The Mourning of Love

"Since your dad went bankrupt, we've had to take you in. You're just used goods. Poor Adrian, he's been suffering all these years."

I sneered.

"You're a cultured and well-educated family? Yet, you allowed your son to cheat and marry a bar hostess?"

Jessie shouted angrily, "Shut your mouth! How dare you call my future sister-in-law a bar hostess? Rosalind may sing at the bar, but she's independent and doesn't rely on men. She has remained faithful to my brother by staying a virgin. A shameless slut like you can never measure up to her."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"She's a virgin? What, did you witness that when they had sex the first time?"

Hearing this, Adrian's father was so enraged that he lifted a trembling finger at me.

"You vulgar woman! Get the hell out of my house."

I was about to say that I paid for this house, and if anyone should leave, it should be them.

Before I could say anything, the door opened, and Adrian walked in with an arm around Rosalind.

When he saw everyone there, he was momentarily shocked.

Groaning, Rosalind lay on my favorite couch, casually draping my scarf over herself.

Before I could say anything to tell her to put it down, Adrian rushed over and yanked the scarf off her.

"Don't use that."

His eyes showed obvious disdain. Rosalind's lips curled into a smirk.

"Adrian, I don't mind if it's filthy. After all, Colleen didn't ask to be sexually abused three years ago…"

I stared at them coldly.

Rosalind stood up once more, as if trying to adjust her position, but she intentionally let her bag slip, and out fell the property deed.

Covering her mouth, she exclaimed, "Ah, sorry, Adrian's gift fell out."

As she bent down to pick it up, I snatched it away.

That was when I saw that this home of ours had at some point been transferred to Rosalind's name.

For the past three years, I had never cared about these things. But now, he didn't seem bothered that I had sullied the house by being there and had, in fact, given it to Rosalind as a gift.

I picked up the property deed and asked Adrian, “Do you have anything to say?”

A flash of guilt crossed his eyes. He stammered, unable to speak properly, while his parents spoke up behind him.

"Adrian, what are you afraid of? You've been defending this slut for three years. Look at what others have been saying about you. Let's just sever ties with her once and for all."

In the end, Adrian made his decision. He pulled Rosalind close, intertwining their fingers together.

"Colleen, I'm sorry, but as you can see, Rosie and I are together now. I can't keep dragging this on with you. Given your current status, you won't be allowed into the Johnson family. I hope you understand."

I stared at him.

"Why, Adrian? Do you really think I'm tainted just because of that kidnapping incident? But I've proven otherwise to you. Besides, if you truly love me, these things wouldn't matter…"

Adrian suddenly interrupted me harshly. "Enough!"

"Colleen, that's enough. I did love you, so I've tried my best, but I just can't bring myself to touch you. Every time I do, I feel like I'm going to puke. I've seen a psychologist, and I've suffered for three years. Why can't you understand?"

I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face.

"Jerk! If that's really how you feel, you could have told me. But instead, you chose to hurt me with betrayal."

Adrian's parents were taken aback, stunned by what I had done. They charged toward me, ready to strike.

But then, I stepped back and opened the door.

A group of burly men stormed in from outside, forming a protective circle around me and glaring menacingly at the Johnson family.

I smiled and spoke.

"Adrian, take your family and get lost. I never want to see you again."

At my threat, Adrian spat out harshly, "Colleen, you're the one without money now. I wonder how long you can afford to keep these people around. If you have the guts, don't spend a dime of my money."