Chapter 1
Lillian Wilson had lived in the small town of Mesville for seventeen years, believing she was an orphan. But just recently, she learned that her father, Bradley, didn’t die in a car crash as she and thought. Instead, he was a prominent official in Jerisburg.
A sleek luxury car was waiting for her at the gate. Curious neighbors gathered around, eager to witness this surprising turn
of events.
“The Wilson family owes Lillian so much. If they have any sense of decency, they better treat her right from now on,” one of the crowd whispered.
In the yard, Yetta Wilson clutched her purse and fanned herself with her free hand, her perfectly groomed face full of disdain.
Across from her stood Zoey Foley, Lillian’s grandma, who was in her eighties. Her voice oozed with concern as she said, “Please make sure Bradley takes her to a good hospital for treatment.”
Impatient, Yetta glanced toward the corner of the yard. There was Lillian, holding a battered plastic bucket, right in front of a makeshift chicken coop.s
Since Yetta’s arrival, Lillian had busied herself with the chickens, her attention steadfastly directed away from her. It was as if Yetta were nothing at all.
Why is she so calm? Shouldn’t she be waiting by the gate, just bursting with happiness and ready to hop into my car the second I show up?
‘After all, she’s been stuck in this awful place for ages, and now her rich dad’s finally here to take her away to a life of promise, and luxury, thought Yetta, who had only been there for two minutes.
Lillian threw the last of the chicken feed into the coop and dropped the old plastic basin. With a sharp clatter, it cracked. more than it already was–that was just how things had gone with the basin..
After clapping her hands to get the dirt off, she stuffed them into her pockets and turned to glance at Zoey and Yetta. Her face was blank, but the signs of illness were evident against her otherwise pale skin.
Zoey kept talking, and Yetta replied impatiently, “Alright, I get it while she narrowed her eyes, sizing up Lillian.
Lillian had her mother’s stunning beauty, but her vibe was completely different. Just the calm, almost indifferent gaze in her eyes made that clear.
She wore a simple white T–shirt and loose–fitting jeans, with a sleek high ponytail. Her body, worn down by illness, looked unhealthily thin beneath the baggy clothes.
“Well, she’s got a nice face and looks like a student. That’s not really what Bradley made her out to be. He said she skipped. class and disappeared every few days, Yetta mused.
But Yetta figured it was probably just an act. The way Lillian stood there, hands in her pockets, all confident and tough, made it clear she wasn’t someone to be messed with.
“Lillian, go wash your hands. You’re going home with… Mrs. Wilson,” Zoey said, fighting back tears as she gently pulled Lillian away.
Lillian asked, her voice steady but concerned. “You sure you’re not coming too?”
Zoey shook her head, smiling warmly. “I can’t leave here. It’s okay. I’ll be fine on my own.”
Even though Lillian insisted she could arrange accommodation for Zoey in Jerisburg. Zoey refused. She didn’t want to feel like a burden and dreaded facing Bradley.
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Chapter 1
Zoey was getting older, and she knew she couldn’t stay with Lillian forever. Plus, Lillian needed to leave this town and find better treatment in the city.
“Once you get back, have Bradley take you to a big hospital, Zogy urged, gripping Lillian’s hand tightly. “Just try to get along with everyone, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on your studies, and don’t vanish like you did here.”
“Okay, Lillian replied, not pushing Zoey to come along. As the moment to part drew near, she kept her tone light. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll come back when I can
With a quick flick of her wrist, she tossed her black backpack over her shoulder and called into the house, “General”
“Woof-” A linle black puppy came racing out. His tiny belly nearly brushed the ground as he wiggled his round rear, zooming across the floor like a tiny motorboat until he reached Lillian’s feet, the shiny bell around his neck jingling happily.
Lillian looked down at General. “Say goodbye to Grandma; we’re leaving”
General barked back at Zoey, as if he was saying his own goodbye
Yetta, who had just been relieved that Zoey wasn’t going to join them, widened her eyes. “Wait, you’re taking that dog with you? And…”
She leaned in closer, squinting at General. The figure of the little guy, a solid mass of glossy black fur, gave her pause. “Is this a dog or a bear?”
She then shook her head fast, trying to shake off the silly thought. I must’ve been crazy. Who keeps a bear as a pet? But that little dog. it really did look like a bear
“Dog–bear- Lillian turned her head lazily, her voice flat.
Ignoring Lillian’s weirdness, Yetta declared, “You can’t take anything with you.”
Lillian raised an eyebrow. “You think you’re in charge here?”
Yetta felt a flash of anger, her temper about to flare. But then, something clicked in her head, and she swallowed her words She grabbed a card from her purse and shoved it into Zoey’s hand
“This is from Bradley, and the password’s on it. Just take it. I don’t want to explain anything when I get back, Yetta said, then spun around and left the yard.
Lillian climbed into the car, cradling General in her arms. Her gaze, calm and resolute, lingered on Zoey at the door, and she raised her hand, signaling her to head back inside.
“That car looks expensive. Did Lillian’s wealthy dad really come to pick her up? Zoey wasn’t just talking nonsense, huh? Is Lillian really going from rags to riches?” someone whispered.
“Hard to say. That woman who picked her up is probably her dad’s new wife, and she doesn’t seem very friendly. Lillian’s such a sweet kid. I hope she doesn’t get bullied, another neighbor added.
“Who knows? She always just roams around and never takes school seriously. Even though she goes back, she probably won’t get a warm welcome–she might just end up getting sent back again” speculated a third.
Lillian rolled up the car window, shutting out the neighbors‘ chaiter and worry. Her gaze lingered on the house where she’d lived for seven years, watching it fade away as the car sped off toward the Wilson residence.
She had never left, not just because of Zoey, but because this place had its charm. Yet living there meant constantly hiding who she really was and pretending to fit in front of Zoey and the neighbors. And that was just tiring.
Even so, some folks weren’t satisfied, and they always thought she was not a good egg–though it was true. With a little laugh, she took out her phone, put in her earbuds, and started playing her game.
宙
12:44 Tue, Dec 31 ID=
Chapter 1
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As soon as she logged in; a message popped up at the bottom. C Cookie: [Oli mighty expertt I’ve got money! Loads of it Please, accept my friend request.]
No need to check the player ID, and Lillian already knew who it was. This guy was relentless, always messaging her the moment she went online. She couldn’t help but wonder how bored he must be.
SEND GIFT
