Alyssa’s POV
Dad didn’t say another word and stormed back into the bedroom.
I didn’t sleep at all that night. So when I opened my door the next morning, dark circles under my eyes, I froze on the spot.
Casper walked in carrying an armful of expensive skincare products and right beside him was Merida.
He didn’t look surprised to see me, not even in the slightest.
My stepmother hurried over eagerly to take the bags from him.
“Oh my, you didn’t have to bring anything! Just having you here is enough!”
Dad rushed over, practically shaking with excitement as he grabbed Casper’s hand.
“You must be the Pennington CEO, right? I’ve only ever seen your interviews on TV. I never imagined my Merida’s boyfriend would be you!”
My stepmother shot him a look of pure annoyance.
“What are you talking about? This is Merida’s fiancé. He’s here today to discuss the wedding.”
The moment our eyes met, the whole room felt like it turned to stone.
Back when we first started dating, I’d told Casper everything about my family.
He looked at me like I was his whole world and promised he’d stand up for me one day.
But now, he walked through the door… as my sister’s fiancé.
I’d imagined a thousand possibilities yet somehow never this.
Never that the person he loved… was Merida.
The woman I hate more than anyone in this world.
Life really knows how to be cruel.
That morning, the entire breakfast tasted like cardboard.
Dad fawned over Casper while throwing shade at me between every compliment.
“Merida’s so mature. Even the man she chose is outstanding—not like her sister here. She dated some useless guy and took off for three years. Who knows what kind of trash he was?
“When it comes to picking men, Alyssa, maybe learn from your sister!”
I couldn’t stand listening anymore. I got up and went back to my room.
While I was packing my bags to leave, Merida walked in.
“I just got home, and you’re already running off? Alyssa… you’re not avoiding me, are you?”
I shot back without a hint of politeness.
“Why would I avoid you? You’re just the illegitimate daughter of a homewrecker.
“This house is disgusting. If I stay any longer, I’m afraid it’ll ruin my eyesight.”
Her face twisted with rage, and she grabbed my wrist hard.
“Say that again!”
I yanked my arm free.
“I can say it a hundred times—you’re still a bastard who can’t show her face in the light.
“Your mother stole my dad, and now, you’re following in her footsteps. Like mother, like daughter. Trash creates more trash!”
The moment I turned around, she suddenly slammed herself against the cabinet.
A loud bang echoed through the room.
Casper rushed in immediately.
“What happened?”
My stepmother ran in right after him. One glance and she understood everything perfectly. Tears streamed down her face on command.
“Alyssa, if you’re angry, take it out on me! Why do you always hurt Merida? She’s innocent!”
Dad burst in next, and without even asking, he slapped me across the face.
“Alyssa! Did you come back just to make trouble for me?!
“This house doesn’t welcome you. Get out!”
I held my burning cheek, not surprised at all.
Every time something happened to Merida, I was the one who ended up taking the blame.
I’d seen this same trick too many times.
I was about to leave when Casper suddenly stepped in front of me.
“Sir, based on what you’re saying… Merida has been wronged often before?”
My stepmother started sobbing even louder.
“I truly love Camden, but Alyssa always thought my presence is what caused her mother’s death. So she’s been hostile to me and my daughter…
“Forget it. It’s embarrassing family business; we shouldn’t talk about it.”
Casper’s expression hardened, ready to snap, but Merida spoke up weakly.
“Casper, don’t blame my sister. She’s still young. She didn’t mean it…”
