ask her to come to my study immediately!"<br /> That night, Valerie sat on her bed in the attic. The blood blisters had broken and her feet were bleeding. Yet, the pain was nothing in comparison to her heartache.<br /> Valerie was shaking as she bit her fingernails. Full of fear, she opened the door of Reese's study.<br /> The four men of the Horton family were all inside.<br /> As the door closed, Valerie's heart sank...<br /> Little Valerie felt suffocated as she faced the endless scolding and curses. Her family never gave her a chance to explain herself.<br /> Jerking out of her trance, Valerie clenched the diagnosis. Her throbbing heartache echoed with the constant pain of her internal organs. She gasped like a fish out of water.<br /> She would never forget it.<br /> That night, Reese's gaze at her was filled with disgust.<br /> How ridiculous! She was loathed by her own father.<br /> Faced with Reese's cruelty, little Valerie had forgotten about the intense pain in her feet. She could only feel a chill down her spine.<br /> The next day, they kicked Valerie out, though her feet were hurt and there were grazes on her body.<br /> They didn't even hesitate.<br /> Later, Valerie went to an orphanage. Instead of a warm welcome, all she got were humiliation and ridicule. And they lasted even until now...<br /> Because she was the outcast daughter of the Horton family.<br /> Valerie thought if she didn't let Zoe out that day, maybe she could grow up like an ordinary child. She could go to school and find a job, even form a family...<br /> Her headache got worse as she pondered.<br /> Valerie quickly stopped herself from indulging in the negative thoughts, adjusting her breath to ease the pain.<br /> After a long time, Valerie felt the urge to cry.<br /> She covered her eyes hastily and bit her mouth as she sobbed.<br /> Valerie had tried her hardest to muffle her cries.<br /> She couldn't cry out loud.<br /> She didn't have a reason to cry her heart out.<br /> Because she couldn't start her life over by crying. It couldn't change her life, and it couldn't make her live longer.<br /> Crying would only make Valerie realize how pathetic she was.<br /> After sobbing for a few minutes, Valerie sat on the broken chair idly, ignoring the tears and snot on her face.<br /> After a while, Valerie wiped her face forcefully and took out a piece of shredded paper and a fountain pen from her stonewashed canvas bag. The pen almost ran out of ink.<br /> She froze in place before dropping the shredded paper and the fountain pen. Then she took out a new sheet of paper and a better pen from her bag. They were too precious, so Valerie was unable to bear to use them before.<br /> Switching on the light, Valerie started writing seriously...<br /> One month later, Valerie quit after getting that month's paycheck. She also canceled her lease.<br /> With a shabby backpack and all her money, Valerie did what she always wanted to do.<br /> She traveled around the country without a care.<br /> This was the last month of her life, so Valerie wanted to live for herself once...<br /> Two years later, a lumberjack in a beautiful scenic village discovered a dead body on a mountain. He immediately called the police.<br /> The government was alarmed, and reporters swarmed in the village.<br /> The reporters got the pictures of the dead body with the government's permission.<br /> The dead body was lying on the ground peacefully with her hands on her body.<br /> The police found three sheets of paper in her clothes.<br /> One was a hospital diagnosis, and one was written full of travel plans.<br /> The reporter's tears welled up as he saw the last sheet of paper. It was broken and had only one sentence in fine handwriting.<br /> "I don't need another life."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Reborn<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's morning..."<br /> Valerie heard a gentle and kind voice.<br /> She couldn't move her boneless limbs, but her head was spinning due to the shock.<br /> Valerie thought, "What?<br /> Didn't I die? I died peacefully in a village, right?<br /> Ms. Valerie? Is this person addressing me?<br /> Why does this voice sound so familiar?"<br /> Valerie fought hard to open her heavy eyelids and blinked rapidly.<br /> She looked in the direction of the voice.<br /> Gradually, she saw a kind old man.<br /> "Jayvion?!"<br /> "Yes, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie was completely awake and sat up swiftly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you save me?"<br /> "What? What are you talking about, Ms. Valerie?"<br /> Jayvion's smile dropped at Valerie's strange question. He looked at Valerie in confusion.<br /> Valerie couldn't tell if she was dreaming or not. She asked directly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you come here too?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie... I don't understand. Where should I go?"<br /> Valerie was confused too.<br /> The old man and young woman stared at each other, their gazes full of questions.<br /> Valerie got out of bed hurriedly. Her heart sank when she propped herself up on the bed.<br /> Her heart had sunk.<br /> Valerie raised her hand and examined it carefully.<br /> In disbelief, she touched her face and her body while looking around.<br /> Everything looked familiar.<br /> "Do I have to do this again in the afterlife?"<br /> Valerie was utterly shocked.<br /> Jayvion was at a loss. He knelt in front of Valerie softly with a concerned look.<br /> "Excuse me, Ms. Valerie."<br /> The old gentleman took off his white gloves and righted his gold-rimmed glasses before putting his hand on Valerie's forehead.<br /> "You're not having a fever. Ms. Valerie, are you too tired from marking the nerve-calming sachet for Mr. Kieran?"<br /> A nerve-calming sachet?<br /> The word awakened something in Valerie. Her head snapped in the direction of her shabby desk.<br /> The desk was covered with nerve-calming herbs and a semi-finished sachet. Valerie had picked those herbs and made the sachet all by herself for Kieran.<br /> A dirty full-length mirror sat beside her bed. Valerie turned and looked into the mirror.<br /> She saw a petite girl in whitish pajamas. The girl's skin and hair both had an unhealthy yellow tone.<br /> Valerie slapped herself hard on the face.<br /> Jayvion jumped at the loud noise.<br /> "No, Ms. Valerie. What's wrong? Stop hurting yourself."<br /> Valerie didn't stop and just kept on slapping herself, her eyes full of tears. She was slapping herself to vent her anger and sorrow.<br /> She was back. What was more, she was back to her younger self.<br /> Valerie thought, "Didn't I suffer enough last time? Why did fate send me back?<br /> Why me?"<br /> Valerie asked those questions over and over in her heart. Tears ran down her swollen cheeks.<br /> Jayvion stopped her by holding her wrists in an iron grip. Valerie kept her head down. Tears and snot dropped on the floor freely.<br /> Yet, she wasn't crying out loud.<br /> The only telltale signs of her emotions were her shaking shoulder and her bent back.