Chapter 2 Just a D-list Wannabe

"Mom, that woman used a shady method. My condition improving has nothing to do with her!" Mark Robin snapped, his gaze dark and stormy.

Kathy looked at him with a steady expression. "You think I never tried alternative methods to help you? Nothing worked.

Every time you had an episode, we had to call the doctor-again and again.

But this time, you touched her. Your men reported that you didn't just stop at once and you seemed very... pleased."

Mark's fingers curled into a fist and pressed against the cool glass tabletop.

His tone sharpened.

"Whatever the case, Mom, I'm not going to marry that lunatic with no morals. Just let go of that thought!"

--

Loretta Williams staggered through the streets, glaring down at her disheveled state.

Her clothes were a mess, her body ached all over, and the fury inside her boiled.

That damn pharmacist. She should have known something was off when she bought the sedative.

All she wanted was something to make someone sleep-not whatever that was.

And now... now, she was the one who paid the price. Her whole body ached from the night before, and just thinking about it made her stomach churn.

The pain in her lower body was still present, a cruel reminder of what had happened.

That man had ravaged her to the point that she almost passed out. She couldn't remember anything after the first few times. He had been relentless and merciless!

Suddenly, several memories flashed her mind as she remembered the voices of the people who surrounded her...

"Loretta, just look at yourself. Still dreaming of fame? You'd better listen to your stepmother. She'll find you a suitable husband. You're just a bastard-always beneath the rest."

"Loretta, she's doing this for your good. Ava's already a household name; and your other sister is producing hit dramas. And you? After all these years, you're stuck as a D-list wannabe. You're a disappointment!"

"Loretta, the role was reassigned. Your image doesn't suit it."

She forced a bitter smile. If they hadn't cornered her, she would never have resorted to such a desperate plan.

She just wanted to survive. But now...

Despite everything, Loretta forced herself toward the company she worked for.

She had an audition today, and no amount of humiliation was going to stop her from showing up.

When she entered the building, Nora Clark face twisted into a scowl.

"You actually showed up? I thought you gave up on this audition!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Clarke. I ran late."

Loretta tugged at her jacket, trying to hide the marks on her skin.

However, Nora's sharp eyes spotted them immediately.

She grabbed Loretta by the collar, pulling it down slightly.

"We're meeting the director in a few minutes. I don't care what you do after hours, but if you want this part, clean yourself up! You look like you just crawled out of someone's bed."

Loretta looked down and, to her horror, realized the bruises and bites were plainly visible.

Shame flooded her.

That man was a monster. An unforgivable beast.

Loretta quickly bowed and muttered another apology, then darted to the bathroom.

As she scrubbed at her skin, she muttered under her breath, That man ruined everything. He destroyed my future.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed violently in her bag.

She picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Where were you last night, Loretta?" Felix Williams barked on the other end.

Felix rarely called. He was her father in name only-barely present in her life. But he still held power in the household, and Loretta knew better than to ignore him.

"I... I had something urgent last night."

"I don't care what nonsense you were caught up in! Your sister Ava's engagement is being discussed today, and you dared to disappear all night?"

Loretta held the phone in silence. Ava's engagement had nothing to do with her.

"I expect you home immediately. If you're not back in a few minutes, then don't dare to step foot in this house again!"

He hung up.

At the Williams estate, Bella Fenton was quick to approach Felix once he ended the call.

"She's coming back?"

"She said she is," Felix replied gruffly.

Bella leaned in, trailing a finger down his chest. "You need to talk sense into her. She has to accept this proposal. I was stunned when the Britton family asked for her hand instead of Ava's.

Ava's smart, gorgeous-she's everything. How could we hand her over to a man with special needs?

He's even rumored to be incontinent! They're just looking for a caretaker... Loretta's illegitimate anyway-who else should go if not her?"

Felix sighed.

"But she's still my daughter..."

"Oh, please," Bella snapped. "You're really going to let Ava clean up after someone like that?

Letting Loretta marry into the Britton family is practically a reward. Given her background, she should be grateful."

"Alright, alright." Tired of the argument, Felix caved.

"I'll make her go."

He had hesitated, but the truth was undeniable-Loretta was the only choice.

They couldn't afford to offend the Brittons. Despite their son's condition, they were rich beyond measure. Loretta marrying in wasn't a punishment-it was a business decision.

Just then, a servant stepped in. "Master, Madam- Miss Loretta has returned."

As soon as he delivered the message, he stepped out to meet Loretta.

"Your father and stepmother are inside. Today is Miss Ava's engagement discussion. Her fiancé is here too."

Loretta's eyes lit up. "Phil Clarke is here?"

The maid nodded. "He arrived just before you."

Excited, Loretta rushed inside-but froze in the hallway.

There they were-Phil and Ava-standing close. Too close. Their heads tilted, lips nearly touching.

Loretta stood, stunned.

She turned to leave, only to feel a hand slap her across the face so hard she nearly fell.