Chapter 9

One person started it, and soon the ladies nearby jumped in. "Liliana, I've known Marsha for years. She's always been kind. This was just a misunderstanding—why not give her a break and accept her apology?" Chloe sighed dramatically. "I guess I kind of messed things up by speaking too soon. People misunderstood you because of me. But Marsha only wanted to help clear things up for you. Don't be too hard on her, okay?" The message was clear—if she didn't drink the wine Marsha offered, it'd make her the bad guy. "If I drink, Wilson's probably gonna be mad at me," Liliana said with a light laugh. Marsha was really playing her cards right. Who knows what tricks she used to get these people to side with her without question? "You're not even married yet, and he's already this controlling?" a lady nearby commented. Chloe immediately chimed in, pretending to be outraged. "If Mr. Clark truly cared about you, he wouldn't be trying to control you like that." Liliana could totally hear the shade in that, but she didn't bite. She was actually relieved Wilson was off talking to her grandpa—if he heard all this, he'd probably flip out. "Liliana..." Marsha's voice trembled, and she squeezed out a few weak tears. She looked so heartbroken, like she was being crushed by her sister's refusal to forgive her. Basically the poster child for "poor, wronged girl." More ladies joined in, trying to gently coax Liliana into drinking. All the chatter was starting to give her a headache. She looked around—no sign of Wilson—so she picked up her glass and drank it. Only then did Marsha smile, and the ladies gushed about how sweet the sisters were. "You two are sisters! Don't let a tiny argument tear you apart." "Your parents would want to see you getting along." And so on. The women talked like wise old sages while Liliana sat there, zoning out, waiting for the night to be over. Then suddenly, her eyelids felt heavy. The chandelier above her started to wobble in her vision. She caught a glimpse of Marsha's subtle smirk, and her heart sank. The wine was spiked. How did she not see it coming? She'd thought Marsha was just putting on a show to save face. But turns out, there was more to it. "I think I'm a little tipsy. Gonna run to the restroom real quick," Liliana said politely, using the table to steady herself as she stood up. Once inside, she rushed to the sink and forced herself to throw up everything she'd eaten that day. Her head felt clearer, but the drug was still lingering a bit—she was slightly dizzy. Staring at herself in the mirror for a few seconds, she pulled out her makeup and added a bit more blush to her cheeks. If Marsha wanted to play dirty, fine—she'd play along and see what her sister was really up to. After tidying up, she stepped out of the restroom. She exaggerated her stumble and leaned heavier on her steps. With the flushed cheeks, she totally looked like someone who'd had one too many. "So Liliana wasn't kidding—just one drink and she's already out of it," Chloe laughed. "Liliana, you really shouldn't stay downstairs like this," Marsha said with fake concern, then told the maid to help her upstairs. Liliana let most of her weight fall onto the maid, staggering as she walked. And behind her, Marsha had a sly little smile she tried to hide....... The servant helped her onto the bed and then quietly left the room. As soon as she was sure the coast was clear, Liliana snapped out of her "drunken" act. After a quick scan of the room, she swiftly hid behind the door. A few minutes ticked by before she heard soft, sneaky footsteps outside. When the footsteps stopped right at the door, the lock clicked, and someone—it was clear they were trying not to be noticed—crept inside, heading straight for the bed. "Ethan?" Liliana narrowed her eyes, catching his shadow moving across the room. So, Marsha and Ethan really didn't give up, huh? One failed trap wasn't enough—they had to try again. Startled by her sudden voice, Ethan spun around. But when he saw her, he immediately lit up with a disgusting grin. "Liliana, were you waiting for me?" She rolled her shoulders to shake off the goosebumps and shut the door behind her with a snap. Her voice was light and airy, almost teasing. "Yep, been looking forward to this." —Looking forward to beating the crap out of you. Ethan, all smug and clueless, stepped closer. "I knew it! You've always loved me! There's no way you'd actually let go that easily." "Of course not," she replied, eyes cool now, smile turning sharp. This man had ruined her in another life. If he thought he could get away with it again, he had another thing coming. "Liliana," he said, hand over his heart like an actor in some bad drama, "you've finally come around, huh? Realized I'm the only one who's truly good for you?" "Wilson is a total head case. Being with him? A nightmare. But with me? You'll get the love and care you deserve," he added wistfully, practically drooling affection. Liliana had to fight down the wave of nausea. "If we just take that final step, make it irreversible, even Wilson can't undo it. He won't have a choice," Ethan murmured as he reached out to touch her face. That was the last straw. Without hesitation, Liliana balled her fist and landed a solid punch right smack on his nose. "Ahh!" Ethan staggered back with a shout, covering his face as blood started trickling from his nose. "You crazy—what the hell, Liliana?!" he yelled, voice muffled by his hand. Liliana gave him a deadpan smile. "You're so thoughtful, showing up like this—must've known I didn't get to knock you around enough last time." The memory of being beaten into the dirt by her near the lake flashed through Ethan's mind, and his face turned a sickly mix of pale and red. "You violent witch!" He had come thinking maybe he could turn things around. Instead, she humiliated him—again. And here she was, kicking it up a notch! She really thought he wouldn't hit a woman? "You really think Wilson cares about you? He's just into your looks! I'm the only one who actually loves you. If you just come back to me, I'll forgive—" His sentence was cut off by another punch, landing firmly on his jaw. "Save your nonsense for someone who buys it," Liliana sneered. "Bitch!" Ethan snapped. Fuming and humiliated, he raised his hand, ready to slap her. But Liliana was quicker. She dodged and landed a swift kick straight into his stomach, sending him stumbling back. Ethan finally lost it and charged at her with everything he had. Outside the door, Marsha heard the muffled sounds of chaos from inside, her smile deepening. Pretending she hadn't noticed a thing, she headed downstairs to gather a crowd."Liliana said she wasn't feeling well and went upstairs to rest. I was worried, so I came up to check on her. But I knocked a few times and nobody answered. The door won't open either... I'm not sure if something happened."