<br /> Jayvion's eyes widened in shock. He tightened his grip in case Valerie hurt her further.<br /> His white bread shook due to his heavy breathing.<br /> For some reason, Jayvion's heart broke when he saw the tears of this malnourished little girl.<br /> "Ms. Valerie ... you can cry."<br /> After a long time, Jayvion breathed. His gentle tone made Valerie feel better and gradually calmed down.<br /> She thought, "Fine. So I'm back.<br /> Life goes on."<br /> Finally, Valerie calmed herself and looked up at Jayvion shyly. Jayvion's eyes became red-rimmed too.<br /> Valerie noticed the kindness in Jayvion's eyes. She realized that this white-haired gentleman was the only person she could count on in the Horton family.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm fine now..."<br /> Seeing that Valerie had stopped crying, Jayvion released her. He swiftly took out a handkerchief and wiped Valerie's face softly.<br /> "Good. I'll pour you a glass of water. You need that."<br /> Jayvion stood up and went to the kitchen for some hot water.<br /> He didn't dare to ask more questions as he hadn't recovered from the shock.<br /> Earlier, he sensed a great grief from Valerie. She was so desperate.<br /> Jayvion didn't want to relieve it.<br /> Jayvion turned to look at Valerie's room before shaking his head and heaving out a long breath. He blinked the tears in his eyes away and hurried to the kitchen.<br /> Valerie needed to rehydrate.<br /> Valerie stood in the middle of the room alone and looked around.<br /> The room merely had four white walls and a few old furniture.<br /> If Valerie needed to use a bathroom, she had to go outside.<br /> Valerie walked to the desk and picked up the herbs she collected. She fiddled with the poorly-made sachet.<br /> Jayvion said she made it for Kieran.<br /> Valerie snorted.<br /> Kieran was the eldest son of the Horton family and the future president of the family business.<br /> He was a 25-year-old eligible bachelor with a good look and high intelligence.<br /> In Capstead, Kieran was like a noble prince.<br /> Besides the members of the Fisher family, everyone had to please Kieran. The Fishers were exceptions because they were as noble as Kieran.<br /> But Valerie knew one thing from her previous life.<br /> To maintain the Horton family's status in Capstead...<br /> Kieran had worked all the time and had insomnia and a constant headache.<br /> His state of mind had gotten worse as he couldn't get enough sleep.<br /> But Kieran couldn't find a proper cure for his insomnia.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she would give Kieran a glass of water with vitamin B every night to improve his sleep quality.<br /> Valerie was sure her former self had believed that Kieran had accepted her and wanted to improve their relationship by giving him the sachet.<br /> She thought, "No.<br /> Valerie.<br /> You're pathetic."<br /> Without a word, Valerie put the needles and yarns away before throwing the unfinished sachet and those herbs into the bin.<br /> She did it without any remorse.<br /> Jayvion came back with a hot water bottle.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, have a glass of water. It's good for your stomach too as you just wake up."<br /> Valerie dropped her coldness and softened up as soon as she saw Jayvion.<br /> She beamed as she looked at the kind gentleman.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion."<br /> "You're welcome, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Jayvion fixed Valerie a glass of warm water elegantly and watched her sip the whole glass.<br /> Yet, he had been stealing glances at the bin out of the corners of his eyes.<br /> Jayvion had a lot of surprises that morning.<br /> At that moment, he was surprised that Valerie seemed to give up on getting on Kieran's good side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 First Encounter With Kieran<br /> "Ms. Valerie, do you want to have breakfast now?"<br /> Jayvion immediately recovered and smiled at Valerie.<br /> Breakfast?<br /> Memories had returned to Valerie wave after wave. None of them were pleasant.<br /> Valerie snorted inwardly, but she put on an embarrassed face.<br /> "Jayvion, I had a nightmare last night and even jolted awake at midnight. I'm too weak to go to the dining room now. Would you please bring my breakfast here?"<br /> Valerie looked up at Jayvion with her watery eyes. Her fingers wriggled nervously where Jayvion couldn't see.<br /> Jayvion's heart softened as he saw the dark circles under Valerie's eyes.<br /> "Sure, Ms. Valerie. I'll fetch you the breakfast right away."<br /> Jayvion bowed slightly and hurried out of Valerie's room.<br /> As soon as Jayvion left her sight, Valerie dashed toward her tacky bedside table and checked the calendar.<br /> "20...16. I was kicked out when I was 13. I'm 7 years old now. I have six years left."<br /> Valerie murmured.<br /> Soon, she frowned in frustration.<br /> Six years?<br /> Valerie thought, "I have to stay here for another six years?"<br /> As Valerie remembered her family's dismissive attitude, she felt she couldn't stay in this house for one more second.<br /> The crease between her brows deepened as Valerie's mind was a mess at the moment.<br /> She was trying to remember the significant events in those years.<br /> Yet, she was swarmed by all her old memories.<br /> She couldn't think clearly.<br /> Valerie thought, "Forget it.<br /> That's it.<br /> I'll try to jot something down after breakfast."<br /> Valerie followed her heart.<br /> She returned to bed.<br /> She folded her hands on her stomach and slowly reminisced about the significant events she could remember.<br /> Valerie waited patiently for Jayvion.<br /> On the other hand, Jayvion was upset after fetching breakfast from the kitchen.<br /> When Jayvion walked past them to the kitchen for Valerie's breakfast, either Reese or Reyna asked him about Valerie. Their sole focus was on Zoe.<br /> They were looking at Zoe with so much love.<br /> Kieran was having breakfast elegantly and putting food on Zoe's plate too.<br /> Jayvion watched them for a while before turning around.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> "What's wrong, Mr. Bowman?"<br /> "Nothing. Go back to your duty."<br /> The kitchen staff was shocked by Jayvion's sigh.<br /> One of them couldn't help but look up and ask Jayvion the question.<br /> After getting Valerie's breakfast, Jayvion went straight to her room.<br /> Jayvion didn't think he would stand to stay in the dining room at the moment.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, breakfast is here."<br /> Jayvion collected his emotions and walked inside.<br /> He saw Valerie sleeping peacefully on her bed.<br /> She was so petite that she was almost the same size as Zoe, who was only five.<br /> Valerie was even thinner.<br /> She was lying on her bed rigidly with her hands on her stomach. The dark circle clearly showed that Valerie didn't get much sleep last night.<br /> Jayvion bathed his breath as he contemplated how to put down the tray in his hands without waking up Valerie.