A fake poverty that my parent build for me novel

15 I didnt know where I found the strength , but I lunged at Julian and bit down hard on his ear .

He let out a blood curdling scream and began pounding on my head with his fists .

The bodyguards quickly joined in , kicking and punching me relentlessly .

The searing pain coursing through my body made me feel like I was going to die .

But I refused to let go .

My mind was consumed with the image of that shattered jade pendant .

face .

I bit harder , tearing his ear off .

Then , with trembling anger , I chewed it and spat the bloody fragments onto his The bodyguards knocked me to the ground and kept beating me until my vision blurred .

Amid the chaos , I faintly heard Julians furious voice , Get me to the hospital ! Dont forget my ear ! They left , and I lay in a pool of my own blood , gasping for air .

As dawn broke , I managed to stand up , limping away from the wrecked room .

I had reached the end of my rope with this city , with these people .

I wanted to go home .

I wanted to be with Aunt Zamara , the woman who was more of a mother to me than my biological parents ever were .

But my body was too weak .

Not long after I started walking , I collapsed against a wall .

Desperate , I called the only person I could trust my friend , Sebastian Ross .

He arrived within fifteen minutes , driving like a madman , his face etched with worry .

Sebastian and I had met by chance six months ago .

After finishing a night shift at the convenience store , I accidentally ran a red light in my exhausted haze .

His car had hit me , though luckily , I wasnt seriously hurt .

Despite my reassurance that I was fine , he insisted on taking me to the hospital .

After confirming I had no major injuries , we exchanged contacts and became friends .

Over time , I shared my struggles with him .

He always listened patiently , even though he rarely talked about himself , and I never pried .

Normally , I wouldnt have bothered him for help .

But today I had no choice .

When he saw me , he immediately carried me to his car and sped toward the hospital .

As I lay in the back seat , I noticed the veins bulging on the back of his hands as he gripped the steering wheel .

He was furious , though he said nothing .

After some basic treatment at the hospital , I insisted on leaving .

I couldnt afford the medical bills , and I didnt want Sebastian to spend money on me .

He asked me what I planned to do next .

I want to leave San Francisco , I said after a moment .

I want to go back to my hometown .

I want to see Aunt Zamara .

I intended to take the bus , but Sebastian refused and insisted on driving me himself .

C When we arrived , Aunt Zamara was giving someone a bath at her small shop .

The moment she saw me at the door , she dropped her towel and ran over , pulling me into a hug .

Yanna , why are you back ? Youre hurt ! Does it hurt ? Her voice was choked with emotion as she looked at me .

Youve gotten so thin .

Did they treat you badly ? I forced a smile , and replied , Im fine .

I just fell on my way here .

Aunt Zamara , I dont want to go back .

Can I stay here with you ? Her eyes filled with tears as she held me tightly .

Of course you can .

This will always be your home .

Well always be family .

C A Fake Poverty that My Parent Build for Me Twenty years of living together , twenty years of care she knew me too well .

She could see through my lies , but she didnt press me , afraid of hurting me further .

Sebastian opened his mouth to speak , but I shook my head slightly , silently asking him not to say anything .

If he told her the truth , Aunt Zamaras heart would break .

That evening , she made noodles for dinner a simple , humble meal compared to the lavish feasts at the Sanders familys table .

But for the first time in what felt like forever , I ate in peace .

And it tasted better than anything I had ever had .