Bye My Stepbrother 19

What came into her view were a high–end haute couture gown

as well as a priceless set of luxury jewelry.

The total value of those gifts could buy a small company.

Clearly, he was earnest in gaining her forgiveness.

He picked up the necklace and put it on her.

“You’ve always loved pink. The moment this rose quartz was

unearthed, I knew you’d love it. I contacted famous jewelry

designers abroad to create a set exclusively for you. Well? Do

you like it?

“And I got the designer from Saint Laurent to create this custom

gown for you. You can wear it to the alumni reunion.”

Andrea clutched the necklace so hard that her palm hurt.

She thought, “He hates me, doesn’t he? Then why’s he so nice to

me?

“He makes things right for me and remembers what I like… I

can’t even bring myself to hate him completely.

“But I should hate him!”

Her grip tightened. Just then, he wrapped her hand in his big,

warm hands.

Looking at her gently, he pried her fingers open.

“Let go, Andie, or you’re gonna hurt yourself. Don’t be afraid.

From now on, I’ll protect you. Now, try on the gown and see if

you like it.”

She nodded and walked inside with the gift box.

Just as she was about to change, her phone buzzed.

She received a clip.

In the video, one of Roderick’s friends said, “Roddy, you went

too hard on Bradley this time. He was totally terrified.”

“I gotta be convincing enough. It’s the only way to get her to

trust me.”

Roderick curved his lips.

Then he continued, his voice turning icy, “Nothing hurts worse

than being destroyed by the one you believed loved you most.”

The video came to an abrupt stop.

Andrea turned off her phone after watching the video. She

thought, “Roderick’s acting skills are impeccable. I can never be

as good as him.

“I’m glad I avenged myself.

“I’m glad I didn’t trust him.”

She staggered back a few steps, leaned against the wall, and

closed her eyes tightly.

Since she was in the room for too long, Roderick knocked on the

door.

“Andie? Are you done changing?”

His voice snapped her out of it. She quickly changed into the gown, put on the jewelry, composed herself, and then walked

out.

In the past, she had always been a terrible liar.

But her acting skills had been improving since that night.

The second she opened the door, she smiled gracefully.

Roderick’s eyes lit up as he saw her. He couldn’t help but wrap

his arms around her slender waist, the affection in his eyes

palpable.

“Andie, I’m so lucky to be with you. You’re gorgeous.”

Andrea didn’t say anything, the words he had said in the video

still echoing in her ears.

She reminded herself that his joy, affection, and sweet nothings

were all nothing but a lie.

She nodded in response.

Her appearance turned Roderick on again, but sensing she was

in a foul mood, he restrained his desires and held her gently.

“The alumni reunion’s been moved up to tomorrow. Let’s go

together, shall we?” he proposed.

She nodded again.

It’d be a good chance to visit the past and say one final goodbye

to all.

The next morning, they arrived at the alumni reunion venue.

Today, Andrea wore impeccable makeup, and her pink gown

accentuated her fair, flawless skin.

She was like an exquisite doll, standing out effortlessly in the

crowd and drawing the attention of many.

Standing next to her, Roderick pulled her in his arms and said

out of jealousy, “Andie, do you have to be so pretty?

Chapter 20