<br /> In the end, Jayvion walked over and gently pulled the comforter over Valerie, wanting her to get some rest.<br /> Maybe she exhausted her energy with her reborn. Valerie slept all day and it was past 6 p.m. when she woke up again.<br /> The room was in the dark and she couldn't hear any sound outside.<br /> Her stomach started grumbling, so Valerie had to get up and go to the kitchen.<br /> She dragged her feet and wandered in the dark.<br /> The kitchen was empty. Valerie thought it was because Reese and Reyna took Zoe out for dinner.<br /> She perked up immediately.<br /> Valerie thought, "How wonderful. I was wondering how to face my so-called family on the way here."<br /> Looking at the pitch-dark kitchen and dining room, Valerie was over the moon.<br /> After opening the fridge, Valerie had to get a stool to see what was inside due to her small size.<br /> There were many expensive ingredients, such as high-quality beef and caviar.<br /> Valerie ignored those ingredients completely.<br /> Her gaze directly went to the last shelf, which was full of roughage. She grabbed a corn cob and closed the fridge door.<br /> She couldn't wrap her hands around the corn cob.<br /> It was more than enough to feed her empty stomach.<br /> Valerie dragged the stool under the light switch. She struggled to climb up and switched on the light.<br /> Out of nowhere, Kieran appeared in front of her and was looking at Valerie sternly.<br /> Valerie screamed.<br /> She jumped and the corn dropped on the floor before rolling away.<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran crossed his arms and looked at Valerie's pale face.<br /> His thick brows knitted tightly.<br /> Kieran's gaze was sharp as if he was a police officer looking at an inmate.<br /> The brother and sister stared at each other silently.<br /> Nobody spoke.<br /> Valerie looked at the corn on the floor sadly.<br /> She then looked up at Kieran grumpily.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother.<br /> Being the eldest son of the Horton family, Kieran was totally a catch.<br /> After taking over the Horton Group from Reese two years ago, Kieran had brought it and his family to a new high.<br /> That was how great Kieran was.<br /> It was said that he fired all the old corrupted employees on his first day as the president.<br /> He acted fast and didn't give other people time to react or plead.<br /> That was all Valerie knew about it. She was kicked out of the Horton family afterward and had never heard anything about the Horton family since.<br /> Maybe it was because she hadn't seen any members of her family for a long time.<br /> Valerie felt a little awkward and didn't know what to do.<br /> The only thought she had at that moment was to pick up the corn and flee.<br /> The crease between Kieran's brows deepened.<br /> "What? Can't you speak now? Why didn't you answer my question?"<br /> All awkwardness disappeared at the second Kieran talked to Valerie in that commanding tone.<br /> Valerie glanced at Kieran and said aloofly.<br /> "I'm hungry, so I came to the kitchen for food."<br /> Although Valerie answered his question, Kieran seemed angrier.<br /> As far as Kieran could remember, Valerie never dared to raise her voice to him. She was always timid and couldn't even meet eyes with him.<br /> And she always called him Kier sweetly.<br /> Last night, Valerie had warily brought tea and a midnight snack to his study.<br /> Yet, Valerie was talking to him dismissively. Her attitude could be counted as cold...<br /> Kieran dropped his arms and squinted as Valerie picked up the corn.<br /> For some reason, Kieran was upset.<br /> "Watch your tone. Where's your manners?"<br /> Valerie paused from wiping the corn clean.<br /> Valerie turned and the light was coming from her back. Kieran was standing there with his hands in his pockets.<br /> When she came back, she thought she could face the Hortons peacefully.<br /> Yet, when they repeated their ignorance and rudeness, the pain didn't lessen. Valerie still felt a stab in her heart.<br /> The 7-year-old Valerie pressed her lips into a thin line and tried her hardest to adjust her breathing so that she wouldn't break down in front of Kieran.<br /> Manners?<br /> Valerie didn't think they deserved her politeness.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Valerie Is Rebellious<br /> They were at a stalemate in the kitchen.<br /> Kieran's patience was wearing thin. He didn't have time to eat lunch earlier because of work.<br /> Now, because of Valerie, who seemed to be in a bad mood, he had a headache.<br /> "I will go and cook corn."<br /> After that, Valerie went straight to the kitchen, not wanting to talk to Kieran again.<br /> For some reason, anger suddenly rose inside Kieran, and his tone became serious.<br /> "Valerie, you are trying to provoke me?"<br /> This was an affirmative sentence.<br /> Valerie, who brought a chair to the kitchen, trembled all over.<br /> She had just returned, and her fear of Kieran hadn't completely dissipated.<br /> Hearing Kieran's angry questioning, Valerie panicked and wanted to turn around and explain to Kieran.<br /> She tightly gripped the corn cob and crushed a few grains.<br /> Valerie forced herself to calm down.<br /> She took a deep breath and turned to face Kieran.<br /> "No, I'm just hungry, so I want to cook corn for myself."<br /> Just like before, Valerie was indifferent and distant, as if she was deliberately keeping a distance from Kieran, which annoyed Kieran.<br /> He wanted to say something to Valerie. Then he met Valerie's watery big eyes.<br /> This was the first time Kieran had looked at Valerie seriously.<br /> She had dry and somewhat yellowish hair, slightly ginger-colored skin, and a thin figure. She wore the pajamas that Zoe didn't want, which had already faded from washing.<br /> The shocking sight silenced Kieran. He could only watch Valerie skillfully pick up the pressure cooker, pour water into it, and put in the corn cob.<br /> Valerie easily turned on the gas stove, waiting for the pressure cooker to make a hissing sound.<br /> The kitchen once again fell into an awkward situation.<br /> "Just corn? There are still plenty of ingredients in the refrigerator. You can call Jayvion to help you. You are now cooking by yourself. Do you feel that we've mistreated you?"<br /> Kieran looked at her and asked in a deep voice. Valerie was so skinny that her spines were prominent.<br /> Valerie turned around and calmly glanced at Kieran.<br /> "I'm just hungry and want to have something to eat."<br /> Valerie didn't want to say anything else. The more she explained, the messier it became. Valerie didn't care what Kieran would think about her.<br /> The pressure cooker started to rumble. The harsh sound relieved the awkward atmosphere a little bit.<br /> In the dim light, Kieran looked at Valerie's weak figure, feeling a bit dazed.<br /> His heart missed a beat as if it wanted to burst out of his body and block his breath, marking it a bit unbearable.<br /> Kieran inexplicably approached, wanting to touch Valerie.<br /> Valerie was different now.<br /> She was so unfamiliar.