Chapter 1
My student, Tiana Yule, from a tough background, asked to stay at my place.
I said yes out of kindness.
But a year later, she dropped out.
Then she came to me holding a newborn and shockingly accused my brother, Brian Quinn, of molestation at school.
Brian took a paternity test under police and reporters' watch.
Shockingly, the baby was Brian's.
We went broke paying her emotional damages and child support.
Brian went to jail.
And I got fired from the school, my name dragged through the mud.
Tiana went live, selling her sob story for attention.
"No girl would get pregnant just to ruin someone."
That sentence she said made our family the target of public opinion.
I became the monster teacher who brought a student home for my brother.
My retired cop parents couldn't face it and drowned themselves together in the river.
Unable to clear my name and pursued by cyberbullies, I lost hope and jumped off the overpass.
When I opened my eyes, something felt off.
I was shocked when Tiana asked to stay at my place.
*****
My head was buzzing, my mind completely blank.
The house felt familiar, the scent just as I remembered. I touched myself, warm and real. I was here.
"Oh, so this is Tiana Yule you always mention? She looks so lovable, I just want to protect her," my mom said.
Her words snapped me back to reality.
I saw Tiana standing in the living room, smiling innocently.
So that's it. I was truly reborn.
I recalled the first day Tiana stayed at our home.
"Miss Quinn, your house is huge! I've never seen such a nice, multi-floor place!" Tiana exclaimed, eyes wide.
She looked around with envy and jealousy when she saw how wealthy my family was.
Just then, my brother Brian Quinn came down the stairs.
Tiana's eyes lit up when she saw him.
"And this is..." I was just about to introduce Brian.
Before I could speak, Tiana hurried over, her voice eager.
"I'm Tiana, a student of Miss Quinn," she said.
She added, "Miss Quinn said I could stay here this summer."
Brian saw her rush toward him and stepped back twice.
He said, "Hope you have a great summer."
Brian, a well-known local entrepreneur, owns two companies and this villa.
"Claire, I'm heading to the office. Ensure your student feels welcome and included," he instructed.
I nodded.
My mom warmly showed Tiana around.
I stared at Tiana's back, my gaze burning through her.
Tiana, the God have given me life again.
This time, you're not getting off.
After we looked around, Mom asked Tiana where to stay.
Tiana spoke softly, lowering her head.
"Anywhere is fine, Mrs. Quinn. I don't mind, the sec—"
I cut her off. "You can stay in the first-floor guest room."
Mom shot me a confused look.
The house had many rooms, but our family lived upstairs on the second and third floors.
The first floor had only a small bedroom and the maid's quarters.
Tiana stared, surprised by my sudden distance.
"Tiana's old countryside home is single-story, so sleeping upstairs might be uncomfortable. She also likes cooking, and the first floor is next to the kitchen," I explained.
Mom glared, clearly thinking I was rude.
"Oh, yeah! Miss Quinn's right! I told her I wanted to cook for you and your husband. The guest room is great," Tiana said quickly to smooth things over.
Mom smiled at Tiana.
"Tiana, you're always welcome here. We have many empty rooms and a maid who cooks, so one more at the table is no problem."
Tiana's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. You're so kind."
"Mom, Tiana's not here for perks. She wants to be independent and works part-time to support herself. Don't try to tempt her," I said.
Tiana paused, then said, "Yeah, Miss Quinn's right."
"Claire, watch Tiana. I'm going for a swim," Mom said.
She checked the time, grabbed her bag, and left.