Won't Get Fooled Again

Paul froze in shock, and it took a while for him to stammer, "It's all just a misunderstanding. It's just photos from Lily's birthday."

"You know that she doesn't have a family—I was just taking photos with her as her brother."

As he spoke, he was afraid to look me in the eye.

It left me snickering—he actually had a conscience?

Lily's parents and Paul's parents were friends for years, and they grew up together.

But one day, Lily's parents got into an accident on the way to pick up Paul, and with their dying breath, they entrusted Lily in his care.

That was why Paul felt guilt, and was really doting on Lily.

At first, there was proper distance between them. However, they were virtually glued to each other now.

As such, his explanations were absolutely feeble to me.

Still, I fought back tears and said quietly, "I'm fine. Don't worry. If you marry her—"

Even before I finished, Paul slapped me across the face, knocking me to the floor, leaving a clear red palm print that soon swelled.

"Are you crazy?!" He bellowed at me. "Lily is like a sister to me! Did you think everyone is as cheap as you, flirting with every man you see?!"

The fiery pain jolted my muddled mind awake.

I snorted as I slowly turned towards him, "You're right."

I was being cheap.

That was how Paul had me wrapped around his finger, treating me like a clown for his own amusement.

Still, he soon realized what he had done, and panic showed in his eyes, "Jessica, I wasn't—"

"Paul."

I suddenly cut him short, as I found this soap opera so dull that I didn't want to keep it up. "I'm going to—"

Before I could finish, Paul's phone rang.

"Oh, Paul… I'm so scared! I'm all alone… I miss my parents… They'd definitely be with me if they were still around…"

"It's alright. I'll be right there."

He didn't even bother to ask me for my opinion this time, and promptly got dressed to leave.

Still, he stopped at the doorway and turned around, "What were you going to tell me?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. You should go."