Rebirth to take revenge
Chapter 147: Hidden relationship

Chapter 147: Hidden relationship

Lucy hesitated briefly, her lips pressing together as her gaze dropped. After her company had gone bankrupt, she wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stay here.

"It’s... adequate," she managed, forcing a faint smile.

Anna settled onto a single sofa, her sharp gaze studying Lucy. "By the way, Lucy," Anna started casually, "is your boyfriend’s name Josh?"

Lucy stiffened, her hand freezing mid-motion. How did Anna know about Josh? She had been careful to keep their five-year relationship hidden.

Could Anna have investigated her?

Anna noted the shift in Lucy’s expression and smirked internally. Her instincts had been correct. Lucy and Josh had indeed been involved.

"Is it because of his family’s status?" Anna asked abruptly. Her tone carried a feigned innocence, but her words were sharp. "Did he refuse to marry you and decide to abandon you instead?"

Lucy remained silent, but Anna pressed on, undeterred. "His family must think you’re beneath them. The Greg family would never agree to such a match, right?"

Lucy’s jaw tightened. The Greg family’s wealth and influence certainly far outweighed her position, but their breakup wasn’t about that. She gritted her teeth, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Anna leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming. "Lucy, if he’s unwilling to fight for you, then maybe it’s time to move on."

At this, Lucy raised her head sharply, her eyes blazing with indignation. "I won’t leave him," she said firmly.

Anna feigned surprise. "Why not? He’s not worth it. Look at his actions—if he truly loved you, would he leave?" Her tone was filled with mock concern. "I’m not trying to insult you, Lucy, but love isn’t as simple as you think."

Lucy’s chest tightened as Anna’s words pierced through her like arrows. Though anger flared within her, she couldn’t bring herself to respond.

"Lucy, you should focus on your future," Anna said with an air of finality. "There’s no need to hang on to someone who doesn’t value you."

Lucy bit her lip, trying to stifle the emotions rising within her.

"Don’t waste your best years waiting for someone who will only let you down," Anna added, as if hammering the final nail in. "Love doesn’t follow rules, and there’s no right or wrong in it."

Lucy remained silent, her head bowed.

Seeing her friend’s vulnerable state, Anna rose and patted Lucy on the shoulder, her voice softening. "You should know one thing about men, Lucy. They act on impulses. And someone like Josh? He’ll always chase beauty, not loyalty."

She smiled knowingly. "Seize the opportunity now, find someone better, and protect yourself and your future."

Lucy didn’t respond, her lips pressed tightly together.

Anna continued, pressing her advantage. "Don’t waste your time on Josh. City A is full of wealthy and eligible bachelors. Don’t hang yourself on one tree."

Lucy raised her eyes then, fixing Anna with a direct, piercing look. There was something so intense in her gaze that Anna faltered for a moment, feeling unnerved.

Forcing a nervous chuckle, Anna asked, "Lucy, why are you looking at me like that?"

Lucy’s voice was calm but cutting. "What did you mean just now, Anna?"

Anna hesitated briefly before composing herself. Her smile returned as she replied lightly, "Oh, I didn’t mean anything. I just think you deserve someone better."

Lucy narrowed her eyes slightly, her suspicion lingering. Though Anna’s expression was friendly, Lucy felt there was something hidden behind the mask.

Whatever Anna was planning, Lucy silently vowed to uncover it.

Anna’s voice dripped with condescension. "Lucy, Josh isn’t suitable for you. It’s obvious he has feelings for someone else. The two of you were never a good match."

Lucy’s face went pale. Her body swayed slightly as if struck by a sudden blow.

She stared at Anna in disbelief. Never had she imagined Anna would say something so hurtful!

But Lucy quickly gathered herself. Clearly, Anna didn’t know Claire was Josh’s sister. Anna’s cruel words served one purpose—to drive a wedge between Lucy and Claire.

Lucy couldn’t afford to let Anna succeed. More than that, she needed Claire’s goodwill to save her family’s struggling company.

Anna noticed Lucy’s stunned silence and smiled smugly. "Don’t take it personally. I’m just trying to help you see the truth. It’s human nature, after all."

Lucy took a deep breath, reigning in her turbulent emotions. Claire disliked her; that much was evident. But so did Anna. And Anna’s intentions couldn’t have been clearer.

She wanted Lucy and Claire to turn against each other, ensuring Claire would have no way to intervene in Lucy’s affairs.

