Chapter 82: I've Been Hurt Before

"I I didn't mean it!" Maggie exclaimed, trying to retract her foot without altering her expression. She had accidentally kicked Nathael in the face.

A wave of panic washed over her. She couldn't help but imagine tomorrow's Aquapolis headline: "The Camerons' Adopted Daughter Found Dead in the Wilderness!" or worse, "The Camerons' Eldest Daughter Buried" Oh no, this was bad!

Maggie shook her head, trying to clear the jumbled thoughts as she desperately pulled back her foot. However, Nathael's large hand clamped tightly around her ankle. It was hot and strong, like an iron vise. She couldn't break free.

"Mr. Harris, I didn't mean it! Your face is so handsome, I admire it so much. How could I possibly kick it?" Maggie explained hurriedly. But the next moment, Nathael grabbed her ankle, pulled her close, and drew her into his arms. Maggie forced a smile, attempting to play it cool.

Then, a sharp pain shot through her shoulder.

"Ouch! That hurts!" she cried, her body tensing as she instinctively tried to push him away. But his hand firmly held her slender waist, preventing any movement.

Tears welled in her eyes. Maggie gasped in pain. After a while, the pain subsided. Nathael released his grip, gently kissing the bite mark on her shoulder.

Maggie trembled with anger, glaring at him. "He's so mean! So stingy!" she thought.

"Nathael, are you a dog? You actually bit me!" Her voice trembled with fury. In her past life, he wouldn't have dared touch her, but now…

"It's mine," Nathael said, his gaze sweeping over her slightly swollen shoulder. The clear bite marks seemed to soothe his own turmoil. Only he knew the intense possessiveness, the restless desire, was like a caged beast, threatening to break free.

Maggie, too angry to speak, sniffed and ran into the bathroom.

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She emerged from the bathroom, ignoring Nathael. First, she located her previous social media post and gave a bold thumbs-up to the first comment. As she was about to close the page, she noticed the profile picture of the man selling medicine. After a moment's hesitation, she added him on Instagram. Once he accepted, she immediately shared his contact information with Nathael.

This is a sickness that needs treating! she thought.

Afterwards, Maggie went to bed, determined to avoid Nathael. She didn't even want to look at him.

Nathael pulled her into his arms, whispering, "Does it hurt?"

"Rubbish! Doesn't it hurt if I bite you?" Maggie retorted, her anger uncontainable. She lifted her face, her beautiful eyes filled with accusation. Nathael smirked slightly, whispering, "It hurts, so you'll remember."

Damn it! she thought. Is that even human language?

Enraged, she grabbed his arm and bit him fiercely, then looked at him with provocation, mimicking his words: "It hurts, so you'll remember."

Surprisingly, Nathael neither dodged nor flinched.

Maggie paused, gazing at the bite marks on his arm, a sense of unease washing over her. The large, round marks made her wonder if they were truly hers. Were my teeth really that big? she thought. In contrast, the bite on her shoulder suddenly seemed… appealing.

She shook herself from the thought. What am I thinking? Do I have a penchant for self-inflicted pain?

Nathael noticed her expression. With a hint of self-deprecation, he said casually, "I've been hurt before." Unfortunately, even the pain hadn't taught him a lesson. He would give her anything, as long as she wanted it.

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Maggie was stunned by his response. A pang of sympathy shot through her, tightening her throat. Was it the deceit and manipulation of the past? She wanted to explain, but found herself speechless.

"Go to sleep, my dear," Nathael said gently, stroking her hair. He didn't know when this illusion would shatter, when the lies would be exposed. Knowing it was wishful thinking, he couldn't escape it. He couldn't resist it. It was like drinking poison to quench his thirst, walking a dead-end road, foolishly hoping it might stretch a little longer.

Two days later, Maggie was summoned back to the Camerons. Since Sierra's expulsion, she hadn't been allowed to return. Mia had informed Maggie that Olivia had sent Sierra back to the Pierces. Sierra was now living with Madam Pierce, and everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly.

Upon her arrival, Maggie sensed a somber atmosphere. Even Noah and Luna Cameron, who had been absent, were present, suggesting an important matter.

"Maggie's back," Olivia greeted her warmly.

"Mom," Maggie replied calmly, assessing the Camerons' intentions. Since her rebirth, many things had changed, setting off a chain reaction.

"The Hershire Park project has been handed over to the Burtons," Master Cameron stated gravely. "In the coming years, securing government projects will be challenging." He paused. "And this morning, the Chronopolis project was officially signed by Nathael with the Adams."

Losing two major projects was devastating news.

Luna voiced her displeasure. "Why wasn't the Chronopolis project secured? When Nathael mistreated Maggie, why didn't you capitalize on the opportunity to benefit the family?" Even at forty-plus, Luna wore heavy makeup. Though attractive, her sharp features and slightly slanted eyes gave her a harsh, materialistic look.

Indeed, that was the reality. As Ronald and Noah's younger sister, Luna wasn't as cunning as Ronald or as ruthless as Noah. Nevertheless, in her past life, Maggie had endured the most bullying from Luna and her daughter. Maggie suspected Luna might not understand the Camerons' motive for adopting her, believing her perceived superiority stemmed from family favoritism, justifying her mistreatment.

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Let's Start All Over Again, Shall We?