<br /> Valerie was elusive, ready to disappear before Kieran...<br /> Hiss...<br /> Valerie removed the valve of the pressure cooker, releasing the gas inside.<br /> This sound made Kieran snap back to reality, and he looked at Valerie strangely. He then picked up his cup and brewed a cup of coffee before returning to his study.<br /> In the gloomy room, Kieran was unable to focus on his work at all. He rubbed his furrowed brows and took out his phone to call Jayvion.<br /> "Jayvion, come and make dinner."<br /> "Okay, Mr. Kieran. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "It's not for me. It's for the young lady."<br /> The young lady?<br /> Jayvion was a bit confused.<br /> Zoe went out for dinner with her parents, so this young lady should be Valerie.<br /> Although Jayvion didn't understand why Kieran would care for Kieran, Jayvion was in a much better mood.<br /> "Understood, Mr. Kieran. I will prepare the meal and deliver it to Ms. Valerie's room. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "I don't need anything."<br /> After hanging up, Kieran finally calmed down. He opened his laptop and got down to work.<br /> Valerie had a corn cob in her hand. She nibbled on it as she entered her room. She hadn't eaten all day, so the taste of the corn in her hand was especially sweet.<br /> Just as Valerie entered her room and had only eaten half of the corn cob, Jayvion came inside with a smile, carrying a tray of food for Valerie.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to prepare dinner for you. Why are you eating raw corn? If you are hungry, you can let me cook for you!"<br /> Jayvion quickly put down the food tray and snatched the corn cob from Valerie's hand without waiting for her to explain.<br /> Concern filled Jayvion's eyes as he looked at Valerie. He took out his phone, intending to call the family doctor.<br /> It wasn't until the fragrant aroma and sweetness of the corn filled Jayvion's nostrils that he calmed down.<br /> "Hmm? It was cooked?"<br /> Doubtful, Jayvion broke off a grain of corn cob and put it in his mouth.<br /> It was cooked.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, what did you use to cook it?"<br /> "A pressure cooker."<br /> "Hiss..."<br /> Jayvion gasped in fear.<br /> The fact that Valerie cooked corn with a pressure cooker was even scarier than her eating raw corn.<br /> "Did you make it by yourself? Did you get hurt?"<br /> Jayvion was truly flustered and checked Valerie for any signs of injury.<br /> There was no trace of injury at all.<br /> Jayvion wondered, "This is strange. When did Ms. Valerie learn how to use a pressure cooker?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie, if you're hungry, just come tell me. Using a pressure cooker is too dangerous for you."<br /> "I understand, Jayvion."<br /> Valerie looked at Jayvion, her eyes filled with warmth.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to cook dinner for you. Please eat."<br /> Valerie looked at the delicious dinner on the table, went up, and took the corn from Jayvion's hand.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm almost finished with the corn cob. You can just take the dishes back. This one piece is enough to fill me up."<br /> "But, Ms. Valerie..."<br /> Kieran especially had Jayvion prepare the dinner.<br /> Remembering Valerie's hunched back in the morning, Jayvion chose to stay silent.<br /> He could only take the dinner back to Kieran's study.<br /> "Mr. Kieran, Ms. Valerie said she was full from the corn and asked me to bring the dinner to you..."<br /> Kieran's face darkened immediately.<br /> The dishes on the table looked appetizing.<br /> Yet, he had no appetite at all.<br /> He wondered, "What did Valerie mean by this?<br /> Is she being rebellious at this age?<br /> Does she try to use this method to gain attention from the family?"<br /> Valerie was so well-behaved last night. She served Kieran milk and late-night snacks.<br /> But today, she started throwing tantrums.<br /> Clearly, Zoe was the only sensible one!<br /> "I see, Jayvion. You can have this dinner with others. I don't need it anymore. From now on, there's no need to inform me about anything related to Valerie. You may leave now."<br /> "Yes..."<br /> Jayvion left the study with dinner and shook his head helplessly.<br /> Why were both Valerie and Kieran so stubborn?<br /> But the Horton family wasn't friendly toward Valerie.<br /> Ever since Zoe was born, everyone's attention had been focused solely on her.<br /> At the age of two, Valerie had to learn to read people's expressions and act accordingly. She could not be willful or throw a tantrum to please her family.<br /> If one day, Valerie secretly ran away from home...<br /> They might not even notice it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 Alienation<br /> Valerie nibbled the corn cob while thinking about what would happen in the coming years.<br /> With her immature hands, she wrote on the blank paper she had gotten from Jayvion.<br /> "At the age of 7, Galen Fisher, who was once a general, retired and let his eldest grandson join the military for further education.<br /> "At the age of 8, people started paying attention to short videos. I can start from here...<br /> "At the age of 9, Zoe entered a prestigious school, but there were not enough spots, so they sent me to a public school.<br /> "At the age of 10, there was a flood in the coastal area during the summer, submerging a city. How much money did the Horton family donate? Well, it doesn't matter to me..."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie vaguely remembered the most memorable things from her past, but there were things she couldn't recall<br /> Valerie gave up thinking about it.<br /> The blank paper was not filled up.<br /> Valerie sighed with regret.<br /> In her previous life, she always wanted to improve her relationship with her family and didn't pay much attention to the outside world.<br /> Valerie just heard something major.<br /> She regretted it!<br /> Valerie thought, "Well, I will just wait and see. The only thing I can do is focus on short videos and see if I can develop something from them.<br /> Even if I fail, it doesn't matter. I have done a lot of jobs before."<br /> Valerie once even lived in a shack that cost 25 dollars. This was no big issue.<br /> After washing up, Valerie lay in bed. She carefully folded the paper and placed it under her pillow before falling into a deep sleep.<br /> Late at night, the study room in the Horton's house was still brightly lit.<br /> Kieran rubbed his weary eyes and habitually reached out to grab something next to him.<br /> But he got nothing.<br /> "Kieran, the milk is good for your sleep. You didn't eat much. It's a midnight snack prepared for you. Don't work too hard."<br /> Valerie's obedient look appeared in his mind.<br /> Kieran gazed at Valerie today in the kitchen and noticed that the dark circles under her eyes became apparent.<br /> Since when did Valerie insist on bringing him midnight snacks?<br /> Kieran remembered that after taking the business from his father, a cup of milk would always be next to him.