Hitting the Jackpot Without You Two

Back when I first arrived at the Langston residence, I was always quiet and withdrawn. Seeing that, Nigel gave me a little pet turtle as a gift.

It was the one companion that stayed by my side through many long, lonely nights.

Looking at those bite marks, it was, without a doubt, the handiwork of Queenie's stupid dog!

Not only did it trigger my asthma, but it also killed my turtle.

I resisted the urge to sniffle. Carefully, I wrapped my turtle's tiny body in a silk scarf and stormed out of the room with clenched teeth.

Right then, I bumped straight into Nigel, who was walking upstairs with Queenie.

The moment he saw the turtle in my hands, his eyes flashed with a flicker of surprise. However, it was quickly replaced with anger.

"Yvonne! What kind of doctor are you? You let an innocent life die just to throw a tantrum and spite us?"

A cold smile tugged at my lips.

After all these years, he should have known exactly what kind of person I was. But ever since Queenie showed up, everything I did was wrong.

There was no point arguing. I just wanted to get out of this house as soon as possible.

I said solemnly, "You're right, sir. Thank you for your advice."

"If you know you're wrong, then fix it! And if you ever dare to bully Queenie again, losing your job will be the least of your problems."

Nigel looked like he wanted to keep lecturing me, but Queenie tugged on his arm.

"Nigel, why bother wasting time arguing with a maid? Weren't you going to play the piano for me? I really want to hear your play."

I felt my breath catch.

The Langston brothers were well-educated in the arts since they were kids, but they'd never shown those skills to anyone.

However, to win over my affection, Nigel moved a piano into the greenhouse and would play softly when I had trouble sleeping after late shifts.

He once said, "No one but my Yvonne is allowed to step foot in here."

That was the moment he truly stole my heart.

We shared so many deep conversations in that greenhouse as we shared our love for each other. It was filled with our most cherished memories.

Later, even Shawn started throwing tantrums, insisting on having his secret rendezvous with me there. And just like that, the three of us got tangled in this messy love triangle.

But now, that sacred space had become Queenie's playground.

They'd found a new precious gem, and I was nothing more than a worthless pebble.

I took a deep breath and headed downstairs.

If that was the case, then I didn't want either of them.

I was going to become a gem all on my own.

Just then, Queenie suddenly yanked the strap of my shoulder bag.

The medical journal Mom left me fell straight to the ground, pages flying everywhere.

Rage surged through me.

I didn't know where the strength came from, but I raised my arm and slapped Queenie hard across the face.

She stumbled backward and let out a dramatic cry.

"Nigel! Save me!"

Nigel's expression changed in an instant. He rushed to catch her in his arms and then turned around and kicked me in the stomach.

Unable to react in time, I was sent tumbling down the stairs.

My body was numb from the pain.

Before me were the pages from Mom's journal scattered across the steps, and above me, I could hear Shawn's furious voice as he rushed over.

"Yvonne! My brother's been letting you off easy, and you still won't leave Queenie alone? You better not forget that it was Grandpa who took you in back then. Otherwise, you would've died with that short-lived mother of yours!

"Do you think just because your father's back, you can behave recklessly with his backing? You ungrateful little snake!"

Everything in front of me blurred, my mind fogging up like a window in winter.

I just sat there silently.

Then, as if he realized he might've gone too far, Nigel muttered, "You started it. I was just…"

I felt something warm drip from my nose. Reaching up to wipe it, I saw bright red blood staining my hands.

I forced myself to stand, picked up Mom's journal, and walked toward the door.

Just as I reached for the handle, Shawn rushed forward and grabbed my wrist.