Chapter 4 Hypocritical

I pulled myself together and headed into the kitchen to cook.

With two lifetimes of experience, I moved through the motions effortlessly. Nicholas tried to help but ended up taking a work call instead.

Once the food was on the table, we both sat down. The moment I stopped moving, unwanted thoughts came flooding back. Everything since my rebirth flashed through my mind in rapid succession. The surreal quality of it all pressed against my chest.

I actually didn't die?

Not only had I escaped that hell, I'd defended my own rights.

In my past life, blood loss had left me confused and disoriented. With Michael backing her up, Sabrina had pinned the plagiarism charge on me between the two of them. The school disciplined me, and the DI internship fell into Sabrina's hands.

I was distracted, glancing at the perfectly prepared lobster in front of him and sighing quietly.

He chose his words carefully, clearly sensing my mood,"Catherine, I heard from inside DI—your design won first place in the competition."

My attention snapped back instantly. Wild joy surged through me like a flood.

I'd been confident in my work. This should have been expected, yet memories buried deep broke through their barriers again.

If in my past life...

Nicholas continued, "Congratulations on securing the internship. I heard you'll also receive a pretty substantial design fee."

His words finally pulled me free from those past life memories. Whatever happened before, this time I absolutely wouldn't repeat those mistakes!

I found myself unconsciously planning out this new future. My own job. My own money. Just without so-called "family."

One disgusting face after another slid through my mind. I shook my head internally.

That kind of family? Good riddance! Sabrina and them—they were the real family.

"Nicholas, thank you."

My gratitude was genuine. Not just for telling me this news, but for helping me escape that nightmare and giving me a place to stay.

My nose tingled. Tears threatened to blur my vision.

Nicholas laughed softly, his long fingers offering me a tissue as he raised an eyebrow. "That moved? How are you planning to thank me?"

I grabbed the tissue quickly, covering awkwardly. "You're reading too much into it. The food's spicy."

"When I have money, I'll obviously pay you back." After a thought, I added, "Eat. It won't taste good once it gets cold."

I picked up my pace, eating faster. The previous tasteless feeling evaporated completely, revealing the food's true flavor.

Nicholas's lips curved into a faint smile. He said nothing more.

A few peaceful days passed like that.

With graduation approaching, I made a trip back to campus. Knowing Sabrina would be there too, I deliberately stuck to crowded areas, trying to avoid people I didn't want to see.

Things rarely go as planned.

When it ended, Jason still managed to block my path. Without a word, he grabbed me and dragged me toward a more secluded area.

I tried pulling free, but his hand clamped down like an iron vise. Once we reached a quiet spot, he let go.

"Jason, we have nothing to talk about."

I rubbed my wrist, getting the first word in.

Jason's angry expression paled a few shades, his voice choking. "Cate, can you please stop being stubborn?"

I let out a soft, derisive sound, my face full of mockery.

Jason's Adam's apple bobbed as he put on a show of sincerity. "I know we sometimes overlook your feelings because of Sabby, but no matter what, we're still family, aren't we?"

"Come back with me. I'll talk to Andrew and the others about what happened."

I frowned, trying to figure out which part I hadn't made clear enough for him to misunderstand.

"Jason, I'm not being stubborn, and I don't care what you think."

"I won't go back with you."

Jason remained unmoved. "As long as you're willing to save Sabrina, I'll agree to any condition!"

"I'm begging you, okay?"

His tone reached peak humility. Anyone watching would have been moved by such a display.

But who would ever imagine he was begging his own sister to risk her life saving a complete stranger with no blood relation?

Bitterness spread through me bit by bit. My nails dug deep into my palms, maintaining surface composure. I forced back the tears of grievance.

I looked Jason straight in the eye. "Jason, if I needed a blood transfusion, would you let Sabrina save me?"

His expression changed. He said nothing. Silence was answer enough.

Not wanting to waste more time with him, I turned to leave. Jason took two quick steps and grabbed my arm again.

"Cate! Look at this—what is it?"

I glanced back skeptically, only to see a cracked pendant coming into view. The side facing me had been re-engraved with the name 'Catherine.'

My heart jolted. My body trembled beyond my control.

Seeing this, Jason released an almost imperceptible breath of relief. He softened his tone, carefully holding the pendant before me again. "I'm sorry, Cate. Will you forgive Jason?"

"I shouldn't have given your things to Sabby without asking. I..."

"Enough!"

I cut him off with a cold rebuke, interrupting his apology.

How ridiculous—all this scheming and apologizing, still for Sabrina's sake. Fake! Disgusting!

Yet my gaze remained glued to that shattered pendant. I could see they'd tried their best to repair it, but the cracks would never disappear.

In my past life, I'd offered myself to them the same way. I'd naively believed sincerity could be met with sincerity.

And the result?

Jason seemed about to say more. I spoke first. "Mom and Dad are gone. The pendant is broken. I won't forgive you. Any of you."

"From now on, stay away from me."

"I never want to see any of you again."

That last line carried some trace of petulance. But really, I'd fantasized countless times about life without the Rosewood family and Sabrina.

I'd have a healthy body. My designs would carry my name openly. No one would keep me drowning in guilt. No one would constantly invalidate me.

I'd meet many like-minded friends. I'd encounter someone I loved...

Without them, I'd be far from all suffering.

Yeah, the Rosewood family and Sabrina—they were the root of my past life's tragedy.

I closed my eyes, slowly increasing the distance between Jason and myself.

Jason stood rooted in place. This time, he didn't try to stop me. He'd heard the seriousness in my tone.

Not joking. Not throwing a tantrum. Real. I really wanted to break free from them.

But why? He definitely thought that we were family—bound by blood!

Just as I was about to disappear from view, an urgent voice called from behind. "Cate, are you still mad at Jason?"

I stopped in place and slowly shook my head. Silent, I walked away with long strides.