Chapter 7

"Yvette! I have feelings for you! I've been fond of you for ages, but I was too scared to say it."

"You always seemed so out of reach, the esteemed daughter of the Lane family. I worried that if I told you, you'd mock me."

"Yvette, I've always adored you!"

His confession made my pulse quicken uncontrollably.

Before I could respond, his lips met mine in an overwhelming kiss.

So, those seven years weren't just a one-sided dream. Yet, it was bittersweet—despite everything, we had failed to connect in the end.

I weathered countless insults from Zach during those seven years.

I can still recall the taunts from others, the smirks, and murmurs behind my back. Even my parents, when they were alive, had tried to convince me numerous times:

"Yvette, Zach doesn't care for you. There's no point in forcing it."

In time, even their advice transformed into reluctant acceptance.

"Yvette, don't fret. As long as we're around, he won't dare mistreat you."