Chapter 6
733words
I turned to leave, but Sophia grabbed my arm.
"Don't leave so soon, stepsister," her voice was mocking. "We haven't had a drink yet."
She picked up a glass and handed it to me. "To celebrate your upcoming marriage."
I didn't take it. "I don't drink."
"Oh, come on," she insisted. "Just one glass. For our family relationship."
I knew she wouldn't let me leave easily. If I wanted to end this farce quickly, perhaps drinking one glass was the fastest way.
I took the glass, planning to take just a small sip and put it down.
"Cheers!" Sophia raised her own glass. "To Olivia and her vegetable husband!"
Her friends laughed, and Ethan looked uncomfortable but didn't stop her.
I took a small sip, feeling the alcohol burn in my throat. I never drank because I had stomach problems. After that drug trial I participated in to raise money for Ethan, the doctor had strictly warned me not to drink alcohol again.
"Drink it all," Sophia commanded. "Or I'll throw this pendant in the trash."
Her fingers threateningly caressed the pendant, malice gleaming in her eyes.
I glanced at Ethan, hoping he would intervene, but he just avoided my gaze.
Taking a deep breath, I tilted my head back and finished the entire glass.
"Good girl," Sophia said with mock approval, then picked up another glass. "One more."
"Enough, Sophia," I said, feeling pain starting in my stomach. "I drank your alcohol. Now return the pendant to me."
"Oh, but our celebration is just beginning," she insisted. "One more glass, and I'll consider returning it."
I knew she was lying, but I had no choice. I took the second glass and forced myself to drink it. The pain in my stomach intensified, and I felt nauseous.
"Sophia, that's enough," Ethan finally spoke, but his voice lacked firmness.
"One more," Sophia ignored him, handing me a third glass.
My hands began to shake, and my vision blurred. I knew I couldn't drink anymore without serious consequences.
"No," I put down the glass. "I can't drink anymore."
Sophia's expression turned cold. "Then you can forget about getting this pendant back."
She took off the pendant, dangled it in front of me, then deliberately dropped it on the floor and stepped on it with her high heel.
"Oops," she feigned surprise. "I accidentally stepped on it."
I looked at the pendant on the floor, feeling a sharp pain, not just from the discomfort in my stomach but from the emotional wound. That was the only thing my parents had left me, and now it was deliberately damaged.
I bent down to pick up the pendant, but a wave of dizziness hit me, and I lost my balance, hitting the edge of the table. A sharp pain shot through my temple, and I felt warm liquid running down my cheek.
"Olivia!" Ethan finally stood up, looking genuinely concerned.
But it was too late. My vision blurred, and my ears filled with a buzzing sound. I knew I needed to leave immediately and find medical help.
I struggled to my feet, picked up the damaged pendant from the floor, and staggered toward the exit.
"Look at her, how pathetic," I heard Sophia mocking behind me. "No wonder you chose me over her."
I didn't look back. My pride and dignity had been hurt enough. Now, I just needed to protect my health.
Outside the bar, the cold wind on my face brought a moment of clarity. I took out my phone, wanting to call a taxi, but my fingers were shaking too much to operate the screen.
Just then, a black sedan pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.
"Mrs. Blackwood sent me to pick you up, Miss Chen," it was the Blackwood family driver.
I didn't know how Victoria knew I was here or why she would send someone to pick me up. But at that moment, I was immensely grateful.
I staggered into the car, feeling a wave of intense nausea and pain.
"Hospital," I said weakly. "Please take me to the hospital."
The driver nodded, and the car quickly drove away.
I looked down at the damaged pendant in my hand, and tears finally spilled over.