<br /> It had been more than three years...<br /> How old Valerie was?<br /> Kieran's hand on the cup trembled. He habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache uncomfortably.<br /> Kieran had just calmed down, but now he felt restless again. His head throbbed.<br /> Kieran habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache.<br /> Kieran reached out and massaged his throbbing temples, recalling the massages that used to relax him.<br /> Valerie would gently massage his temples to relieve his headache.<br /> As Kieran groggily opened his eyes, he was startled.<br /> The one who had been taking care of him was always Valerie.<br /> But today's Valerie seemed so unfamiliar...<br /> Kieran contemplated for a while in the chair...<br /> The next morning, at half past five...<br /> Valerie opened her heavy eyelids and quickly blinked to wake herself up.<br /> She didn't want to have breakfast with her family. At this time, Jayvion and other staff would be preparing breakfast<br /> Valerie walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile.<br /> Then she saw who was in the dining room.<br /> Valerie froze in shock.<br /> Should she walk in or not?<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen her.<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen Valerie.<br /> Sighing deeply in heart, Valerie chose to walk in.<br /> "Good morning."<br /> Valerie politely greeted her father, who seldom talked with her. Then she obediently sat down.<br /> Reese's eyebrows instantly furrowed.<br /> "Valerie."<br /> "Yes?"<br /> Valerie looked at Reese with confusion. She knew this tone too well. It was Reese's way of expressing dissatisfaction, with a slight rise in his tone at the end.<br /> But Valerie couldn't understand what Reese was dissatisfied with.<br /> Reese saw her clear, puzzled eyes and choked on his words.<br /> Reese's brows furrowed tighter.<br /> If Reese hadn't seen his daughter this morning, Reese might not have remembered that he failed to see Valerie all day yesterday.<br /> Valerie's attitude today was incredibly stiff.<br /> She didn't call Reese "Dad" as usual.<br /> Although Valerie was bold enough to stare back at Reese, a growing distance was forming between them.<br /> What was wrong with Valerie?<br /> At such a young age, did she want to turn against her own biological father and stay away from him?<br /> Valerie was young but hot-tempered.<br /> That was the first thing that came to Reese's mind.<br /> The same thought crossed Kieran's mind as well.<br /> In his mind, Reese compared Valerie and Zoe.<br /> The dissatisfaction towards Valerie was even deeper.<br /> "Why are you up so early? What are you going to do?"<br /> "Nothing. I'm just hungry, so I got up early and want to eat something."<br /> "Hungry? Did you wake up at the same time yesterday morning? You must have been hungry at noon yesterday. Why didn't you come out for lunch?"<br /> The questioning and blaming words caused Valerie to lose all appetite.<br /> All she wanted now was to jump down and go straight back to her room.<br /> "I was resting at noon yesterday, and I've been sleeping a little late recently."<br /> "Why did you stay up late? Did you send snacks to Kieran?"<br /> "Yeah, I couldn't hold on anymore, so I stopped last night."<br /> Reese's eyebrows relaxed slightly.<br /> "Alright, that's my good girl. You need to learn from Zoe. Sleep and wake up early. Also, when you see your elders, greet them properly and address them respectfully."<br /> Valerie glanced at Reese.<br /> She had been used to it.<br /> It was the same yesterday and today.<br /> The Horton family only cared about Zoe.<br /> Sometimes, Valerie even doubted whether she was truly related to Reese by blood.<br /> But Valerie looked very much like her late grandfather.<br /> So, she was a member of the Horton family. That was for sure.<br /> But ever since the sickly Zoe was born, she stole all the attention from everyone in the family.<br /> The two-year-old Valerie had her moments of tantrums.<br /> When did she become like this?<br /> Valerie was humble and concerned about their opinions.<br /> Was it because of Reese's reproach and the criticism from her three older brothers? Or was it because of her mother's accusatory gaze?<br /> All signs indicated that Valerie was a bad child.<br /> So, she suppressed her childish temper and whims, starting to think about her family and do things for them.<br /> Though it had great effects, Valerie was gradually being ignored.<br /> "Valerie, your hair clip is something your sister likes. Give it to her, and I will purchase you another one next time."<br /> "Okay, Mom, here you go."<br /> Then Valerie's mom forgot, but Valerie couldn't say anything, or else her mom would get angry.<br /> "Valerie, your room is bigger. Zoe is in poor health, and her current room is a bit small with poor air circulation. Can you let her have your room for now? Dad will arrange a bigger room for you later."<br /> "Yeah, it's okay, Dad."<br /> Now Zoe occupied two rooms, while Valerie still lived in the storage room hastily arranged at the beginning.<br /> The more Valerie thought about it, the colder she felt in her heart.<br /> There was nothing left for her to defend or communicate with the Horton family.<br /> Valerie turned around to look at Reese and exhaled slightly.<br /> "Understood, father."<br /> The word "father" pierced Reese's heart like a sharp sword.<br /> Reese instantly looked up from the newspaper.<br /> He met Valerie's calm and distant gaze...<br /> <br /> Chapter 6 Send Her to School<br /> Reese's pupils trembled slightly, and his mouth unconsciously opened.<br /> He found it hard to breathe.<br /> Father?<br /> Valerie's expression remained unchanged.<br /> Her eyes were clear and bright, but cold.<br /> In the depths of her eyes, there was no sign of Reese.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> "Yes, father."<br /> Reese's voice was low.<br /> Valerie did not flinch. She looked straight at Reese. Slowly and steadily, she called out "Father", which made Reese's heart ache a bit.<br /> "Dad!"<br /> Reese recalled the soft voice when Valerie called him "Dad".<br /> What expression did she have when she called Reese "Dad"?<br /> The sound of a cup forcefully hitting the table startled Valerie.<br /> She looked at Reese in confusion, whose cheeks flushed in anger.<br /> "I told you to address elders properly. So, you deliberately did so to annoy me, didn't you?"<br /> "Cannot I call you 'Father'? Isn't that a more respectful way of addressing an elder?"<br /> Reese was furious.<br /> He wondered, "What is going on?<br /> "What happened to Valerie?<br /> "She keeps her distance from me. What does she want?"<br /> Ah?<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran, who had not slept well last night, entered the dining room and immediately sensed the strange atmosphere.<br /> Reese's rationality was brought back by Kieran's voice.<br /> "Kieran, you come at the right time. Look at Valerie. Her character has changed! She's even contradicting us!"