Chapter 45
Amber didn’t think she’d done anything wrong. She glanced at Jocelyn and saw a delighted smile.
Lost in the thrill of gaming, Amber’s homework was now the last thing on her mind. The approving look in Jocelyn’s eyes made her heart soar.
Getting scolded by teachers had become routine for Amber. She was numb to it by now and didn’t think it was a big deal.
As they stepped out of the gaming cafe, a girl walked straight into Jocelyn, who gasped in pain.
The girl quickly apologized. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you. Are you okay?”
Jocelyn frowned slightly and said, “It stings a little…”
Seeing Jocelyn get bumped, Amber violently shoved the girl away. The force sent the girl crashing to the ground, scraping her palms and landing hard on her tailbone, pain shooting through her.
Tears immediately welled up in her eyes as she sat there, overwhelmed.
The girl thought to herself, I already apologized. Besides, it was just a little bump.
Amber glared and snapped, “Are you blind or something? Can’t you see her walking here? You bumped into her on purpose. What’s your sick game? How dare you!”
“I’m sorry,” the girl sobbed softly, wiped away her tears, and said. It was indeed her fault; she should apologize.
Amber glared at the girl and snapped, “Don’t think saying sorry means we’ll forgive you. No one gets to mess with us!”
Jocelyn gently tugged at Amber’s sleeve and, in a soft voice, first reassured the little girl. “It’s alright. I’m fine. You can go.” Then she turned to Amber and added, “Amber, really, it doesn’t hurt. I’m okay!”
“Thank you so much,” the girl kept saying profusely, her voice trembling with gratitude. With that, she hurried off without a backward glance.
Jocelyn said dotingly to Amber, “Amber, I’m so proud you stood up for me. I don’t feel wronged at all now. Thank you, you did exactly the right thing.”
Hearing Jocelyn’s words, Amber broke into a beaming smile. “Jocelyn, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me. I won’t let anyone ever hurt you!”
Seeing that smile, Jocelyn felt a pang of jealousy, but she still spoke gently. “Amber, how many times have I told you? You can’t smile in front of others. People will take advantage of you.
“You need to act fierce to protect yourself. I can’t always be there for you, so promise me, no more smiling in front of others, okay?”
Amber nodded obediently. “Okay, Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn seized the moment and asked softly. “Amber, we’re going home, but what if someone tries to bully me again?”
Amber looked at Jocelyn with unwavering determination and said, “No one will ever bully you. If anyone dares, I'll make them pay.
“I’ll do anything you ask. Just promise you’ll always stay with me. Your happiness means everything to me.”
Jocelyn felt a surge of dark satisfaction, utterly intoxicated by her sense of absolute control, as if she had meticulously crafted a chess piece that existed solely for her use.
“Amber, you’re such a good girl. But what if it’s Vivian? She’s your sister, after all. You’d still stand up for me instead of her, right?” Jocelyn said tentatively.
Amber felt nothing for Vivian. If anything, it was pure hatred. Amber loathed Vivian because Vivian always bullied Jocelyn and wouldn’t even let Amber be with Jocelyn.
She’s pure evil, rotten to the core. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do, a complete psycho, Amber thought.
Amber declared fiercely. “Vivian is no sister of mine. You’re my only sister, Jocelyn. I hate her.”
As she spoke, a flash of hatred appeared in Amber’s eyes. She just couldn’t understand why Vivian always went after Jocelyn. Jocelyn was so good to Vivian, but Vivian would always bite the hand that fed her.
Amber couldn’t stand Vivian. She couldn’t stand that they shared the same blood. Amber hoped to be related to Jocelyn instead.
“Only Jocelyn truly cares about me and wants what’s best for me," Amber thought with unwavering conviction. "I’ll always be loyal to Jocelyn, no matter what.”
Jocelyn’s smirk widened as she ruffled Amber’s hair. She’s my best weapon, she mused. Sienna, just you wait. I’m coming for you!