Chapter 119

Vanessa Knight's tears fell like scattered pearls, each drop landing on Lucy White's hand.

"I was hurting," she choked out. "So I went drinking."

"Never again." The night's events had shaken her to the core.

Lucy handed her a tissue. "You seemed fine this afternoon."

"Do you need help?"

Perhaps it was gratitude for being saved, or perhaps years of pent-up emotions—Vanessa suddenly felt the urge to confess.

She spilled everything about Oliver Knight.

Instinct told her Lucy could be trusted.

Listening to the story, Lucy smirked inwardly.

That scumbag again.

The plot had already deviated from the original story, and Vanessa's reaction was far more decisive than in the book.

"You did the right thing," Lucy said firmly. "The sooner you dump trash like that, the better."

"Imagine finding out after marriage—that would've been worse."

Vanessa curled into herself. "But I loved him for so long..."

"And he chose someone like Lily Green? How?"

It made no sense to her.

Lucy scoffed. "Proof he's blind."

Though influenced by the storyline, Oliver was rotten at his core.

Ethan Smith and Michael Johnson had resisted temptation—why couldn't he?

Vanessa clenched her fists. "I can't swallow this."

"Then don't." A glint flashed in Lucy's eyes. "Make them regret it."

Vanessa looked up, dazed. "But... I still love him."

Lucy saw her struggle.

If this continued, that toxic pair would manipulate her again.

"Get some sleep," Lucy said abruptly. "You'll have answers tomorrow."

Vanessa shook her head. "I can't."

Lucy embraced her gently. "Just close your eyes."

"Will you... stay with me?" Vanessa grasped her hand.

"Okay."

Under Lucy's soothing pats, Vanessa gradually drifted off.

Lucy rose, spiritual energy gathering at her fingertips.

A dream talisman took form silently.

She'd make Vanessa see the future.

Revenge was always sweetest when served personally.

After texting her mother, Lucy meditated cross-legged on the windowsill.

Moonlight bathed her in silver.

At dawn, Vanessa bolted upright.

Drenched in cold sweat—the dream had felt too real.

Her gaze swept the room, landing on Lucy asleep on the couch.

Everything had changed.

Had it all started with Lucy?

Suddenly remembering Lucy's fate in the dream, her heart clenched.

Could it be...?

Her eyes softened with newfound protectiveness.

Thank goodness they'd met.