<br /> Reese angrily pointed his finger at Valerie.<br /> Kieran's brow twitched.<br /> He had seen the way Valerie was even before his father did.<br /> After Reese accused Valerie, the three sat awkwardly in the dining room.<br /> Valerie had lost her appetite.<br /> She just wanted to go back.<br /> And she did just as she thought.<br /> "I'm leaving first. I'll come back later."<br /> "Wait! Is this how you should behave?"<br /> Reese stood up abruptly, stopping Valerie from leaving.<br /> Valerie's brow finally moved.<br /> "Father, is there anything else?"<br /> Now it was Kieran's turn to widen his eyes.<br /> "Father..."<br /> Kieran mumbled to himself.<br /> A trace of gloominess appeared in Kieran's sharp gaze.<br /> "Valerie, let's have a proper conversation today. Dad is also here. If you have any grievances, you can talk to us and explain why you did this."<br /> Kieran pulled out a chair, crossed his arms on the table, and examined Valerie.<br /> Reese also sat down. He propped his elbows on the table with his hands on his chin.<br /> Both of them had no intention of having a good conversation.<br /> What grievances?<br /> If Valerie told them, they would always have a bunch of excuses to retort.<br /> The men of the Horton family never allowed themselves to be in the wrong.<br /> When Valerie was five or six years old, she argued with them.<br /> What she got in return was their increased dislike and reproach.<br /> Valerie clenched her teeth, placed her hands on her legs, and tightened her fists. She lowered her head, refusing to look at them.<br /> "Speak. Everyone is busy. We all have things to do in a while, so there's no obligation to indulge your temper. If you have any dissatisfaction, just say it directly."<br /> Kieran's volume gradually increased.<br /> Valerie's heart pounded with disappointment.<br /> Dissatisfaction? She dared not have any dissatisfaction.<br /> Having dissatisfaction implied that Valerie held a glimmer of hope for them.<br /> Valerie lifted her head and stared directly at the two men who were looking at her coldly.<br /> "Kieran, Father, I have no dissatisfaction. I just did things that I thought were proper. Do I need to be criticized for it?<br /> "When Father saw me in the morning, I greeted him, but he said I should address him respectfully like Zoe, and show respect to my elders.<br /> "I just called him 'Father'. Isn't that a respectful term?<br /> " Father, why are you angry? You even encouraged Kieran to criticize me.<br /> "I don't understand. It seems like no matter what I do, you will accuse me.<br /> "Is what I've done not enough?<br /> "I've given everything to Zoe that she likes, such as jewelry and my room. I've given them to her.<br /> "You told me to eat by myself, not to trouble everyone. I've learned to do it and won't trouble you anymore.<br /> "I just had breakfast early. Do I have to accept your criticism for that too?"<br /> Valerie's expression didn't show as much anger or sorrow as expected, as if she were telling a story.<br /> The pace was slow, and the tone was distant.<br /> The two men sitting across from each other didn't know how to respond at all.<br /> If Valerie cried and made a fuss like before...<br /> Crying and marking a fuss?<br /> Reese's heart missed a beat.<br /> When was the last time Valerie made a scene in front of him?<br /> And what about the room she mentioned?<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, so Reese asked Valerie to give the room to Zoe...<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Zoe's previous room had been turned into a dressing room.<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Reality made Reese's heart throb directly.<br /> A chill surged through him.<br /> Even Reese's toes began to feel cold.<br /> Kieran glanced at Reese, observing his expression.<br /> Reese's pupils contracted as he looked at Valerie.<br /> It seemed that he thought of something.<br /> But Kieran did not soften his attitude.<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, with good air circulation.<br /> Why not just let Zoe have it?<br /> The Horton's house had so many rooms. They could arrange one for her.<br /> Valerie was so small. How much space did she need?<br /> Even the way Valerie addressed Kieran had changed from "Kier" to "Kieran," just like her addressing Reese.<br /> Valerie was willful.<br /> Kieran's mind raced at high speed.<br /> He wanted to see if there was any way to change Valerie, who was stubborn.<br /> Out of the corner of his eyes, Kieran noticed the newspaper in Reese's hands.<br /> A spark of inspiration flashed in Kieran's mind!<br /> "You should be around 7 years old this year, right? It's time for you to go to elementary school."<br /> Hmm?<br /> Valerie looked up at Kieran with a puzzled expression.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she wouldn't be thought of until two years later before she was sent to a public elementary school.<br /> Did this trigger the butterfly effect?<br /> A wave of shock rose inside her.<br /> Valerie quickly calmed down.<br /> It didn't matter if she went early or late. Anyway, it was a public school.<br /> It was time for Valerie to go to elementary school.<br /> In that case, she had to thank Kieran. He reminded Reese to send Valerie to school.<br /> "Yeah, school! That prestigious international school still recruits students. I'll go and see if there are any spots left."<br /> Still in a daze, Reese heard Kieran mention elementary school.<br /> His mind cleared up instantly.<br /> Reese didn't even bother to have breakfast. He walked straight to the study.<br /> There shouldn't be excitement.<br /> It was more like that Reese was escaping.<br /> Reese didn't want to admit it, and he didn't want to face Valerie.<br /> Reese would help Valerie get into a prestigious school...<br /> Only by doing so could he relieve his sense of guilt.<br /> With that thought in mind, Reese quickly dealt with the matter of enrolling Valerie in the prestigious school.<br /> The two men planned which school Valerie should go to, each engrossed in their own thoughts.<br /> Kieran used work as an excuse and left after marking a cup of coffee. He had nothing more to say to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was left alone in the kitchen, with her eyes wide open.<br /> Wasn't it supposed to be a public elementary school?<br /> <br /> Chapter 7 Enrollment (1)<br /> Valerie stayed in the dining room for a while before coming back to her senses.<br /> It didn't matter. Anywhere was fine.<br /> But she needed two things...<br /> Valerie would talk to Kieran about it. If it was not possible, she wouldn't go.<br /> With a determined mind, Valerie finished her breakfast and went straight to Kieran's study.<br /> There was a knock at the door.<br /> "Come in."<br /> Kieran gently opened the door of his study.<br /> Valerie's mind went blank for a moment.<br /> It had been so long since she last saw this study.<br /> Valerie shook her head, and then she looked up at Kieran, who was organizing his clothes, ready to go out.<br /> "Kieran, I have something to discuss with you."