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I said nothing,using the cash to buy rotten fish, spoiled shrimp, and discarded vegetables—pocketing eighty yuan for myself
I swung by the diner,quit my job,and the manager even gave me two hundred extra for my last two weeks’ pay.
“Sarah,you have to get out of here through education.”
I nodded firmly.Not being able to study had been my biggest regret in my past life.No one would stop me this time.
When I got home,the living room was in chaos.
The first personI saw was Derek Holt,the man who beat me to death in my past life.
“Sarah,you’re back!”Chloe grabbed my arm,trying to play the loving sister.
I shook her off,headed to the kitchen.
If I stayed any longer, I might’ve stabbed Zhou Lei to death.
Hold back!Their reckoning would come.
Soon,Chloe came to hurry me.“Food ready?”
I forced a smile.“Almost.Close the door—keep the smoke out."”
Once she left,I spat in the chicken,stirring it in.
The water I’d used to wash the rotten fish went straight into the fatty meat.
As for the clam soup? Let’s just say I added a little "seasoning" from my pinky finger.
Eat up,you bastards.
I served the food,making sure the only uncontaminated dish—the vegetables—was placed in front of me.
Mom gave me an approving nod and then seated Zhou Lei beside me.
He grinned at me,all charm.“This meat’s great.”
Choke on it,creep.
Mom pointed her fork at me.“Cooking’s her only talent.Average looks, no charm. Look at her—you’ve been here this long, and she hasn’t even greeted you properly. How’s she ever going to get married?”
Already setting me up to look desperate?
Derek smiled.“There’s someone for everyone.”
I sneered inwardly but played shy.
I knew Derek’s twisted nature all too well.
His first love left him due to his impotence, driving him insane. From then on, he spiraled into depravity.
He picked me because no one else would marry him—his circle rejected him,and he looked down on those beneath him.
His family pressured him to marry and have kids.
Another quirk?He hated being asked for things.
Yet my parents were already negotiating a 3 million dowry and a mansion.
After dinner,Derek and I exchanged WeChat.
Three days of chatting,and we were officially“in love.”
Today was our first date.
Chloe wanted a hot shower,but the old water heater wouldn’t start.
She raged in the bathroom.
Mom coaxed her out,then told me to fix it.
“Is she a baby?Can’t read instructions?”
I tossed her the new heater.“Here,princess.It’s new—comes with instructions.Don’t tell me you can’t read.”
Chloe whined,and Mom moved to hit me.
I dodged.“Careful,don’t ruin my new dress—I wore it for Derek!”
Mom stopped instantly.“Behave on your date.Don’t be so timid.”
She always humiliated me to feed her control.
Criticizing my fashion sense in stores,shaming my appetite at restaurants,calling me spineless in public.
I’d internalized it,dying with only,“Burn her already!”
I smirked coldly.
Chloe,annoyed,shoved the heater into a bucket.
I warned,“Careful,that’s five years old,never used.Might be faulty.Who knows if it’s faulty? Don’t put your hand in the water. You might get electrocuted.”
She snapped,“You cursing me?Wanna die?”
