Chapter 12 I Won’t Forgive You
“Since you know you’re wrong and want me to forgive you, shouldn’t your apology be a little more sincere?”
The words hit Alicia like a slap. She looked up at Anne, her brow furrowed in confusion. She had no idea what Anne was about to do. Right now, the situation wasn’t in their hands, and all she needed was to get Anne to forgive her. If that happened, her mission for today would be over.
“It’s not a big deal,” she thought. “I’ll just say a few more sweet words. Maybe if I play it right, she’ll soften up.”
“You’re right,” she said quietly, trying to sound contrite.
“If you’re really sorry, then slap yourself. That’s how you show. sincerity.”
Alicia froze. Her mind went blank. She never thought for a second that Anne would humiliate her like this.
Just moments ago, she had been planning how she’d make Anne suffer, but now the tables had turned.
Everyone in the room was stunned. Victoria and Joshua couldn’t believe their ears.
Judy’s face hardened, her gaze on Anne full of disbelief. After all, Alicia had already apologized, and Judy had even intervened
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on her behalf. And now Anne was making such an unreasonable demand.
“Anne, how can you be so unreasonable?” Judy finally spoke up, her voice tight. She was clearly on Alicia’s side.
Anne had already anticipated their reaction. She looked up, her expression calm but firm, and gave a slight shrug. “Grandma, Alicia knows she messed up. She’s ashamed to face me, and she came to me asking for forgiveness. If she really wants to show she’s sincere, she’ll do what I say. Is that such a big ask?”
“You want her to slap herself? That’s cruel.”
“Grandma, if I had stolen Alicia’s fiancé and got caught in the act, would you still be standing up for me the way you’re standing up for her?” Anne’s voice grew darker, carrying an unspoken threat.
“Well…” Judy was caught off guard, unable to respond right
away.
“You’ve all seen what happened. I’ve always tried to look out for Alicia. I stepped aside when I had the best opportunities so she could take them. I’ve done more than enough. And now she thinks she can use me as a stepping stone?” Anne’s voice was sharp, and her gaze cut through the tension. “Tell me, Alicia, did you think I was just some fool you could deceive?”
“Anne! How can you say that?” Alicia’s face went pale, her shock written all over her. She stared at Anne in disbelief, shaking her head. “You’ve always been so good to me, and I’ve failed you. I
Chapter 12 I Won’t Forgive You
shouldn’t have done that. Anne, I’m so sorry.”
She lowered her head, cursing Anne a thousand times in her mind.
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But something was gnawing at her. She couldn’t help but wonder if Anne already knew something. There was no other explanation for why she seemed to read her like an open book.
“Since you already think that way, don’t you think it’s only fair you slap yourself as an apology?” Anne’s voice was calm, almost detached, like the whole situation had nothing to do with her.
Joshua and Victoria were left speechless, clearly on the verge of snapping.
Seeing her father about to lose it, Alicia quickly looked up and, trying to sound more convincing, raised her voice. “You’re right, Anne. I messed up big time. Slapping myself is the least I can do.” Without hesitation, she slapped her own face.
“Anne, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Tears welled up in Alicia’s eyes as she stared at Anne, trying to look as remorseful as possible. Her expression was full of feigned sincerity, but deep inside, she swore that she would make Anne regret this. humiliation.
Anne watched her for a moment, then stood up, straightening her posture. She walked toward Alicia, her movements deliberate and graceful.
“You know, from the day you entered the Chastain family, I told
Chapter 12 I Won’t Forgive You
myself that I’d look out for you. You’re younger than me, after all.”
“I know. I know you’ve always looked out for me.” Alicia choked, her voice breaking as if she was finally seeing a glimmer of kindness. But before she could feel relieved, Anne’s cold voice cut through the air.
“I’m not forgiving you.”
“What?” Alicia’s heart nearly stopped. She almost lunged forward in shock, the words barely registering in her brain.
Her hands hung at her sides, and for a moment, she couldn’t move. The sharpness of Anne’s words felt like a slap.
Anne glanced at her, expression unchanged, before turning toward her parents, who were still processing the scene. “Mom, Dad, the show’s over. Let’s go home.”
James and Chloe snapped out of their daze. With everything said and done, staying here was pointless. It was better to just leave.
As Anne walked up to them, ready to go, Judy’s furious voice stopped her.
“Stop right there!”
Judy was livid. “Anne, how could you be so disrespectful? What happened to the sweet, well–mannered girl?”
Chapter 12 I Won’t Forgive You
Anne slowly turned around, meeting Judy’s gaze. Her smile was small, but there was nothing warm about it. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Grandma. But no matter what I do, it seems like I’ll never meet your standards.”
“You…”
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“Grandma, you’ve been locked up in this house for so long. You can’t even see the dangers around you. I’m not blaming you, but here’s some advice. Don’t trust people blindly. Open your eyes, or you might regret it later.” Anne’s words were sharp, and without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out.
“What? Are you cursing me?” Judy’s voice was filled with fury.
James opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Anne hooked her arm through his and pulled him.
away.
Watching them leave, Judy fumed with rage. Anne had always been the epitome of grace. She’d never spoken back and never disrespected her elders. But today, she was openly defying Judy, and on top of that, she was mocking her. It was more than just disrespectful. It was humiliating.
“This girl’s completely lost her mind. Saying I should open my eyes? Does she think I have some secret enemy?” Judy slammed her hand down on the table. “I swear, she’s up to something. There’s no way she’s got good intentions.”
Joshua and Victoria exchanged a glance, the tension palpable
between them.
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Alicia slowly stood up, her fists clenched so tight that her nails dug into her palms, but the pain didn’t register.
Today’s humiliation would never be forgotten. She vowed, right then and there, that Anne would pay dearly.
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