Chapter 6

The days that followed were nothing short of absurd. Jayden showered Natalie with gifts every day—from limited edition dolls to the strawberry cake she used to love when she was younger. Meanwhile, Logan stayed by her side constantly, even testing the temperature of the medicine before feeding it to her. They put on gentle smiles, as if their years of favoritism toward Clara had never happened. It was as if the hurt they'd inflicted on Natalie were nothing but a nightmare. However, Natalie merely watched quietly, as if she was watching a poorly staged performance. She'd lost all hope ever since the day she found out about the truth. Now, she was only waiting for the opportunity to get back on her feet again—one that the medical research institute had promised her. … Natalie got discharged a week later. Jayden and Logan fussed over every one of her needs as they helped her leave the hospital. Once they sent her back to her room, Logan crouched down before her and spoke gently. "You must be exhausted from all the tests, Natalie. Just lie down and get some rest. "Jayden and I will go get you some cupcakes from your favorite store since you were a child. You'll be able to eat them when you wake up later." Natalie remained silent. Jayden sighed and ruffled her hair before turning to leave. No sooner had they left than the door was opened once again. But this time, Clara was the one who came in. "Natalie." A cold smile tugged at Clara's lips, a stark contrast from the sweet image she'd carefully crafted. "It seems like I've underestimated you." Natalie leaned against the headboard, her pale face unperturbed. "I've envied you since we were kids." Clara ran her fingers across the jewelry boxes on the vanity table. "You're the daughter of a rich family, beautiful, a great dancer—even the way you cry is more graceful than I ever could." She suddenly grabbed a handful of jewelry and hurled them toward the mirror. "Why should it be like this?" Clara's expression was completely twisted. "I took away your scholarship, your spot to study abroad, and even the dance championship you worked so hard for—" She leaned in and grabbed Natalie's chin. "But still, all they think about is you!" Natalie finally looked up at Clara and asked, "So, are you going to kill me?" "That's no fun." Clara suddenly laughed, her pink nails tapping lightly on Natalie's face. "I want to make your life a living hell." Several thugs kicked the door open and stormed in after Clara clapped her hands. She suddenly tore open her collar, messed up her hair, and ran out screaming, "Help! Jay! Logan!" Jayden was the first to rush in. The box of cupcakes in his hand fell to the ground, sending cupcakes rolling everywhere. Logan barged in right after. His car keys dropped onto the ground when he saw what was happening. "Jay! Logan! Natalie faked her depression! She called the thugs over to bully me as soon as both of you left—" Clara threw herself into their arms, trembling like a leaf. "She s-said that she wanted me to be like her—" Natalie's ear rang when Jayden's slap landed on her face. Blood trickled from the corners of her lips, yet she felt no pain. "Are you crazy?" His voice sounded as if it came from afar. "I can't believe you got a group of thugs to harass Clara! How could you do something like this?" Logan's disappointed gaze hurt more than the slap. "Is what Clara is saying true, Natalie? How did you end up like this? I can barely recognize you anymore!" Natalie wiped away the blood from the corners of her lips. She then looked up at them and said, "I have surveillance cameras in this room. Should we have a look at the footage to see what really happened?" Jayden and Logan froze at the same time.