<br /> Kieran's expression immediately became impatient.<br /> "Just get to the point! Besides not wanting to go to school, everything else is negotiable."<br /> Valerie shrugged her shoulders. She wanted to go to school so that she wouldn't have to face them all day long.<br /> Valerie cleared her throat. "I want to borrow some money to purchase a cellphone and a laptop. I will repay you."<br /> The study fell into silence<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> Kieran felt a strange atmosphere.<br /> His sister borrowed money from him and promised to pay him back.<br /> Kieran put aside the issue of borrowing money for now.<br /> Didn't Valerie have a cellphone?<br /> Zoe had the latest tablet and cellphone. As long as there were new arrivals, Reese would purchase them for her.<br /> Kieran thought Valerie would be able to get from Zoe's spoils and had a laptop or cellphone.<br /> But it seemed not.<br /> Due to Reese's reaction just now, Kieran paid more attention.<br /> "I will purchase them for you. Our family doesn't need to borrow money to purchase such things."<br /> His remark was directed at Valerie.<br /> Valerie obediently nodded, but she would pay Kieran back.<br /> She didn't want to owe them.<br /> Kieran agreed, and Valerie politely bid farewell to him.<br /> She left the study without looking back.<br /> "..."<br /> Kieran's brows furrowed tightly.<br /> But Valerie had left the study. He suppressed his dissatisfaction and went out to work.<br /> As he came to the door, there happened to be a maid walking out with garbage bags.<br /> Kieran, who was adjusting his tie, caught a whiff of lavender fragrance.<br /> He turned around and gazed at one of the bags that looked different from the others.<br /> Kieran thought it was just an empty garbage bag.<br /> But inside it was an unfinished sachet and some dried lavender flowers.<br /> It was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> Kieran froze at the door for a moment.<br /> He had never seen this thing before, and Valerie never told him that she would make a sachet for him.<br /> But Kieran was certain that it was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> "Mr. Kieran?"<br /> The driver at the door found it was about to be late for work, so he called out to Kieran with a puzzled look on his face.<br /> "Well, let's go."<br /> Kieran got into the luxury car and left the Horton's place.<br /> The maid who was cleaning up brought out the bags from other rooms.<br /> She looked at the flattened garbage bag.<br /> Her eyes widened in shock.<br /> "Ah? Where are the sachet and flowers inside this bag? Did I lose them? This is too bad. Where are they?"<br /> The nervous maid searched all day to preserve her position, but she did not know these two items were in a drawer in Kieran's office.<br /> After leaving Kieran's study, Valerie started wandering around the Horton's place.<br /> Even in her past life, Valerie wasn't familiar with the layout of the house. She just knew everyone's rooms, the dining room, and the small garden, but she didn't touch anything else.<br /> How foolish!<br /> Valerie sneered.<br /> She started wandering around the manor.<br /> As Valerie reached the garden, she heard the pleasant laughter of a child.<br /> Valerie looked towards the garden.<br /> The sunlight shone brilliantly in this beautiful garden.<br /> Zoe sat on the swing specially made for her by her parents, with her mother pushing her from behind.<br /> Zoe swung higher and higher.<br /> Both of them were laughing happily.<br /> Zoe's tender but pale face was bathed in sunlight. She appeared to be fragile.<br /> Yet, Zoe was incredibly beautiful.<br /> Valerie found the scene so hurtful.<br /> The throbbing in Valerie's heart made her fingertips start to ache.<br /> She quickly reached out to rub her fingers and heart, trying to alleviate the pain.<br /> Under the sunlight, Zoe formed a stark contrast with Valerie in the dark room.<br /> After a while, Valerie quietly left, no longer continuing to look at them.<br /> "Hmm?"<br /> Reyna, who was feeding Zoe water, suddenly felt a shock.<br /> She lifted her head abruptly and looked towards the window where Valerie had just stood.<br /> Reyna placed her right hand on her body and took slow breaths.<br /> For a moment, she felt a strange sensation, but more importantly, she felt that something important was moving away from her.<br /> "Mom, what's wrong?"<br /> Zoe tilted her head and looked at Reyna, with a hair clip on her hair that Valerie liked the most.<br /> "Oh, nothing. I just spaced out for a moment."<br /> Zoe's voice eased Reyna's mind a bit.<br /> Putting aside the momentary discomfort she felt, Reyna happily played with Zoe.<br /> Not long after Valerie indifferently returned to the room, there was a knock on the door.<br /> It was Jayvion. He was holding the phone and laptop that Valerie mentioned to Kieran in the morning.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to give you the phone and laptop. Let me activate them for you."<br /> Jayvion knelt down on one knee and made eye contact with Valerie. He carefully explained how to use the phone.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion. I watched how Kieran turned on and off the computer and operated the phone. So, you can rest assured."<br /> Jayvion looked at Valerie strangely. Valerie took the phone and laptop from him.<br /> With a series of actions, she left Jayvion speechless.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's good that you know how to use them. If there's anything you don't know or if they get damaged, just let me know, and I will send someone to repair them for you."<br /> "Yes, thank you, Jayvion! I will be careful!"<br /> Jayvion looked kindly at Valerie, who had her eyes on the phone, stood up, and bent slightly towards her.<br /> "Congratulations on starting school, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie suddenly looked up. Jayvion was smiling kindly and sincerely gave her best wishes.<br /> Uncontrollably, Valerie's nose twitched, and tears filled her eyes.<br /> She bit her back teeth hard, not letting herself cry.<br /> At the sight of Valerie's teary eyes, Jayvion felt sorry for her.<br /> Jayvion was advanced in age. And Valerie's eyes were pure enough to soften his heart.<br /> Jayvion admitted that he could not be indifferent to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was a pitiful girl.<br /> So, Jayvion had sympathy for her.<br /> <br /> Chapter 8 Enrollment (2)<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's going to get better."<br /> Jayvion spoke straightforwardly.<br /> He felt that Valerie was not thinking like a mediocre child.<br /> Jayvion believed the precocious and sensible Valerie would understand what he meant.<br /> He was right.<br /> Valerie nodded, quickly wiped her eyes, and once again looked at Jayvion with a smile.<br /> Seeing Valerie like this made Jayvion's heart ache even more.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> Jayvion rubbed Valerie's head.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, I'll go get your lunch. Please wait a moment."