The Shackles of an Innocent Girl

A tall, broad shouldered man threw a stack of money at the face of a sobbing woman.

"Pick up all that money and never bother me again! Ungrateful bitch!" His voice boomed. The veins in his neck were clearly visible, revealing the peak of his anger.

For the next few moments, my mother could only cry and regret her foolishness for getting involved with such a cruel man.

It has now been eighteen years since I've tried to forget that bitter incident, but it still haunts me. That was the day my mother decided to end her life, leaving her three-year-old child in an orphanage in Los Angeles.

What do I do now? Despair because I was born illegitimate? Grieve because I never had a father? Or wallow in misery because I grew up an orphan?

No! I'm done with all of that!

Everyone's got it wrong!

If I'm an illegitimate child, then I will make sure that man has no right to happiness in his life either.

Today, I've resolved to trap him. He won't realize that the woman he hired is his own flesh and blood. The 21 year-old woman he plans to sleep with tonight is going to destroy him, very soon!

"Your downfall is about to begin, Henry Austin," I muttered with a sly smile right in front of the hotel room door.

Not long after, the man himself appeared. Finally, my prey has arrived!

"Oh, hi Bianca! Sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?" he greeted cheerfully.

I waved my hand, dismissing his small talk it was already tiresome. I quickly grabbed his hand, yanking the tie still wrapped around his neck, and started unbuttoning his black shirt.

What a dirty old man! I have to admit, despite being nearly fifty, his body is still remarkably fit. But that doesn't change the fact that he's already halfway to the grave.

This old man deserves to die! My heart pounded as I gave myself to him. Will I succeed in killing my own father?

"Baby, you're impatient, huh?" he said with a smirk, locking eyes with mine.

Damn it! That question should be for you, you bastard!

"You can clean yourself up first. I can wait, dinner should be here soon," I said, trying to neutralize the tension.

I'm not a real whore! I mean, I'm seriously not that kind of woman! This is just a mission for revenge!

And there's no way I'd willingly give my body to this old creep!

"Alright then! Let's make this beautiful woman squirm after I clean up!" he teased, still trying to flirt.

He stood up and started leaning in closer to me, attempting to sniff my neck, which was covered by my hair.

Disgusting! I fought the urge to gag, even though I was completely repulsed.

Then he walked toward the bathroom. I bit my lip. This is going to be good. He's about to walk right into my trap! I eagerly watched his every step.

I spent an hour carefully setting up the trap in the bathroom. I decorated the bathtub myself, making it look like a surprise that would leave a lasting impression on the whore he hired.

The moment Henry began to open the door and stepped inside, the trap was triggered!

"Oh my God! You did all this for me?" he shouted in excitement.

Then I heard the door swing open again, followed by a loud thud! What was that? Did the old man fall?

I rushed to the bathroom door, my heart racing with anticipation. Did he fall right into my trap?

A second later, my eyes squinted in disbelief. What the hell? Did he just slip?

I groaned in frustration as I saw the old man lying at my feet. This fool had slipped right next to the bathtub, hitting his head on the edge, and knocked himself out!

"I can't believe it! Not only is he easy to manipulate, but he's also clumsy! Why didn't you just fall into the tub and die in there, huh? Useless!" I muttered in frustration.

I was furious! I had painstakingly prepared the chemical mixture in the bathtub water, and now my target had already collapsed! What do I do now? Should I just let him live for a little longer?

Staring at Henry's body, which was turning more and more blue, I quickly called Justin, my close friend who also worked at the hotel. He had been working with me on this mission!

It only took five minutes before I could report the end of my plan to him. Justin entered the room just as I was changing clothes, ready to leave before things got even more complicated.

"Bianca, you crazy girl! Your trap may have failed, but it seems your enemy will suffer greatly from his own carelessness," Justin said after checking on Henry, who still hadn't regained consciousness.

I adjusted my shoes and replied, "Stop trying to cheer me up, Justin! You're just calling me a loser, right?"

Justin shook his head firmly. "No, really! You still have a shot even with this failed mission, Bianca!"

I looked up at him, staring intently as I thought.

"What are you thinking, Bianca? Of course, you can! Henry has a history of high blood pressure. Didn't you ever come across that important detail about your father's health?" Justin explained, giving me a serious look.

"He's not my father!" I snapped back. "Just take care of him, alright? Let me know how he's doing later."

Justin smiled, giving me a thumbs-up, before he got up and dragged Henry's body out of the room.

If Henry ends up with a serious health problem after this, that would be good news for me. I don't like wasting my time off on something useless.

I'll destroy that man another way slowly, but lethally!

It took me nearly two hours to get back to my apartment. All I wanted was to clean myself up and get some rest, but the ringing of my phone interrupted that plan.

