Chapter 4

I shoved Lily away and ran to the bathroom. I kept vomiting until my stomach felt empty, just acid left, but even then, that heavy, sick feeling in my chest wouldn't go away.

Bobo was a pure white stray I rescued off the street. During all those long, miserable days in the Summers family, when I was constantly bullied, he was the only one who stayed by my side.

But now he was gone. I didn't even know if he suffered when they killed him.

That night, my stomach still hurt, so I got up to grab some water. As I walked down the hallway, I overheard Lily and Samuel whispering.

"Samuel," Lily said coldly, "when can I finally poison that bitch? Watching you two act all lovey-dovey makes me sick. I can't stand it any longer."

Samuel chuckled softly. "Sweetheart, don't rush. Once I marry her and we have the certificate, then you can go ahead. By then, everything the Summers family owns will be ours."

A chill ran through me so hard I shook all over. The glass slipped out of my hand and shattered on the floor.

The sound made them turn instantly, their eyes flashing with raw, open malice.

I bolted, running like a terrified animal, like something evil was chasing me.

A few moments later, Samuel knocked on my bedroom door. When I didn't answer, he pulled out a key and let himself in.

His handsome face carried that same fake, gentle smile. "That was just a joke between Lily and me," he said smoothly. "Don't take it seriously."

I swallowed hard, forcing down my fear, and said firmly, "The engagement is off. I'm not marrying you."

Samuel gave me an innocent look. "Why are you making such a big deal? Are you mad I didn't protect you these past few days? Fine. Tomorrow we'll get the marriage license. Once you're my wife, I'll protect you, I promise."

I didn't sleep at all that night. Early the next morning, I went straight to the city hall.

As I sat there, zoning out, I saw Samuel walk in hand in hand with Lily.

He scanned me from head to toe, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Emily, you look amazing today. Did you dress up just for me?"

I almost had to admire how quickly he could switch expressions. I just stared at their joined hands without saying a word.

When I stayed silent, Samuel probably assumed I agreed. He stepped closer and reached for my hand. "Since you're being so sincere, I'll be generous enough to marry you. Come on, let's get the license."

I stepped back. "I said I'm not marrying you."

Lily sneered. "Then who were you dressing up for? Samuel, maybe Emily's seeing some other guy behind your back."

Samuel's face darkened. He snapped at Lily, "Lily, enough!"

Then he turned back to me, his tone softening. "Emily, are you still upset about what we said yesterday? That was just a joke. I could never hurt you.

"As long as you behave after we're married and stay out of things between Lily and me, I'll treat you right. I'll be the perfect husband."

I was too exhausted to argue. "Mr. Foster," I said coldly, "you've got some wild imagination for someone that ugly. I told you I'm not marrying you."

Samuel's face twisted with rage at being humiliated. "If you're too dumb to appreciate me, I'll just marry Lily instead. She's a Summers daughter, too. Don't come crying when you regret it!"

When I didn't answer, Samuel grabbed Lily and stormed off to the registration desk. Not long after, they came out, holding two marriage certificates.

He slammed them in front of me. "Emily, that's what you get for being ungrateful. Too late to regret it now."

I smiled calmly. "Congratulations to you both. Funny thing is, I got married too."

Samuel laughed, thinking I was bluffing. "That's a joke. Everyone knows you're mine. Who'd dare marry you?"

Then a deep, confident voice came from behind me. "I would."