Chapter 4
The previously lively atmosphere suddenly froze.
Kael looked over, and the seat beside him was automatically vacated.[]
Kael didn’t bring me to meet his friends very often.]]
But each time, he did show some respect for my presence.[]
When I’d been pursuing him for so long that his coldness nearly defeated me, he suddenly suggested bringing me to a friend’s gathering.
That time, his friends said to mé:[]
“Hope, besides Sophia, Kael has never brought any other girls before.“]]
Back then, I only saw Sophia as his sister.[]
I didn’t think much of it.]]
I even sweetly believed that Kael was just cold on the surface and not good at expressing himself, but he really in his heart.[]
But now I realize it was just a performance in front of his brothers once or twice, or basic courtesy.]
To him, it was just a cost–free way to make me let my guard down and obey him completely.I
My thoughts returned to the present.
I ignored the seat beside Kael.
I sat in the corner farthest from him.[]
Kael’s expression darkened.[]
“Hope?”
I smiled without answering.[]
Sophia picked up a glass and walked toward me:[]
“You must be Hope, right? I’m Sophia, Kael’s…”
She hesitated with her words, not finishing.]
Kael filled in: “Sister.“[]
Sophia frowned, irritation flashing across her face.]
.
cared about me
welcome party,
and you won’t even drink
NATH THAT THE I
MALL IF F
Chapter 4
She handed me the drink, answering almost defiantly.[]
“Right. I just got back to the country. This drink is for you, Hope.“[]
Without being overly sensitive, I instantly detected Sophia’s hostility toward me.[]
It definitely wasn’t the hostility of a sister toward her brother’s girlfriend.[]
So Sophia liked Kael too.[]
Combined with what I’d seen in the study, Kael pleasuring himself to her photo.
I found the whole situation absurd.
I smiled coolly: “Welcome back, but I’m not feeling well, so I won’t drink.“]
Sophia’s mouth turned down:[]
“Hope, you’re really not giving me any face. I came back from so far away, when I toast you?“]}
“I said I’m not feeling well.“]]
Sophia’s displeasure grew stronger. She turned to look at Kael.[]
“Kael, does Hope not like me?”
Kael’s eyes held no warmth, his tone equally flat.]
“Hope, don’t be dramatic. Just drink it.“[]
I almost laughed coldly.
“You called me here just to make me drink?“[]
He lifted his eyelids slightly, answering indifferently.[]
“Sophia wanted to meet you.“]]
So it was only because Sophia wanted to see me.[]
T
this is my
Just so the two of them could conform to social morality and face reality.[]
Using me as a tool so they wouldn’t harbor fantasies about each other.[]
I stood up.
“Now that she’s seen me, can I leave?“]
Probably sensing my unexpected defiance today, Kael’s eyes churned with darkness.]
I knew he was angry.
Chapter 4
But I didn’t want to appease him anymore.[]
“What exactly have you been making a fuss about all day?“[]
The atmosphere in the private room grew cold with his lowered voice.]]
I looked back at him, smiling meaningfully.]
\Kael, I know all about your dirty, sordid thoughts.
I’m not playing your game anymore.]]
I turned to leave, but Sophia grabbed my wrist.[]
”
“Hope, I’m the star of tonight’s party. I haven’t given you permission to leave yet.“]
I shook her off and slapped her across the face:[]
–
“Is this how you act when nobody’s around to raise you properly?“]
–
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