I glanced at the caller's name carefully. It was Nathan-my boyfriend.

["Baby, where are you? Please hurry! I'm coming to pick you up. Come with me to the hospital now,"] Nathan said in one breath.

My brow furrowed in confusion. Who could be sick to make this usually calm 23-year-old sound so worried?

I admit that throughout my relationship with Nathan, he has never once involved me in his family matters. He hasn't even introduced me to his parents.

"I'll be packed by the time you get here, babe. Who's sick?" I replied quickly, starting to feel a bit panicked myself.

["My dad. Mom just called me in the middle of my office meeting today. I need to get there right away. But, babe, I really need your help with my mom,"] Nathan explained, answering all the questions swirling in my head.

Then I heard the sound of heavy traffic. He must've been driving recklessly.

How serious is the situation for him to be this panicked? So far, I've known him as a reserved guy, hardly ever showing much emotion. But today, he seemed completely different.

What kind of bad news about his dad could make him risk his life on the road?

"Alright, babe. Calm down first, okay? Drive safely, and we'll make it to the hospital in one piece, alright?"

I tried to reassure him, helping him regain focus. It would be a cruel irony if he ended up needing to join his dad as a patient in the hospital.

Not long after I had finished fixing the makeup that had been ruined by today's mission, Nathan arrived, looking incredibly distressed.

"Oh, my love. Come here, give me a hug!" I stretched out my arms, pulling him into a warm embrace.

I knew this would take some time, but I also knew he needed it to center himself and prepare for whatever we might face once we reached the hospital.

"I don't understand what carelessness my dad could've done," Nathan whispered into my ear.

I cupped his face in my hands, looking deeply into his eyes. Although another man had looked at me as if I were a prostitute earlier, Nathan's gaze was different. The lines of his face gave me an inexplicable sense of protection. I felt safe and at peace looking at him so closely.

Then, suddenly, the distance between us vanished. Nathan kissed me before I had the chance to react.

The light touch of his fingers on my cheek felt cold, but the warmth of his kiss on my lips spread through me.

Those bright blue eyes were still staring at me intently, making my heart work harder to stay conscious.

"I'm ready for you, Nathan. Let's hurry, or your mom will be mad at me for making you late in this situation," I said, trying to speak as softly as possible to help him understand.

Although I knew he seemed eager to touch me more, there were other urgent matters waiting for us.

It didn't take long before Nathan stepped on the gas. He took me along to his family's difficult situation. Minute by minute, we made our way through. The tall, high-class hospital building appeared before us. Nathan hit the brakes and started to glance at me.

I met his gaze calmly. It seemed like he was about to explain something. Nathan likely understood that I was waiting for a reasonable explanation here.

"My mom called me to say that my dad had a brain hemorrhage. He was found lying on the bathroom floor after his meeting today," Nathan explained in one breath.

"Maybe it was his carelessness, or I don't even know. All I know is that it made my mom cry hysterically, and that's why I'm so worried," he added.

And in that moment, I froze completely.

Suddenly, my throat felt incredibly dry. The air around me seemed to vanish, making it hard to breathe. Cold sweat began to trickle down my face and into the palms of my hands.

Dark thoughts immediately filled my mind. Nathan's explanation had made me think hard.

No! This can't be right. It must be just a coincidence.

I still wanted to dismiss the thought, until I saw for myself who Nathan's parent was, lying in the hospital.

I swallowed hard, finally managing to speak again.

"Yeah, I understand, Nathan. We have to accept that anything can happen when we're not careful," I said, trying to mask my anxiety.

As I was still trying to calm the storm in my mind, Nathan validated my feelings. He gently squeezed my hand and, with tenderness, he said, "I know you're worried too, huh? Don't worry, I'm sure it's not serious."

Nathan could read the worry on my face, but in a different way. The truth was, I wasn't concerned about his parent. I was worried about myself.

Would this charade end just like that? Damn it!

To save time and cut through my curiosity, I immediately asked Nathan to help me find his father's hospital room.

I hated worrying. I hated the thought that the mission I had been planning for so long could end in such a ridiculous way. This couldn't happen. It couldn't possibly be the same man that Nathan considered his father- the same man I was seeking revenge on.

Please, someone tell me the world isn't that small, that I have to suffer through two situations at once with the same person!

Damn it! My heart was pounding faster now. Nathan's father's room was close. My legs felt like they were losing balance, and my whole body felt out of control.

Nathan quickly opened the door. There was no sound at all, except for the medical equipment attached to the patient inside. I was still overcome with fear.

As Nathan gestured for me to enter, the first thing I wanted to see was the person lying in the hospital bed. A man, yes. But what did he look like?

