Stretcher 61

Chapter 6

The dust drifted down onto my hair.

Lila spat out the chicken bone and stood, wiping her greasy hands.

“Eat dirt today, eat shit tomorrow.”

She sneered. “Sis, you think I’m stupid?”

I brushed the grit from my lashes.

The clay scattered across the floor in a muddy mess.

I didn’t say a word.

Lila ground her flip–flop into the chicken bone, crushing it over and over.

“By the way… aren’t you supposed to be getting married soon?”

Her grin twisted.

“Heard that old guy you’re engaged to already knocked up some hooker.”

“She gave him a son. Sucks to be the stepmom, huh?”

Back when I’d just started college, my parents secretly arranged my marriage.

The groom–to–be was Rick–a forty–something wannabe big shot who’d hit it rich quick.

They wanted me married off the second I graduated.

His mom hated me though.

Said I wasn’t good enough.

But she died of cancer last year, and after a year of mourning, the wedding date was creeping up again.

If I hadn’t died once already, I might’ve been dumb enough to go along with it.

My parents would’ve thrown tantrums, threatened suicide–anything to force me.

But I’d already clawed my way back from hell.

I feared nothing now.

Threaten me?

They might as well dig their own graves.

Lila kicked the chewed bone at my feet,

“Pick it up. Suck on it a little, and maybe I’ll convince Mom and Dad to stall your wedding.”

She smirked, leaning back like a queen.

Growing up, Lila and Brayden treated me like their personal punching bag.

I always took it.

My parents drilled into me over and over–protect your siblings, love your siblings.

00:19

I Came Back Cold But I’m the One Burning Them Dow

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Until I forgot whether I was their sister or their slave.

Later I finally understood.

I was nothing but their workhorse, their scapegoat, their target. Latest content published on find(ɴ)ovel.net

But instead of anger, I smiled.

I reached out and stroked Lila’s cheek, slow and gentle.

“I’m only trying to help you, Lila.”

“In a couple days, there’s a huge livestream showdown for mukbang stars.”

“Don’t you wanna steal the spotlight?”

“That’s your golden ticket–traffic, fame, everything you’ve ever wanted.”

The words hung between us.

Lila froze, stunned into silence.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.