Chapter 8: The End of Illusions

Derek clearly didn't expect me to say that, and his face turned ugly.

"Lillian, you've always had whatever you wanted since you were little. All of us had to spoil you, give in to you. But Natalie is different. Her parents are sick, her little brother is still in high school. She really needs this scholarship. Our family is already well-off. Why can't you help her?"

"I thought you were still as kind as before, but I didn't expect you to be so unforgiving."

Even as a mute, I was so angry I almost blurted out a sound.

Is this something a person would say?

"If you want to play the hero, why use my things to look good? Did you ever ask me?"

Derek suddenly laughed, looking completely indifferent: "Didn't you say yourself? This song was a gift for me."

"Since it was for me, then I accepted it early and gave it to someone else. That's my business."

"Don't you like me? If you like me, can't you even bear to give up something this small? Then your love is really worthless."

I slapped him in anger.

My hand stung, but for once, the pain felt like freedom.

But as soon as I slapped him, tears streamed down my face.

So he knew all along.

He knew I liked him so much.

He knew how much effort I put into writing that song for him.

But he still shamelessly gave it to someone else.

He was very popular in high school, and I was jealous.

So I often gave him the cold shoulder, but he would always come coax me.

He would hold my hand and say, "My favorite is still Lily."

I was naive and foolish, believing everything he said.

So I liked him, foolishly, for years.

But what happened today made me realize my love all these years was just a joke.

Natalie rushed over to comfort him, holding his face and scolding me: "I don't want your song anymore! Why did you hit Derek?"

"Want it? Did I ever say I'd give it to you? Thief!"

Caleb was about to put his hand on mine after I finished signing.

I broke free, rushed forward, and slapped Natalie too.

Then, using the most forceful signs I've ever made, I cursed them:

"Jerk. Shameless woman."

The sting of my palm echoed long after, and for the first time in years, I felt something close to power. I stood with my chin up, not bothering to wipe the tears off my cheeks. From the corner of my eye, I saw a few classmates shifting uncomfortably, but some looked at me with a new kind of respect. Caleb didn't move, just watched me, a quiet admiration glinting in his eyes. For once, my silence was louder than any shout in the room.