Chapter 3 Payback

Yunice's back stiffened, but she didn't turn around. It was Paul Powell, her childhood playmate and fiancé. She didn't turn around, but Paul reached out, grabbed her shoulder, and turned her to face him with a grin. "You always run to your dad's grave whenever you're upset…" His smile froze. He had finally seen Yunice's face, which was sickly pale. Her eyes, hidden beneath long black hair, were shrunken and hollow. A chill crawled up his spine, and he instinctively withdrew his hand. That was when he remembered that she was a lunatic. Lunatics were capable of anything. He had even heard rumors that she smeared filth on herself for fun. The thought that he had just touched her made Paul's skin crawl, and he discreetly wiped his hand against the tree trunk behind him. His movements weren't obvious, but Yunice still noticed. She and Paul had been engaged for years, and everyone had always assumed they were a couple, even Yunice herself. Because of that, she had always felt a subtle sense of possessiveness toward him. Being rejected by someone she liked was painful. But Yunice's reaction was subdued. Paul hadn't visited her even once during her three years in the psychiatric hospital. She had already realized there was no future between them. Too much time had passed. Paul no longer knew how to interact with Yunice. To him, she was like a familiar stranger. Awkwardly, he said, "Ever since you stabbed her in a fit of madness, Elsie's health has been poor. Now that you refuse to go home, she's so worried she can't even eat. We're all really concerned about her." Yunice smirked. She's been skipping meals, yet she's still alive, isn't she? Seeing that Yunice was unmoved, Paul frowned and his tone hardened as he said, "I'm telling you to go home and apologize to Elsie right now. If you don't, then you can forget about ever seeing me again." Yunice had indeed been submissive toward Paul in the past, making him believe she couldn't live without him. But during her years in the psychiatric hospital, waiting for salvation, her hopes had already been eroded to nothing. She had stopped expecting anything from anyone. She would no longer try to please anyone. Letting go of her need to be loved, she now only wanted to live for herself. Yunice spread her palm open and looked at the burn mark on her hand. Pain reminded her that when she had no power, being stubborn or acting tough would only bring her more suffering. So she decided to go with Paul. She had planned to return to the Saunders family to reclaim her identity anyway, and riding in his car was better than walking. Paul walked ahead and pulled some wet wipes from the car to wipe his hands outside the door. When he got in, he noticed Yunice sitting in the backseat. She used to always sit in the front passenger seat–it had been her exclusive spot. Why isn't she sitting there now? Then he spotted the sticker on the dashboard that read: "Princess' Exclusive Seat. Other Girls, Sit in the Back." Paul's face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly explained, "My sister put that there as a joke. Don't overthink it, alright?" He expected Yunice to pester him about it like she used to, to interrogate him relentlessly. Just thinking about it annoyed him. Yunice was always jealous, and if she found out Elsie had put that sticker there, she'd definitely cause trouble for her. Paul had already prepared himself. No matter what Yunice questioned him about, he would just lash out, accusing her of being paranoid. That had always worked before; not only would he get away with it, but Yunice would also end up coaxing him instead. But to his surprise, before he could even say anything, Yunice simply replied, "Okay." Then, nothing. Paul was stunned for a moment. He waited but Yunice truly had no intention of asking further. He frowned, then started the car. The inside of the car was silent. Neither of them spoke. Paul glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Yunice gazing out the window with an indifferent expression, as if she wasn't even paying attention to him. He had planned to talk to her about breaking off the engagement, but he had also worried she might refuse to let go. Yet now, seeing her so indifferent, he inexplicably felt irritated. He couldn't put his finger on it, but the more she ignored him, the more irked he became. So he suddenly slammed on the gas, speeding up. Yunice was timid. Whenever he drove fast, she used to get scared and beg him to slow down. But now, even as the speedometer neared its limit, Yunice simply fastened her seatbelt and remained silent. The car barely scraped past a massive truck, making Paul break out in a cold sweat. Panicked, he quickly slowed down on his own. She didn't even ask him to stop. He felt embarrassed, and he muttered, "You're braver than before." Paul was young and reckless. He liked showing off by driving fast, enjoying the way Yunice used to get scared and plead with him to slow down. But Yunice had never been afraid of speed. Back then, she was only afraid of him getting hurt. Now that he was no longer her loved one, she no longer cared. At the Saunders family estate, Lily Moore and Elsie stood at the gate, eagerly awaiting their arrival. Seeing Owen walk out with a shawl in his hand, Elsie assumed it was for her. She subtly nudged Lily aside, waiting for Owen to drape it over her shoulders. But Owen didn't even look at her. He was gazing down the road, anticipating the arrival of Paul's car, holding the shawl for Yunice. Elsie's face twisted with frustration. Even now, Owen still can't let go of that lunatic. Just then, Paul's car pulled up, and she quickly put on a look of admiration. "Paul always knows how to handle things. Yunice only listens to him…" Then, as if realizing she had said something wrong, she gasped and covered her mouth. With a sob, she said, "Owen, I wasn't trying to say you're incapable. It's just that I grew up in the mountains and don't know how to speak properly…" But Owen was already deep in thought. She is right. I had personally gone to pick Yunice up, had spoken to her patiently, but she had only given me attitude and refused to go with me. Yet Paul, of all people, had managed to bring her home so easily? Owen's mood soured. He had been so happy just moments ago, yet now his face darkened. She didn't care whether he coaxed her or not? Well, he didn't care either! So, when Yunice stepped out of the car, Owen deliberately draped the shawl over Elsie's shoulders instead. As for Yunice… She could freeze for all he cared. The autumn evening was already chilly. Especially stepping out of the car, the cold wind immediately sent a shiver through Yunice's thin T-shirt. She glanced at the shawl wrapped around Elsie, then turned her attention to Lily, who was hurrying toward her. Lily's eyes were red as she sobbed, "My child, you've suffered…" Elsie stepped forward as well, tears brimming in her eyes. "It's all my fault for wanting to live with the Saunders family. That's why Yunice got so angry that she fell ill. I should never have dared to dream of having a family… If you agree to come home, Yunice, I'll leave with nothing. You'll never have to worry about me taking your family away again." Hearing that, Lily immediately burst into tears and pulled Elsie into an embrace. Owen scowled. "You're Mom's child too. What's this talk about yours and mine? The Saunders family is your home. No one has the right to kick you out! Don't ever say such things again!" Paul stepped forward as well, placing himself between Yunice and Elsie. "She stabbed you, causing you to need lifelong medication. This is her punishment. She owes you. The Saunders family owes you. We all need to make it up to you." Owen's expression darkened. Yes. This is Yunice and the Saunders family's debt. We all owed Elsie.