Every second that passed, Nathan's steps took him straight into his mother's arms. My own steps seemed to float toward the bed. Despite my racing heartbeat, I tried to act like someone visiting a sick relative.

I couldn't let anyone see my anxiety!

And sure enough, the moment my eyes finally landed on the face of the person in the bed, every drop of blood in my body seemed to freeze.

It was Henry Austin! The bastard who abandoned my mother and ruined my life when I didn't understand anything!

The man Nathan called father was the same man I almost slept with for revenge!

Nathan A. That, who I'd known all this time, was actually Austin? Henry Austin's family name?

Oh, God! Is this really the path fate has written for me?

Here's the translation into American English:

That I've loved a man who is my blood relative for years? And at the same time, I'm the one who makes him sad because there is another man whose life I must make miserable?

This is so unfair! Just hiding my vengeful identity from my lover has almost driven me crazy. Let alone this fact!

Now, my legs have completely lost their balance. My body sways to the right. But Nathan quickly catches me. His hand reflexively wraps perfectly around my waist.

"Are you okay, babe? Are you tired?" Nathan asks with concern.

Nathan's tone of voice makes me realize that these two men should never share the same bloodline. Nathan is nothing like Henry. This man loves me sincerely.

The vibrations in my heart when he touches and kisses my lips. Also, every word that comes out of his mouth seems like a magical cure for the restlessness in my heart.

The affection he gives is so precious in my life. But why does reality rip apart this happiness? I've fallen in love with my own blood relative? Once again. Do I really have to love Nathan Austin?

I lost control of myself in that instant. I cried in Nathan's arms. Maybe both Nathan and his mother think this cry is because of my worry for Henry's safety.

But that's not it at all! I'm growing to hate that old man even more! Why does he always have to be the one to take everything I have in this world?

I truly sobbed in Nathan's arms. What should I do now? What should I choose? This forbidden love or my thirst for revenge?

"Bianca, I'm Jane. I'm Nathan's mother, and the man who hasn't woken up is my husband. Nathan once talked to me about you. He said you have such a soft and pure heart," Jane said, her gaze seeming to admire me.

She extended her hand to stroke my head. Maybe her heart was moved by seeing me cry over this misfortune. But that's not what's happening, Jane! Wake up, I don't feel sympathy for your husband's fate.

"I told you, Mom. Bianca is an angel. Her heart is pure because I found her in a holy place." Nathan gently kissed the top of my head.

Their treatment of me truly made me more confused. I just want to eliminate Henry Austin, without taking away the sincerity that Nathan and Jane have shown me.

Could I do that? Will I succeed? Won't I hurt them as well in the process?

I cried for five minutes. At the same time, several strategic plans began to form in my mind.

This situation was critical and urgent. If only Henry were still fine. However, fortunately, this man was experiencing a concerning condition in his head, which left him unconscious for the time being.

While I stalled for time with Jane, who was explaining the details of the accident, I tried to find another opportunity I could use to continue my mission.

Yes, call me a terrible girl, because I chose to continue my revenge rather than show mercy to the two people in front of me.

That doesn't mean I will hurt Nathan or his mother. I will still be the angelic girl for them. But as for Henry, I will remain the misery that is ready to hunt him down whenever I wish. Just wait and see!

I swear!

"Um, Mom, is there a possibility that Henry's father will receive further treatment soon?" I asked, biting my lip, trying to suppress my nervousness.

This was the first tactic that came to mind. I needed to confirm the latest condition after the accident. Would this man be permanently disabled so I still had plenty of time to make things worse?

Or would he recover soon, and I would fail in avenging my late mother?

The woman, who I guessed to be in her late fifties, took a deep breath, her eyes filled with sadness. It seemed like she loved that despicable man deeply.

If only she knew that the girl her son loved was also the flesh and blood of her husband. Maybe Henry would already be torn apart by now.

Someone, please make Jane realize that she's been betrayed by her own husband for decades! She shouldn't be wasting her energy crying over a man like Henry!

That man deserves to go to hell right now!

Jane tried to open her mouth and speak!

"The doctor explained that the head injury is quite serious. Surgery will be necessary in the near future. However, the chances of him returning to normal activity are very slim because the impact was very severe," Jane explained.

She choked up, and Nathan gently handed her a tissue box. You could see the frustration in his face, a deep line on his forehead, showing how hard this situation was for the only child.

I'm sorry, Nathan, but this is for your own good. I just hate your father, who turns out to be our father. My mind is full of turmoil right now.

"I'll ask the doctor to provide the best treatment, Mom. Everything will get better soon," Nathan said, trying to comfort Jane.

"Nathan, do you remember that I still have to go to Chicago for the art festival tour? I'm so confused with everything going on," she said, disappointed.

And this is my chance!

