Chapter 4

Just as I had expected, Simone insisted on keeping the baby.

My parents felt helpless and gave in to her wishes.

On the day Simone dropped out of school, my parents called me over.

They wanted me to help Simone pack her things.

Simone was sitting in Henry's arms, talking about their plans for the future.

With tenderness in her eyes, Simone signed, "Mom tried to talk me out of keeping the baby. She said your family is from a small town, so they might be more old-school. They could see the pregnancy as a mistake and judge me for it."

Henry held her hand, looking sincere. "Our family may be poor, but we know you marrying me is a huge step up for me. My parents may not have much education, but they're not like the uptight snobs you see on TV.

"The baby you're carrying is the treasure of my family. My parents will love you.

He added, "Don't overthink it. Once the baby is born, we'll get our marriage license.

"I'll make sure you're the most beautiful bride.

"Simone, I love you. I promise I'll treat you well for the rest of my life.

"Trust me, I'll make you happy."

Just a few sweet lines from him, and Simone was already moved.

Even tears welled up in her eyes.

To Simone, Henry's promises were as good as sacred vows.

His sincerity made her dream endlessly about their future together.

At that moment, Simone was completely lost in her romantic fantasies.

She had no clue that Henry was trashing her behind her back in the class group chat from high school.

Henry typed, [Simone Chappell? Don't let that angel face fool you. She's wild when you get to know her.

[Your goddess? Turns out she's nothing special. She cheated her way into college.

[People say I'm not good enough for her, but she's the one having my baby.

[So what if I'm broke? She's still crazy about me.

[She's dropping out just due to pregnancy. My mother loves boys and says if it isn't a boy, there's no wedding.

[Those flawless, beautiful hands of hers? Sure, they're perfect, but they're going to scrub my floor and cook my dinner.

[She can forget about ever picking up a paintbrush again in this lifetime.]

Henry said he was going to clip Simone's wings.

He also claimed he'd make sure Simone could never live without him for the rest of her life.

He bragged that his greatest pleasure was to wreck her completely.

He even said dragging Simone—a girl born to shine—down into the mud had become his favorite obsession.

I quietly locked my phone.

Without a word, I buried my head in packing.

Without a word, I went along with what my parents wanted and took Simone to the train station.

Soon, it was time for her to leave.

She grabbed my hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

She signed, "Helena, will you hate me for leaving our family for love's sake?"

I shook my head.

I could never blame her.

All I could do was wish her happiness.

Simone looked a little surprised, and then sighed. She continued to sign, "I know you're just saying that because you're upset. You must be mad at me for giving up my future and our parents just to be with Henry.

"But Helena, Henry is the love of my life. I really can't live without him.

"Mom and Dad will be counting on you from now on.

"Tell them I'm sorry. I know I'm not being a good daughter."

Simone began to cry as she signed.

To anyone else, it would look like a touching farewell between sisters.

But inside, I was perfectly calm.

I sincerely wished for Simone to get knocked around, trampled on, and crushed by the weight of life.

I wished for her to be forever imprisoned by love, never to find a way out again.

She waved from the window as the train slid off.

I watched coldly as the train disappeared, and then boarded a train heading in the opposite direction.

I set out with humility, but the road ahead of me sparkled like starlight.

With Simone out of the picture, I could finally let my true brilliance shine.

I didn't need to ruin my perfect paintings with sloppy brushstrokes just to dim them.

I didn't need to leave my paints behind on purpose just to lose points.

Three years slipped by.

My art was once again showcased at a dazzling exhibition.

I stepped up to accept my award.

I could see not only praise and admiration but also astonishment in the eyes of my classmates and teachers when they looked at me.

"Helena, I can't believe your art has reached such heights," one of my classmates said.

"You're always so quiet. I thought you were just a bookworm, but it turns out you're actually a genius," someone added.

"Seriously, what happened? How did you suddenly become so amazing? Your art makes my works look like doodles," another added.

I'd painted a sunflower leaning toward the sun.

It looked wilted and delicate.

But its face still held a gentle smile.

It stood tall and unyielding, surrounded by flowers that drooped their heads and tried to drag it down, and it refused to bend.

The awards ceremony came to an end soon.

I used the prize money to buy a ticket to my idol's concert.

I stood in the crowd.

I sang along as my idol performed my favorite songs.

For the first time, I breathed in the air of freedom.