<br /> Jayvion adjusted his mood and returned to his usual work state. He respectfully bowed to Valerie before he turned away to get her lunch.<br /> Valerie's attention was immediately back on her cell phone and laptop.<br /> She rummaged through her shopping bag to see the invoice inside.<br /> As she expected, there was no invoice at all.<br /> Kieran had prejudged her reaction.<br /> The invoice was delivered to Kieran immediately after the purchase.<br /> Valerie froze for a moment.<br /> Hastily grabbing her phone, she downloaded eBay and scanned the laptop.<br /> Moving closer to the screen, she squinted and counted carefully.<br /> She gasped at the price.<br /> Seeing the price clearly, Valerie moved backward.<br /> Uncertain, she counted it again...<br /> She could not believe it.<br /> She was thousands of dollars in loan at such a young age.<br /> Valerie was suddenly desperate.<br /> Hanging her head down, she opened her laptop and downloaded software to edit short videos.<br /> Valerie, who was still gloomy, adjusted her mind, clicked on the software, and tried the functions inside.<br /> On her cell phone, she also downloaded an app that would be a worldwide hit in the future.<br /> Valerie set a firm goal in her heart.<br /> She squinted her eyes like a little old man and worked hard to get familiar with the software.<br /> ---<br /> The next morning, Valerie opened her eyes in a daze.<br /> She was awakened by Jayvion's knock on the door.<br /> "Ms. Valerie! Mr. Kieran said he was going to take you to school, so you need to get up and wash up quickly now."<br /> "I see."<br /> Getting out of the covers with great difficulty, Valerie rubbed her face and forced herself to wake up.<br /> Quickly, she found her cleanest and most decent clothes from the closet and put them on.<br /> She tied her hair in a ponytail.<br /> And then she appeared in the dining room with such a brisk look.<br /> Kieran sipped his coffee as he looked at the work messages on his phone.<br /> He heard Valerie's footsteps and didn't look up at her.<br /> "Hurry up and eat. I don't have much time. We'll just meet with the principal, and then you'll be in school all day today. The school bag, stationery, and other things are ready. Carry it yourself."<br /> "Got it."<br /> The conversation between the two was stiff and brief.<br /> This bunch of words instantly made the atmosphere awkward to the extreme.<br /> The servants poked their heads out of the kitchen from time to time to look into the dining room.<br /> There were doubts in their eyes.<br /> "What's going on? Why is the relationship between Ms. Valerie and Mr. Kieran getting worse?"<br /> "Yesterday, someone working the morning shift heard Ms. Valerie arguing with Mr. Reese and Mr. Kieran in the dining room. That's why they are so awkward today."<br /> "What? Ms. Valerie had a fight with Mr. Kieran? I don't believe it."<br /> "But it's not impossible. Yesterday, when I was cleaning up the garbage in Ms. Valerie's room, I saw a sachet in her garbage can that she made for Mr. Kieran. She threw it away before it was finished."<br /> This news directly made the servants' mouths wide open.<br /> The servants witnessed Valerie doing a lot for this family.<br /> They felt sorry for Valerie, so they often helped her.<br /> The servants were confused about the situation now.<br /> They wondered if Valerie had given up on getting along with her family.<br /> Some of the soft-hearted ones were about to cry.<br /> They lifted their sleeves and wiped their eyes.<br /> Meanwhile, they sighed.<br /> "What a pitiful kid!"<br /> Valerie ate her breakfast in low spirits. She only ate one egg and drank a glass of milk. And then she jumped down from her chair and went to the living room to get her school bag.<br /> Kieran finished his last sip of coffee.<br /> After putting down his cup, he headed straight for the door.<br /> Valerie followed him, climbing into the car with some difficulties.<br /> Seeing that she hadn't closed the car door yet, Kieran turned to look at Valerie in annoyance.<br /> She was facing him and had just climbed in. She had not yet seated herself.<br /> The words of reprimand caught in his throat.<br /> This made Kieran feel particularly uncomfortable.<br /> "Move fast! Don't waste time."<br /> Valerie didn't bother to retort.<br /> After sitting upright, she reached out her short little hands and slammed the door shut with all her might.<br /> By the time she was done, Valerie was already exhausted.<br /> She now really didn't have any strength to argue with Kieran.<br /> The moment the door was closed, Kieran signaled the driver to drive away.<br /> He kept frowning.<br /> There were faint dark circles under his eyes.<br /> His head throbbed painfully.<br /> Squinting uncomfortably, he put down his cell phone and began to take a nap.<br /> Beside him, Valerie smelled of cheap shampoo.<br /> She asked Jayvion for it.<br /> But the scent gradually eased Kieran's crankiness that had lasted a whole night.<br /> It even reduced his headache.<br /> In the past, with this scent, Valerie would massage his head.<br /> At that time, her eyes were full of worry, and her hands were gentle.<br /> Even when her hands were sore, she would continue to massage Kieran until he fell asleep.<br /> Asleep?<br /> Kieran's eyes opened in an instant.<br /> He looked at Valerie, who was sitting quietly on the side.<br /> She was too thin. She hugged her schoolbag and leaned against the back of the chair.<br /> She was watching the scenery outside the window.<br /> Her clothes seemed to be the ones that Zoe had worn for some time and abandoned.<br /> Her undernourished yellow hair was nearly transparent in the sunlight.<br /> Kieran felt an unprecedented heartache.<br /> He thought, "Since when did this little one stop pouting at me?"<br /> Obviously, in the past, she would use a soft voice to ask him for what she wanted.<br /> Later, she suddenly became sensible. She served him tea and water. Because of his insomnia, she developed a sleep aid tea that suited him and even learned to massage.<br /> Kieran had a lump in his throat.<br /> Valerie was still looking out the window.<br /> The sun was shining today.<br /> She felt as if she was lying on that mountain with a stunning view in her previous life.<br /> The sky was blue, and the sunshine was warm.<br /> She couldn't help but raise a hand.<br /> Opening her palm, she wanted to touch the white clouds that floated across the blue sky.<br /> She recalled the beautiful memories before she died.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> The moment Valerie lifted her hand, Kieran started to panic, his heart in his throat.<br /> He called Valerie's name shakily.<br /> He felt Valerie was so distant from him at that moment.<br /> His heart ached for her.<br /> Kieran thought, "Why do I still feel she is so unreal when she is right in front of me?"<br /> Kieran breathed heavily, and he reached out to touch his sister.<br /> The car came to a screeching halt.<br /> <br /> Search Book ID：2497 |
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