They Made Me Play the Dog, So I Made Them Pay novel Chapter 2

I don't know how I left the villa, but when I appeared in public, all eyes were on me—scrutinizing and mocking.

An overwhelming sense of shame and fear engulfed me. With trembling hands, I dialed my parents overseas.

When the call connected, their concerned tone instantly broke through the strong facade I'd been holding.

I broke down, crying uncontrollably into the phone.

"Dad, Mom, I want to leave here...I want to join you and work on the research!"

I stumbled to my apartment. The room was cold and dark—clearly, Kenton hadn't come back yet.

I collapsed onto the carpet.

My tears had already dried up. I wanted to cry, but couldn't anymore.

The sharp ring of my phone broke the silence. I picked up—it was Kenton.

"Where are you?"

I opened my mouth, but my throat was dry and painful.

"Home."

"Evelyn is hosting a party and insist that you come. Are you free to come over now? Get ready, I'll pick you up."

Before I could refuse, Kenton hung up.

He arrived quickly, and even seeing I hadn't changed clothes, he just sighed lightly.

"Baby, I saw the photos online. You... don't overthink it. No matter what, I'll always love you and believe in you."

As he spoke, he took out an extremely sexy dress from the closet.

Soon after, my private photos were labeled "slut" and topped YouTube's trending list.

I bitterly slipped on the dress, tossed it aside, and stared at Kenton desperately, hoping to wake up his last remnants of conscience.

"I don't want to go to the party. You go have fun with them."

Kenton frowned unhappily.

"Mia, stop throwing a tantrum!"

"Evelyn knows about the photos online. Tonight's party is specially arranged to help you relax. She also wants to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to you."

His finger traced over my swollen and unsightly arm.

"This is Evelyn's goodwill. Don't be ungrateful!"