Chapter 3
Natalia ignored my words entirely and joined my mother in grabbing for my bag.
“If you have nothing to hide, then just let us search your bag. Your resistance only proves you’re guilty.”
the struggle, my bag was torn apart, and everything inside scattered across the floor.
Holding the ripped bag in my hands, I swallowed hard, trying to choke down my anger. Amid the scattered items, there was no sign of Natalia’s so–called ring. My parents exchanged awkward glances.
“I told you there was nothing. Satisfied now?”
Not wanting to argue any further, I started picking up my belongings and prepared to leave. Just then, a few relatives appeared at the door of the dressing room, apparently drawn by the commotion.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Alex quickly asked Natalia what had happened.
Natalia, not missing a beat, claimed that I had stolen her ring.
Alex shot me a contemptuous look.
“Kate, are you that desperate for money that you’d steal Natalia’s ring?”
Too tired to explain, I picked up my things and turned to leave, but Natalia wasn’t done yet. She grabbed at my clothes, saying,
“Who knows if you hid it on yourself? Let me check.”
Unable to hold back any longer, I slapped her across the face. Natalia was stunned. When
she recovered, anger and embarrassment flashed in her eyes, and she began talking about
her billionaire husband.
“How dare you hit me! I’m telling my husband. He’ll make sure you regret this.”
“Stealing? I’ll have you thrown in jail to teach you a lesson.”
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A Losing Game of Love
Chapter 3
My father quickly backed her up.
“Kate, you’re getting bolder by the day. Even though the billionaire is our son–in–law, me won’t be able to plead for you if you don’t return the ring”
Alex chimed in, “Kate, you’ll only believe it when you’re punished. Wait until my niece’s husband arrives to teach you a lesson.”
My other relatives began whispering, judging me with disdainful looks. I had wanted to
ave quietly, but now I was curious to see if Natalia’s supposed billionaire husband Edward was the same Edward I knew.
I gave a cold laugh. “Oh, I’m terrified.”
“Kate, you’re shameless. Natalia’s right; we should search you.”
With that, my mother joined Natalia in trying to tug at my clothes. Off balance, I fell to the
floor.
Fighting back tears, I called Edward.
“Edward, I’m at the Century Hotel, and they’re all bullying me. They even want to strip me.”
Maybe he heard the quiver in my voice because Edward’s response was panicked.
“Don’t worry, baby, I’m…”
Before I could hear the rest of his words, my father snatched my phone and threw it to the floor, smashing it.
“What nonsense are you spouting? The billionaire Edward is Natalia’s husband, your
brother–in–law!”
Alex scoffed, “Kate must be delusional. As if the richest man would be interested in a poor country girl like her.”
My relatives burst into laughter, mocking me. Looking down at my shattered phone, the anger I’d been holding back finally overflowed, and I started to voice the resentment I’d held for years.
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A Losing Gate of Love
Chapter 3
“Enough! All these years, you’ve sided with Natalia in everything. You treat her so well it feels like I don’t belong in this family. If I’d known it would be like this, I never would’ve
come back!”
“I’m sick of your favoritism. I’m your real daughter, yet I can’t stand you anymore!”
