Boundless Love and Hatred

Chapter 1I was ten when my mother remarried, gaining a stepbrother.My family treated me like a princess, my stepbrother especially.That all changed when I turned eighteen. My mother and stepfather died in a car accident.After the funeral, I snuck away to a secluded corner, clutching a life-sized silicone doll.The doll's face was identical to my stepbrother's."Brother…" I whispered, my fingers trailing down its waist.A sigh of contentment escaped my lips.The door burst open. Harrison Hayes stared at the messy room and the doll, his face a mask of disgust.He slapped me, cursing my immorality and disgrace to the family.He tore up my plane ticket to study abroad and sent me to the infamous Grace Academy, to learn some manners.My first day, they broke my limbs and forced chili water down my throat.The next day, I was thrown in a dog cage and left to starve.On the third day, every man in the academy cornered me, forcing me to serve them.Five years later, on my mother's death anniversary, he came to get me.I said nothing, my hand reaching down.1Stepping out of Grace Academy, the sunlight was blinding.I wore long sleeves and pants, concealing every inch of my skin.Harrison’s black Maybach pulled up, the window rolled down revealing his cold profile."Get in," he said curtly."Brother…" my voice was barely a whisper. "Thank you for picking me up."As the car door opened, Jenny Parker’s smiling face appeared. She reached for me. "Talia, welcome back!"I sidestepped her, sliding into the car and settling into the corner.I wore inappropriate white gloves, my hands clasped neatly on my lap."The academy did a good job," Harrison observed from the rearview mirror. "You seem much more composed."I remained silent."I'm marrying Jenny. Any inappropriate feelings should be put aside, understood?"My body trembled, my heart seizing, but my voice remained steady. "Congratulations, brother."Jenny was my best friend. I had no idea she and my brother were together.In the past, I would have created a scene. But now, I only remained silent, my nails digging into my palms under my gloves.A sharp brake brought us to a stop, my forehead hitting the seat.He turned, reaching out, but froze when his hand neared my shoulder. I was shaking."What…" he frowned."Nothing," I quickly straightened, hiding my trembling hands.The Hayes mansion was unchanged. The maids eyed me, whispering, "What happened to the young miss?"I lowered my head, hurrying past, keeping my distance from Harrison."Your room hasn't been touched," Harrison said stiffly. "Tell Lin if you need anything.""Thank you, brother," I murmured. "I want to pay my respects to Mom."Harrison watched my back, a tightness in his chest. The rebellious girl was gone, replaced by someone perfect, yet distant. He should have been relieved, but instead…he missed the girl who would cling to him.Kneeling before my mother's memorial, I finally removed my gloves, revealing countless scars on my wrists.I pulled out an X-acto knife, slicing my pa...