"Mom, you don't have to worry. I'll help Nathan take care of everything here. Don't lose focus on achieving the victory you've dreamed of," I said, trying to understand what this woman is feeling.

"Yes, Bianca is right. We'll do our best. You can return quickly when everything there is settled, right? Don't hesitate anymore. Bianca will help with everything," Nathan added.

This strange feeling made me hate Henry even more. The amount of love he had received from this small family. Yet, he chose to betray them and commit a terrible sin, making me bear the consequences of his actions for the rest of my life.

I swear, if hell is the best place to take him into eternity, then so be it. Even if right now I have to play two roles at once, and shred my empathy towards my boyfriend's trust, I won't stop here.

"Yes, I'll help with everything I can, Mom. I'll do my best, and Nathan will too," I said, confident in assuring Jane that she could go to Chicago in the next few days.

That very night, I made up my mind to continue with my revenge while also weaving my love story with Nathan. To hell with blood relations.

I love him, and Nathan loves me. No one can stop me, even if my lips keep begging for forgiveness. Even if I can't stop my tears.

I clenched my fists to suppress my fear. Nathan noticed my movement, and he immediately reached out, holding my hand and saying, "Bianca always takes care of me well, Mom. You can trust my words."

After a lengthy discussion, Jane would still go to Chicago. Tonight, I was supposed to stay here with Nathan while Jane handled her departure preparations for tomorrow.

At midnight, Nathan went out to accompany his mother to the hospital lobby, making sure she returned home safely. Nathan was deeply concerned about his mother's mental state, shaken by the bad news.

On the other hand, I was still struggling to process everything that had happened. I could only stare in awe at the pouring rain from behind the window.

I wasn't in Henry's room, of course. I would've completely lost my mind if I stayed there any longer, especially with Nathan not being there.

I might have attacked Henry like a wild animal devouring its prey. But what happened? I could only prepare myself.

"I must stay strong. Mom, in heaven, is waiting for my victory," I whispered softly.

I watched the rain falling heavily, making sure no one could hear my fear at that moment. Everything was drowned out by the roar of the rain and thunder.

Then I realized something: my voice wasn't completely masked when I felt a hand on my shoulder from behind.

I gasped and quickly turned around. Before I could fully see who the hand belonged to, they had already started hugging me.

"What are you doing here, darling? It's cold here, isn't it?" he said gently, his voice in my ear.

I blushed!

"Nathan, this is a public place. It's not appropriate for you to hug me like this!" I said, slightly pushing Nathan away.

"So what? I miss you, Bianca. I miss you so much. All of this has been so draining. I need to recharge with you," he said with a pleading look.

This man was teasing me like a child begging for a toy. Yet, with the same mood as before, tonight, I was passive in responding to Nathan's desires.

"Then we should find a place nearby, darling. We can't do this here, right?" I suggested.

Nathan sighed deeply, his head drooping down in exhaustion. He seemed so tired.

I reached out to his head, gently rubbing it, giving him a little energy. Unexpectedly, this action also affected my fear of loss.

"I don't want to lose you," Nathan mumbled.

My eyes widened! Can he read my mind?

"I don't want to lose the people I love," he continued.

"You won't lose anything, darling. Everyone will stay alive with you," I said.

What I realized at that moment was that what I said didn't match at all with what I had done in Nathan's life.

I held my breath, trying to control myself.

"Enough, okay? You're tired, darling. Come on, let's rest inside. We don't have time to look for a place to stay here," I quickly persuaded him, hoping he would understand.

Coincidentally, the room Nathan had chosen for the elderly man's treatment was a VVIP room. It was spacious enough for just me and Nathan. Everything was provided, even if I wanted to stay there.

However, the man in front of me needed someone else. I had to control myself better tonight, even though everything still felt so illogical in my mind.

Nathan got ready to sleep while I chose to sit quietly on the sofa. I looked around, trying to think of a way to stay focused on my biggest enemy.

Henry Austin still hadn't shown any response. This would make it easier for my strategy to bring him to the Angel of Death faster. However, the main obstacle was Nathan.

Should I play slower? Maybe I should just stall for time.

I rummaged through my bag and started looking for more health information on Henry Austin. I scrolled through all of his social media again, or maybe information about his career that had been skyrocketing recently.

From the news showing how he had become a star due to the ownership of his family's company assets.

"All of this might make me a little jealous, but I'm sure this success is over. Even right when you chose your own flesh and blood as a servant to your desires," I thought to myself.

I hadn't been daydreaming for long when Nathan seemed to be done with his business in the bathroom. He came over to me with a smile that never left his face.

"Are you really focused, darling? Got some work to do?" he asked.

I froze in panic, quickly closing all the apps and search history on my phone.