Unfortunately for Anna, Lucy wasn’t about to fall for her manipulations. Though Lucy and Claire were far from being friends, Lucy couldn’t afford to turn her into an enemy now.

With a bitter smile, Lucy looked coldly at Anna, as though staring at a rival rather than a friend.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Lucy?" Anna asked uneasily under Lucy’s piercing gaze.

Lucy broke eye contact and said flatly, "I need some time alone now. Please leave."

Anna hesitated. Lucy’s cold tone unsettled her, but she masked her discomfort with a forced smile. "Fine. If you need me, just let me know."

As Anna left, Lucy sank into the sofa, closing her eyes. Josh’s handsome face floated in her mind, and memories of their shared past filled her with heartache.

She recalled his words from the night before. The mere thought sent a chill down her spine. Slowly opening her eyes, she sat motionless, uncertain about the path ahead.

What should I do?

---

Night had fallen. Lucy sat alone in the living room, nursing a bottle of wine. She wasn’t a drinker, but glass after glass went down her throat like water.

The alcohol burned her empty stomach, but she didn’t stop. Drowning herself in wine seemed like the only way to numb the suffocating pain in her chest.

Soon, Lucy’s senses dulled, and she felt lightheaded. Just then, a knock on the door echoed through the room.

Frowning, she stumbled to her feet and opened the door to find her mother, Mrs. Phillips, standing there.

"Mom?" Lucy slurred. "Why are you here?"

"I came back to cook," Mrs. Phillips replied curtly, placing grocery bags by the door. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the disheveled state of her daughter. "You’ve been drinking. Didn’t you break up with Josh? Why are you still moping around like this?"

Lucy didn’t respond, too ashamed to meet her mother’s piercing gaze.

Mrs. Phillips pushed past her and entered the living room. "Why are you drinking alone, Lucy?" she demanded, placing the groceries on the counter.

"I’m fine, Mom," Lucy lied, following her mother inside.

"Fine?" Mrs. Phillips scoffed, her hands pausing mid-motion as she unpacked vegetables. "Lucy, tell me the truth—what happened?"

Lucy pursed her lips and lowered her gaze. "Nothing."

Seeing her daughter’s reluctance to speak, Mrs. Phillips sighed and didn’t press further. She carried the groceries into the kitchen and began washing them.

Moments later, she returned to the living room. "It’s Saturday. You usually visit Josh on the weekends. Did you go see him today?"

"I did," Lucy admitted softly, her head lowered.

"And?"

Lucy clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. "There was no resolution," she muttered. "I don’t want to chase him anymore."

Mrs. Phillips sighed deeply, sympathy flashing in her eyes. "Lucy, you’re too stubborn. The Greg family is way out of our league. Your father and I warned you about this from the start."

Lucy said nothing, staring blankly at the coffee table.

"You’ve been with Josh for so many years," Mrs. Phillips continued, her tone softening. "Even if the love has faded, surely there’s still something between you. If you ask for his help, he’ll provide it."

"I don’t want anything from him," Lucy replied, her voice steady but cold.

Mrs. Phillips frowned. "Don’t let pride ruin your chance, Lucy."

"It’s not pride, Mom," Lucy cut her off, her voice firm. "I don’t want to rely on him anymore. I don’t want to feel abandoned again."

Mrs. Phillips’ lips parted to argue, but she stopped herself. With a sigh, she relented.

"Fine," she murmured. "If that’s how you feel, I’ll respect your decision. Go upstairs and rest. I’ll finish cooking."

Lucy nodded and turned toward the staircase. She moved like a shadow, her exhaustion and heartbreak clinging to her with every step she took.

Mrs. Phillips watched her daughter disappear upstairs. Sorrow filled her heart, but she didn’t follow. Instead, she turned back to the kitchen, preparing the meal as best as she could in silence.

In the solitude of her room, Lucy lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Memories of Josh’s betrayal mingled with Anna’s cruel words, taunting her from the recesses of her mind.

Deep down, Lucy knew her quiet life wouldn’t remain so quiet for long. When Mrs. Phillips was done cooking she came to Lucy’s room

"Dear I have cooked some delicious dishes! You should try them," Mrs. Phillips urged.

Lucy shook her head, her expression tired. "Mom, I’m really exhausted today. I just want to sleep."

Mrs. Phillips frowned, her tone growing stern. "Don’t you want to be with Josh anymore? Are you giving up now?"