Chapter 2
That wasn't just harsh. It was downright vicious.
Back then, my parents took me to the amusement park for my birthday, but James hogged them the whole time, wouldn't let them hold me, and then deliberately left me stranded in the crowd.
For years, I was trafficked around, beaten and tortured, until the police finally rescued me.
But not one of them felt any sympathy or guilt for me. Instead, they pampered Nina even more and treated me like I was dirty.
In my previous life, hearing those words would have made me furious and heartbroken.
But now, I simply stated the facts, calm and detached. "Sorry to disappoint you. I didn't die in the lab. If that's what you wanted, why not lock me in there again?
"You've bullied me for years. You only got into Anderson University and the project team because I carried you. Now that I'm about to join the national team, you're trying the same old trick—push me out.
"Michael, you're my fiancé. When I got admitted to Anderson University, you were begging me to marry you. You live off me, and now you've got the nerve to act all high and mighty?"
As soon as I finished, the lab went dead silent.
Several colleagues at their benches turned and stared at me in disbelief. It was the first time I'd ever said anything so harsh to them.
Before, I'd always been bullied to the breaking point, yet still helped the three of them with their experiments. My colleagues were frustrated that I never fought back.
But now, I was finally standing up for myself, and I let them have it.
Michael was the first to lose it, his voice shaking with fury.
"Eleanor, what the hell are you talking about? Since when do I live off you?
"If my parents hadn't felt sorry for you after you got trafficked, do you think I'd ever marry you? You're nothing like Nina. You're rough, dull, and a total disgrace to womanhood. Without me, you'd die an old maid."
Nina jumped in, thrilled to add fuel to the fire.
"Eleanor, I know you're jealous of how close Michael is to me, and you're just trying to provoke him, hoping he'll spare you a glance. But the more you do this, the more he despises you.
"So hurry up and apologize. And throw in an SCI paper for each of us, same as always. Then maybe he'll forgive you.
"Otherwise, if he dumps you, you'll end up a spinster for life."
James jumped in too, piling on the pressure.
"Eleanor, what are you standing there for? Do what Nina said.
"Nina's been really down and insecure lately. Michael and I spent ages cheering her up. If you dare upset her again, I'll make you regret it," he threatened.
Shameless people really were untouchable.
The three of them were in a three-way relationship, and they still acted like it was all perfectly normal.
But whatever. It was not my job to warn them. Soon they'd be ruined, and they'd wish they were dead.
I replied half-heartedly, "Yeah, it's all my fault. Sorry."
Hearing that, James let out a satisfied little snort.
"Good, now you know you're wrong. You're completely average, nothing special at all. Your only saving grace is your attitude, so don't make trouble again," he said.
Michael lifted his chin, looking at me like I was beneath him.
"I'm letting this go for your brother's sake.
"I don't like you, and won't touch you even after we're married. But I'll keep my word and make you Mrs. Hayes, like you always wanted," he said.
I nearly rolled my eyes. So disgusting.
Him? That piece of trash. I never liked him, not even in my previous life. I only said yes because my parents wanted him.
In this life, just one look at him made my stomach turn with disgust.
Seeing me stay silent, they assumed I'd given in, smug smiles spreading across their faces.
Then, in perfect unspoken agreement, the three of them headed straight for the bathroom together.
Satisfied, I stopped recording.
I could imagine how fast this video would explode online.
But it wasn't time yet. I couldn't land a killing blow, not before joining the national team. If I struck now, they'd drag me down with them.
After backing up the video online, I went back to my experiment.
*****
All that hard work finally paid off.
Before long, the last batch of reagents tested successfully. The experiment wrapped up perfectly.
My professor's eyes were full of satisfaction.
"Eleanor, I always knew you'd succeed. You're a once-in-a-century talent.
"I've already submitted your recommendation letter. If everything goes well, you're getting into the national project team. You can start preparing now," he said.
I was so excited and grateful that I bowed deeply.
"Thank you, professor. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today.
"I'll work even harder. I won't embarrass you. And one day, if I get the chance, I'll teach others, just like you did for me."
Hearing that, the professor looked even more pleased and gave my shoulder a hearty pat.
"I believe in you, Eleanor. You'll go even further than I did!" he said.
I gave another deep bow, my tone a little more earnest and almost begging.
"Professor, could you keep the results quiet for now?" I asked.
The professor chuckled, his eyes full of approval.
"Alright, I'll keep it quiet."