Chapter 3

“Blair!” Before I could explain, a glass of ice-cold water hit me squarely in the face. Blair turned and walked out. I looked back; Becky was sticking out her tongue, clearly enjoying the show. Blair locked me out. Mrs. Lee was nowhere to be found. I had no one to vouch for me. In desperation, I went to Becky, demanding she explain the situation. Becky retorted, “Why explain? Blair’s cheating anyway. Why not just be with me? I’m pretty, you’re rich. We’re a perfect match!” “Shut up!” My reputation was utterly ruined by Becky! Finally, in the evening, Mrs. Lee returned. I practically dragged her to explain to Blair, who reluctantly seemed to believe me. But once a seed of doubt is planted, it grows. Without further ado, I packed our bags that night, determined to take Blair back to the capital. Unexpectedly— Early the next morning, I came down with a high fever, vomiting and suffering from diarrhea. I suspected it was from the cold water dousing the day before. We had to cancel our flights. Just then, Blair answered a phone call and her face changed dramatically. “Ross, my friend’s been in a car accident! I need to go help her immediately!” Blair rushed off without another word. The person who picked me up from the hospital was, to my dismay, Becky. For three whole days, Blair didn’t answer my calls. On the fourth day, she finally messaged: [Sorry Ross, I left in a hurry without my charger. My friend is badly hurt. I’ll be back a couple of days late. If you need to go, head back to the capital first.] How could I possibly do that? I couldn’t leave Blair here alone. But days without her made the nights lonely. Holding Blair’s nightgown, I fell asleep quickly, but again, a faint, heady fragrance made me dizzy. I had that strange dream again. Becky pushed open the door, slowly shedding her clothes. Her figure was tantalizingly visible. “Ross, are you feeling better? Let me help you, okay?” The seductive whisper sent my nerves jangling. I tried to push her away, but my body felt limp, like cotton. She pulled my clothes open. Becky wore a potent, alluring perfume, showering me with kisses. Dogs barked outside, but I felt only a crushing heaviness pulling me under. “Brother-in-law… do you want me?” My nerves snapped. I reached out and gripped her alluring shoulders. “I want…” Becky’s eyes gleamed with excitement. But the next instant, I shoved her hard onto the floor. “NOT!” I snapped fully awake, having secretly smeared menthol oil under my nose earlier. Right on cue, Blair pushed the door open. I immediately threw myself into her arms. “Blair! Control her! She sneaked in while I was asleep and tried to harass me!” “That’s a lie!” “I have proof!” Without hesitation, I pulled out a hidden camera and showed Blair the video on my phone. The footage clearly showed Becky lighting drugged incense in the courtyard, its smoke laced with knockout chemicals to incapacitate the victims. Once I was drowsy, she crept in and started groping me! “Becky, no one trips over the same stone twice! Good thing I was prepared this time!” Blair watched the video, utterly shocked. I seized the moment to clear the air. “Last time, she must have timed that kiss perfectly for when you arrived, just to drive a wedge between us! Honey, your half-sister is vicious! After everything you’ve done for her!” The commotion woke the neighbors. Soon, people were peering over the walls. In a small community like this, news spread fast. Within days, everyone would know. Becky paled, tugging at Blair’s clothes tearfully. “Blair, it was a joke! I was just testing Ross’s loyalty for you!” Slap! The usually mild-mannered Blair delivered a stinging slap across Becky’s face. Mrs. Lee rushed in, helped Becky up, and began wailing dramatically. “Oh heavens! Stop fighting!” “Sisters should get along!” “What are you doing, airing our dirty laundry for the neighbors?!” Blair closed her eyes briefly. “We’re leaving tomorrow. And don’t expect any more monthly allowance from me!” Becky sneered coldly. “Acting all high and mighty! As if you’re any better! Even your own birth mother—” Blair lashed out, kicking Becky hard to the ground. But the next second, Blair suddenly clutched her stomach, her face contorted in agony. “Ross… my stomach… it hurts so bad…” “Blood! Blood! Blair’s bleeding!” Mrs. Lee’s shriek pierced the air as Blair collapsed. The pregnancy was a complete shock. Just one month along. Fortunately, prompt medical attention saved the baby. Knowing she’d almost killed her niece or nephew, Becky hid at her aunt’s house next door. Blair regained consciousness the following afternoon. “Ross, I’m so sorry… I had no idea Becky could be like this…” “I completely misunderstood you! I almost lost our baby!” “From now on, let’s just focus on us. I won’t let anyone come between us again!” I held Blair close, a massive weight lifting off my chest. However, Becky’s words that had enraged Blair echoed in my mind. They seemed strange. I knew Blair’s birth mother had passed away when she was young. To avoid hurting her, I’d never probed deeply. No, I must be overthinking it, influenced by Becky’s manipulations. Blair’s pregnancy was unstable. Traveling long distances was risky. We decided I would commute between the capital and the countryside for the next few months. With me not constantly present, Becky couldn’t cause much trouble. I gave Mrs. Lee a sum of money to take good care of Blair and keep an eye on Becky. Less than two weeks later, however, Becky called me, sobbing hysterically. “Ross, please! Help me! Blair keeps setting me up on blind dates! I don’t want to marry that guy!” “I truly didn’t know Blair was pregnant before! I never would have upset her if I’d known!” “I admit I was wrong!” She wept uncontrollably, her voice trembling violently, painting Blair as some kind of monster. I was about to respond when a cold, stern voice cut through the line. “Becky, who are you talking to?”