Chapter 3

I stopped caring about what was happening inside the room and stepped out to make a call.

I said calmly, "Sergio, I've thought it over. I'd like to move the wedding date up. Also, can you send someone to help me out? I think I need to head to the hospital."

Ten minutes later, a sleek black Bentley pulled up in front of me.

The car door opened, and here Sergio was, calm and distant as ever.

He was a famous figure in Beloris, and he never let anyone get close, no matter the time or place.

In my previous life, Madelyn got her wish and married him, but she never imagined he'd turn out to be just as indifferent as everyone said.

Even if she stood naked right in front of him, he wouldn't even bat an eye.

In the end, Madelyn couldn't stand the loneliness anymore, went looking for male strippers, and caught a disease.

Fearing the scandal would be exposed, she ultimately chose to end her own life.

Her death haunted Samuel for the rest of his life, and he turned all that hatred on me.

I hid the mockery and hatred in my eyes. Then I thanked Sergio in a calm, almost indifferent tone.

Sergio turned his impossibly handsome profile toward me, taking in my messy state. His brows furrowed just a little.

"You're welcome," he said after a brief pause. "From now on, we're family. If you ever need anything, just tell me.

"After all, you saved my grandpa's life. He told me to make sure I take good care of you."

His words made my eyes sting.

In my previous life, I accidentally saved Peter when he collapsed from a heart attack. He was someone both the Becker family and the Coleman family would have killed to get close to.

After he learned about my past, he looked at me with real pity in his eyes and promised to find me a good husband, one who would keep me safe and happy.

That guy turned out to be his grandson, Sergio.

However, things went wrong. I didn't marry Sergio, and I didn't get that easy life Peter promised. I ended up suffering through it all.

Still, Peter genuinely cared about me.

Even when he was at death's door, he still told Sergio to take care of me.

That was why the Becker family and the Coleman family prospered so much afterward.

Even after Madelyn's scandal, Sergio kept it quiet, sparing the Becker family from humiliation.

However, this time, I refused to waste that kindness on them again.

After spending half the night on an IV at the hospital, I finally made my way home the next morning, my steps unsteady.

What I didn't expect was that when I opened the door, every member of the Becker family, who usually left early for work, was gathered in the living room.

When Madelyn saw me, she shrank back in fear and buried her face in my mother's arms.

Carlos, seeing this, stormed over with rage written all over his face and gave me a hard slap.

He said, "You're finally home. I thought you would never come back."

I felt the pain burning across my face and stared steadily at the man before me.

He was my brother by blood, and I used to like him so much.

During the years I was bullied at the orphanage, I dreamed of having a brother to protect me.

And then, to my surprise, I actually got one.

The day the Becker family took me back, I looked at him with hope, imagining he would protect me and trust me like the brothers in TV dramas.

Carlos did treat me well for a bit.

He once looked at the bruises on me and said, "Natalie, don't worry. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

However, later, whenever he saw Madelyn crying, he completely forgot me.

He called me vile and worthless, beating me without mercy.

Whenever Madelyn felt wronged, he'd ask me to pay the price.

In my previous life, I suffered for a long time because of this shallow thing called family.

I kept thinking it was my fault, that I just wasn't good enough for them.

However, I got it. They simply didn't love me.

And honestly, it was no big deal.

When I was bullied by older kids at the orphanage, when I was abused by a corrupt teacher, I prayed for them to show up and save me.

Sadly, they never showed up, not even once.

That was when it hit me that the only person I could rely on was myself.

I fought back with my fists, my teeth, and pure desperation until no one dared mess with me.

I learned how to protect myself.

And now, I would continue to do the same. I would love myself and protect myself, always.

Therefore, the very next second, I slapped Carlos right across the face.

I yelled, "You damn idiot, who the hell do you think you are?"