Chapter 14
656words
Samuel thought back to that day and realized he had never actually seen Tania take any photos. It had always been Lucy's word against Tania's.
Before he could ask her about it, Lucy pointed at the documents Samuel had brought and started to explain her actions.
"Samuel, we can just edit these pictures and the report card. Find some hackers to sneak into the school's website and change them and we're set!”
"Kingston University had offered me a job, but I bet it was Tania's wealthy boyfriend who messed things up. Kingston University doesn't want to upset someone like that, so they're backing up Tania's lies!"
Lucy's tears flowed even more.
"Samuel, you know I lost my parents when I was young. It's been tough even making it this far. Ever since college, I've been all about my studies and career. You're the only one I can count on.”
"If you don't believe me, Samuel, life isn't worth living. I'll just end it right here!"
Caught up in her act, Lucy grabbed the fruit knife from the table and slashed her wrist!
Blood spurted out instantly.
Lucy froze.
She was only pretending, not meaning to actually die.
However, Samuel was shocked, quickly wrapped up Lucy's wrist, lifted her in his arms, and dashed for the garage.
Lucy was rushed to the hospital.
Samuel sat outside, aimlessly scrolling through his phone.
It was full of nasty comments about him and Lucy.
After swiping through a bunch, a message suddenly appeared, [Ms. Canfield is a good person, Mr. Ferguson is great too, they deserve to be happy.]
Samuel felt a surge of hope and sent a private message to the commenter, whose username was Taryn.
Samuel: [You think Lucy's a good person too?]
Taryn: [Ms. Canfield always worked hard at school, often staying in the library all night.]
Samuel said, [However, now, everyone online is saying mean things about Lucy.]
Taryn replied, [Ms. Canfield is famous online, so of course she has people who don't like her. Someone's probably just spreading lies about her.]
Samuel wondered, [What if you're wrong? It seems like everyone thinks Lucy isn't nice.]
Taryn explained, [Well, I figured it out because of Mr. Ferguson. He's a really smart businessman who even saved someone's life at Kingston University. A good guy like him wouldn't make bad choices. Since Mr. Ferguson always sticks by Ms. Canfield, that must mean she's nice, too.]
Tania was trying not to laugh as she talked to Samuel.
She was cuddled up in Elias's arms.
"You really want Samuel and Lucy to be stuck with each other, huh?" Elias said with a laugh, watching Tania's sneaky plan.
Tania just shrugged, "Bad boys and mean girls should be stuck together, so they can't bother anyone else. Samuel is pretty full of himself. He might be starting to doubt Lucy, but once he reads what I said, he'll stop doubting. If he stops believing in Lucy, it'll be like saying he's been wrong all along."
Then Tania called her private office.
"Tell everyone about who Elias Russell really is. Make sure Samuel finds out."
When Elias heard Tania say his full name, he felt something special inside.
"Tania, say my name again."
"What?"
"Elias spoke up, "Tania, say my name. I don't want to be your 'brother' anymore. I want a different name from you."
Tania, missing the point as if on purpose, thought Elias was just teasing. She replied lightly, "Sure, Elias. I'll call you by your full name from now on, okay?"
Elias realized she still did not get it.
He pressed his nails into his palm and said softly, "Tania, you've never been just a sister to me. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
