The Hate

"Drop me here," Blue said as they neared her

street. "I'll walk the rest of the way."

Thorndike frowned. "Why? I can take you all the way home."

She smiled. "I just like walking from here. It

gives me a chance to admire the beauty of the city."

"Alright, if that's what you want. But promise

me you'll call when you get home. I'll wait right here until you do."

She giggled. "You're so sweet. I've been

wondering where you got your charm from. But now I know—it's your parents. I

love them already."

"Hmm… sounds like someone is trying to steal my family," Thorndike teased. "But don't worry, I'll let you have a little piece

of their love."

They shared a lingering hug and a soft kiss

before parting ways.

As Blue walked, replaying the events of the day in her mind, her heart suddenly clenched with panic. She had lied about her

family.

"What did I do? How will I fix this?"

Thorndike would want to meet her family too.

What would she tell him then?

As soon as she stepped into the house, a deep voice boomed from the darkness.

"Where are you coming from?"

Blue's body stiffened. Her blood ran cold as

she turned. Standing before her was her father—Mr. Skinner.

"You're back?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Mother said you wouldn't return until the weekend—"

"I asked you a question!" His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.

Blue swallowed hard. "I—I went to see my friend Julie and her husband."

"How many times have I told you not to leave

this house?" he growled.

Lady Sisi rushed down the stairs, sensing the

tension. "Yes, darling, you called me?"

"Where did she go?"

"She visited Julie, just like she said," Lady

Sisi answered carefully.

Mr. Skinner's eyes darkened. "If I find out

you're lying, I will kill you both."

Blue flinched.

"Get out of my sight, useless child!"

She didn't hesitate. She ran straight to her

room, heart pounding, fear tightening her chest.

"He's really back."

Her hands trembled as she picked up her phone and quickly sent a message to Thorndike: I'm home.

Mr. Skinner was the most feared and ruthless

man in Chuchu Town. Even his own family was terrified of him.

He despised Lady Sisi for not bearing him a son to take over his empire, and that hatred extended to Blue.

From a young age, Blue had been forced into his world. She had watched him kill without remorse. She had been locked in the

basement for daring to play outside like a normal child.

But she had made a decision long ago—she would never be like him.

The first time she tried to run away, he had

sent his right-hand man, Jack, to bring her back.

When she returned, he tied her up and beat her mercilessly. He had even threatened to ship her off to North Korea as punishment.

It was only after Lady Sisi begged for mercy

that he reconsidered. Instead, he sent Blue away to Paris.

And that was how she learned to hide her

identity from the world.