Regret Is Only the Beginning - Chapter 12

Half an hour later, Evie stormed in and threw a stack of cash onto the table.

“This is 20 thousand dollars. It’s more than enough to cover your two dresses. I never like owing people anything.”

With a smirk, I glanced at the giant diamond ring on her right hand.

“Really? But didn’t you say you’d pay for it yourself?”

Evie looked smug. “Archie agreed to this. If it weren’t for him begging me to use this money, do you think I’d want to? Jillian, Archie said that from now on, what’s his is mine and our child’s. One day, I’ll make sure you pay for every bit of humiliation you’ve made me suffer.”

With that, she turned on her heels and walked out.

Not long after, Archie knocked and stepped inside.

He hesitated at the door before speaking in a low voice. “Jillian, Evie’s hormones are all over the place because of the pregnancy. Don’t take it to heart. And… don’t take what I said to heart either.”

I no longer knew how we had ended up like this.

“I already told you. I’m not your sister anymore. You got what you wanted. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. Don’t contact me again.”

I glanced at the bedroom. “I can’t take everything with me today. I’ll send someone to pack up the rest later. As for anything useless, just throw it away.”

I zipped up my suitcase and gave it a tug. It was pretty heavy.

“I’ll carry it down for you,” Archie offered.

I had no intention of making things difficult for myself. “Thanks.”

Archie gave a small smile. “It’s nothing.”

After a pause, he asked, “What are you planning to do now?”

“I’m going on a trip to unwind. Everything else can wait.”

When we reached the first floor, I took my suitcase from him. Looking at the younger brother I had watched grow up, I felt a swirl of emotions.

“If you have any issues at the company, ask the senior employees. I’ve already arranged things with Kaylee. Just focus on stability for the next year. That’s the best course of action. I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself.”

As the plane soared through the sky, all my stress and frustrations seemed to fade away.

Logan handed me a blanket. “Cover up. Don’t catch a cold.”

I took it, preparing to nap. “Wake me when we land.”

After a few hours, the plane landed

We had a full day of rest at the hotel. We didn’t bother with a strict itinerary; we just went wherever we felt like going.

For five days in Atruarea, I turned off my phone, cutting myself off from the outside world and enjoying a carefree life.

On one particular morning, rain poured outside. The gloomy weather made me want to stay in bed all day.

But lying in bed was like feeding myself straight to the wolf.

The next day, determined not to repeat my mistake, I decided to go shopping.

Logan wasn’t too thrilled. Before leaving, he even tried to convince me otherwise. But this time, I refused to listen.

I grabbed my phone, picked up my bag, and headed out.

The mall was packed. I stepped into a women’s boutique.

Logan picked up a dress, held it against me, and nodded approvingly. “This looks great. Try it on.”

I eyed it suspiciously. “You sure?”

It was a black, body–hugging mini dress with fluffy fur accents in the front.

Logan’s expression turned playful. “It’ll definitely show off your figure.”

I knew exactly what was going through his mind. I elbowed him, but instead of hurting him, I ended up hurting myself.

Logan immediately forgot his teasing and checked my arm anxiously. “Are you okay?”

“It’s not my arm,” I snapped. I had strained my aching waist from the earlier movement. Annoyed, I shot him another glare.

Realizing he was at fault, Logan rubbed his nose sheepishly and grinned. “I’ll give you a massage when we get back. I promise you’ll feel better in no time.”