Chapter 120
Rumors about Thea spread after she graduated from high school. Having an indifferent and arrogant personality, Thea never took others' opinions seriously, rendering Emmalie's petty tricks useless, except perhaps to disgust her. Unexpectedly, more and more people began accusing Thea of bullying; they could even specify the time and place—laughable, because Thea didn't even know their names. One or two accusations might have been dismissed as false, but the sheer number of accusers made it impossible to ignore the claims.
Thea's family immediately suspected her, despite her confident denials. Their disbelief was unwavering. At home and school, Thea became synonymous with evil. Some used this opportunity to unleash their malice, turning her into the victim of bullying. No one cared. Even after a severe beating landed her in the hospital, teachers and parents still criticized her, suggesting she provoked the attacks with her own bullying. They believed she had brought it upon herself.
Thea hoped Emmalie would relent, but five months before the SAT, she received a text message: Emmalie had been bullied by those Thea had offended in school. Thea, already planning to move out, initially wanted to ignore it, but feared the Rowland family's displeasure and potential cut-off of her living expenses. She used her savings to confront the bullies, only to find herself in grave danger.
Afterwards, the Rowland family claimed Thea was in poor health and would study abroad—a euphemism for abandoning her in Yurtinas. Jake, eventually finding out, confronted them, forcing them to bring Thea back to take the SAT and attend university. This explained Thea's tolerance of Jake. She even felt her family had inflicted most of her pain. "Since they don't treat me as family, why should I stay?" This thought fueled her frustration. Seeing Ivy's tears felt meaningless and hypocritical. She hailed a cab.
"Since you think I'm so disobedient, stop caring. My death would be a good thing for you, wouldn't it?" Thea said.
Ivy stopped crying, staring in disbelief. Before the car started, she clutched the door handle. The driver, impatiently, reminded her, "Madam, please. I have another fare."
Ivy cried, "Thea, you're my daughter! How can I not love you? It's your disobedience! Please, let's talk!"
Thea impassively rolled up the window. Disturbed by Ivy's cries, the driver turned to scold Thea, "Don't you feel anything? Solve your problems! Your parents might die one day, and you'll regret not communicating."
Thea smiled coldly. "My mother died long ago. I'm an orphan. I don't know this woman."
Ivy stared in disbelief, as if struck by lightning. The driver, shocked, started to speak, then stopped, seeing Thea's cold expression.
Unexpectedly, Ivy stopped the car. Thea frowned, suspecting Emmalie's involvement. "Is this about Emmalie?"
Curious onlookers gathered. The driver, anxious, pleaded, "Miss, please talk to your mother! I'll even work for free!" Thea sighed, got out, and walked towards Ivy, her eyes devoid of pity. "Ten minutes. My time is precious."
Ivy wiped her eyes. They found a nearby cafe, opposite a fast-food restaurant. Seeing families dining, Thea recalled her childhood, when Ivy, despite calling the food "junk," still brought her there. That memory felt distant, a relic of a past life. Since Emmalie's arrival, she’d felt no motherly love from Ivy.
"What is it?" Thea asked indifferently.
Ivy cleared her throat. "I don't know how you met Nicolas, but you know Emmalie's feelings. They're discussing marriage. Why interfere?"
"Marriage?" Thea scoffed. "It's Emmalie's unrequited love. Nicolas probably doesn't even remember her face. How are they discussing marriage?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Let's call Nicolas and Emmalie. Nicolas and I are both unmarried! Why do you act like a mistress?" Ivy snapped.
"Thea, must you be so insensitive? The Hendrix family values reputation. If Nicolas's father learns about you and Jake, he won't let you stay with Nicolas. Why pursue your sister's man? I'll give you one last chance. Stay away from Nicolas, and I won't interfere."