Chapter 2
Olivia bought the emergency contraceptive pills and headed to the nearby restroom. It was only then that she realized she had walked out wearing a men's shirt. No wonder the store owner had given her such a strange look.
With no other option, she quickly modified the shirt into a makeshift dress.
As soon as she opened the door, a barrage of flashbulbs went off, blinding her momentarily.
Startled, Olivia instinctively ducked her head to shield her face and hurried back into the restroom, locking the door behind her, her heart pounding.
Why were there reporters here?
If she ended up in the news, it would be a disaster.
She frantically reached for her phone to call for help, but it was dead. She remembered she had used the last 2% of battery to buy the pills.
Olivia scanned the room, searching for an escape route. She cautiously approached the window and peeked outside, spotting several shady figures lurking below.
Was she going to be stuck here all day?
But what about her parents...
As she wrestled with her thoughts, a clear voice called out from outside the door, "Olivia, are you in there?"
Olivia froze, trying to identify the voice.
"Olivia?" The voice called again.
Olivia's heart leapt with joy. She rushed to the door and asked, "Luna, what are you doing here?"
She opened the door.
Standing outside was Luna Smith, who looked almost same as Olivia, though slightly younger and more innocent.
Luna grabbed Olivia's hand and replied, "I had a feeling something was wrong, so I came looking for you. I saw people milling around outside and guessed you might be in here."
Olivia didn't have time to question the logic. She felt a wave of relief, grateful that Luna, despite her usual brashness, cared enough to come looking for her. "Thank you."
She stepped out, no longer hiding her face.
But as soon as she did, the flashbulbs exploded again.
Luna quickly shielded her, and they stumbled into the car, urging the driver to speed away.
Olivia watched the rearview mirror, ensuring they weren't followed, but her mind raced. Had they captured her face?
"Olivia, I'm sorry. I thought I had gotten rid of them, but they were still waiting outside," Luna apologized, tears streaming down her face, interrupting Olivia's worries.
Olivia snapped back to reality, realizing Luna had meant well. She comforted her, "It's okay, they probably didn't get a clear shot."
Luna's eyes remained red, and she said, "Please don't be mad at me."
Olivia couldn't help but laugh through her tears, "Why would I be mad at you?"
She was grateful, after all, she had spent her life cleaning up Luna's messes.
An hour later, at the Smith Villa.
Olivia finished her shower and headed downstairs, her hand pausing as she dried her hair.
Aiden Smith and Harper Anderson were seated on the couch, a newspaper spread out on the table.
Her disheveled photo had been enlarged and placed prominently on the front page.
Olivia turned to retreat upstairs.
Aiden's furious voice stopped her, "Get over here!"
She swallowed hard, hesitating before walking over, her voice hoarse, "Dad, Mom, let me explain."
"Explain what? The news is out! The Smith family's daughter, morally corrupt, addicted to scandalous affairs!" Aiden's finger jabbed at the newspaper and he shouted.
Each jab felt like a blow to Olivia's heart.
Her voice cracked, tears welling up, "Dad, it's not what you think. I was a victim, he assaulted me!"
"Then why didn't you call the cops?" Aiden roared, "I told you not to go to those sketchy places, but you didn't listen. Now look, you've trashed the Smith family's reputation. Is this your revenge?"
Aiden added, "Revenge because I didn't give you pocket money? Was it me who didn't give it? No, it was you who begrudged your sister over a few bucks, and now look where we are!"
Aiden continued, "Luna tried to help you, and you blame her!"
Aiden's face turned red with anger, his words hitting Olivia like a hammer.
Harper tried to calm him, scolding Olivia, "Olivia, you're old enough to know better. Stop upsetting your father, apologize!"
Olivia's lips trembled, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize. A wave of indescribable sadness washed over her.
For twenty years, apologizing in the Smith family had been routine, but this time, she felt a profound sorrow.
Seeing her reluctance, Aiden's temper flared, and he slapped her hard, making her head snap to the side, the taste of blood filling her mouth.
Harper was shocked, feeling a pang of sympathy for Olivia, she held Aiden's hand and said, "Enough, Olivia didn't mean it. Those reports are exaggerated. Why hit her?"
Aiden was still furious, his hand restrained, he used his foot, kicking Olivia's stomach with full force, his voice venomous, "You're a disgrace to the Smith family! I'll cover this up, but if it happens again, you're out!"
He shook off Harper's hand, storming off after kicking her twice more and throwing a cup at her.
Olivia clutched her stomach, sweat pouring from her forehead, looking at Harper for help.
Harper felt a mix of pity and frustration, her hand hovering to help, but Aiden's stern voice from the stairs stopped her, "Leave her!"
Harper withdrew her hand, whispering, "Wait until your father calms down, then apologize. He'll forgive you."
"You're nothing like Luna!" Aiden's voice echoed from upstairs, followed by the sound of the study door slamming shut.
Harper hesitated, then patted Olivia's hand before heading upstairs.
Olivia stood there, her body aching, every step causing pain. The servants avoided her, pretending she didn't exist.
She slowly made her way upstairs, back to her room.
Her new pajamas were dirty, so Olivia went to shower.
She turned on the water, only to be hit by icy coldness.
She rang the bell for the servants to check.
After ten minutes, a servant finally arrived, responding indifferently from outside the door, "The repairman is busy, you'll have to make do."
Olivia stared at the cold water splashing on her feet, saying nothing.
The servant continued, "I'll be busy now."
The footsteps faded, leaving Olivia alone in the bathroom.
In this house, no one cared about her.
Olivia couldn't understand why.
"Olivia? The servant said you only have cold water? You can use my bathroom," Luna offered kindly from outside.
"No need," Olivia declined, cleaning herself quickly with the cold water.
As she turned, a thought struck her. Luna seemed to know her whereabouts very well.
Could it be...?
Before she could ponder further, Luna opened the door, her eyes filled with concern, "Are you okay?"
She glanced at Olivia's exposed skin.
It was covered in bruises.
Olivia hadn't noticed, feeling a deep sense of loneliness, "I'm fine."
Luna led her out and said, "Dad was just angry. I'll speak to him later, it'll be okay."
Olivia smiled faintly and repleid, "I didn't expect you to be the one who cares the most."
"It's not just me, Emily is here too," Luna nodded towards the room.
Olivia saw Emily Wilson sitting there, her expression tightening.