Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Her Love Was Just a Joke

"Henry, what's going on with you? I've been calling you for the past two days and you've just been ignoring me!" Helen's questioning tone hit the moment the call connected.

"Something you need?" Henry said coolly.

Helen paused, visibly irritated, before trying to keep her voice level. "You met with Clara, didn't you? Her dad's a professor at Seaview University's research institute, and he's organizing the city's science competition. They're looking for investors now. Anyway, since you and Clara are supposed to be engaged, and you're thinking of getting into the research field, isn't this the perfect chance? You should talk to Professor Spencer when you've got time, discuss a possible collaboration."

Henry's brows drew together slightly.

The only reason he met Clara last night was because Helen had insisted. It was all her plan.

"Got it," Henry said, lighting a cigarette.

He didn't like Clara, not even close-but the research project? That did pique his interest.

"Good, Clara really-"

"I've got work to do. If that's it, I'm hanging up," Henry cut in, clearly annoyed.

And without waiting for a response, he ended the call.

-

Meanwhile, hidden inside a small utility room next door to Henry's place-

Lydia had changed into her pajamas. She was curled up on the bed, hugging her knees.

The scene from just now kept replaying in her mind, making her eyes sting.

Henry had always been unpredictable towards her-sometimes warm, sometimes distant-but today? This was a whole new level.

She had just gone to check on him, that's all, and he acted like she had done something unforgivable.

That quiet feeling she'd carefully buried deep inside her heart-it felt like a joke now.

To him, she was nothing more than a toy, something to pass the time with.

But why?

Because her father was responsible for that accident? Because she was the killer's daughter?

But she was a victim too, wasn't she?

Her life hadn't always been like this.

She used to have loving parents-yes, her mother was often sick, always in and out of the hospital-but she'd braid her hair, tell her silly stories, sing lullabies.

Her dad was busy with work, but he'd always make it home for dinner. They had those warm, simple dinners together every night.

Until that day.

She watched with her own eyes as her mom stopped breathing... and her dad, soaked in blood, was rushed into the ER.

That day, both her parents died, in the same hospital, just hours apart.

It felt like the world just shut the door on her.

She was left completely alone.

She thought her life was over right then.

Until Henry appeared-cool, aloof, sitting in a wheelchair, looking down at her and saying, "I'll take you home."

Back then, she'd thought he was her salvation.

But no-he was the beginning of all the pain that followed.

He was the one who whispered poison in her ear day after day, making sure she never forgot-she was a criminal's daughter, not worthy of peace.

Her whole existence, according to him, was meant to atone.

Image after image flashed through her head like a slideshow.

Lydia scrunched up her brows, overwhelmed, as silent tears spilled down her cheeks.

The hellish night before, the cruel things Henry said-she couldn't take it anymore.

Hugging herself tighter, her body burning up, Lydia finally gave in to the darkness.