MORBID

"I don't want to be your brother anymore."

When Matthew Jones said this, he was exceptionally serious, even kneeling on one knee in a manner that matched my fantasy.

However, thanks to him, I became his brother's plaything.

1 My name was Jolene Jones, and I was an orphan, taken in by the Jones Family to be Matthew's companion since childhood.

I never aimed for anything beyond my reach. To my surprise, Matthew proposed to me.

After our engagement party, the news spread like wildfire, and the envious gazes from others made me feel that my happiness was somewhat unreal.

Happiness came quickly and left just as fast.

One morning, I woke up in Roger Jones's bed.

The hotel door was wide open, and reporters took countless photos, seemingly determined to ruin my reputation. At that precise moment, Matthew was standing at the door, his face full of disbelief.

2 Sure enough, after this, Roger lost to Matthew in the power struggle at the board meeting.

And I was the catalyst for Roger's failure.

"Guess."

Roger smiled as he coldly stared at me, raising an eyebrow and asking, "Do you think he'll come looking for you?"

I sat in the bathtub, looking at his features that resembled Matthew's, my eyes gradually becoming teary. The silent fear made me tremble, and I could only stammer, "I'm sorry."

Roger was stunned for a second. Then he threw away the showerhead and stood beside me, looking down as he said in a deep voice, "Come out after your bath."

3 Roger and Matthew were both immediate family members of the Jones Family, but they had different mothers.

Roger's mother passed away early, so he never had much presence in the family, whereas Matthew was the center of everyone's attention.

Roger never seemed to mind this, or perhaps he was simply a quiet person.

He finally got a chance to shine in the Jones Group, but Matthew plotted against him and thwarted him.

Since then, Roger seemed to have changed. The once aloof and silent man would occasionally make sarcastic remarks to me.

I didn't get angry or argue; I just listened quietly.

Because I knew too well that if I confronted him head-on, I would not end well.

"Roger."

After taking a bath and wrapping myself in a towel, I walked out. My legs were weak, but I forced myself to move. I looked at Roger, who was leaning against the bed, flipping through documents, and slowly crawled into the bed.

Under the light of the bedside lamp, I watched his Adam's apple bob, and then I lowered my gaze, curling up carefully to keep my distance from him.

4 With the light on, I couldn't sleep, but I didn't dare make a sound, so I just turned my back to Roger.

Before long, the room fell into darkness with a click. As his familiar scent approached, I suddenly felt myself being pulled into his arms, making me tense up.

He placed his hand on my waist.

I bit my lip, nervously clutching the corner of the blanket, not daring to move. I was already very tired and couldn't bear to go through it again... 5 Tense and exhausted, I gradually fell into a dream. It seemed that only in such moments could I find peace.

I dreamed of Matthew again, but this time, I didn't feel like crying as much.

I didn't remember when Matthew came to the door.

I only knew that when he pounded on the door heavily, I was being tortured by Roger inside.

"Roger! Get out here!" Matthew was furious.

But he couldn't get in. Roger never liked being disturbed. The servants in the villa knew this well and didn't dare to act rashly. Under Roger's strict rules, everyone was like a puppet.

I knew this was a Jones Family tradition.

With tears in my eyes, I looked at Roger, but I had to try my best not to make a sound until the sounds outside gradually faded.

6 Afterward, Roger wrapped me in a towel and took me to the bathroom. After a moment of intimacy, he got up and left the room.

Hearing the door slam shut, I stared at the slightly ajar door, dazed, remembering how I used to wait for Matthew to come and take me home every day...

Now that Matthew had really come, I felt that everything was beyond repair.

Ever since I was a little girl, I had always relied on the Jones Family to live. They adopted me out of kindness, and the most they taught me was to be obedient and to do everything Matthew wanted.

But no matter how dumb I was, I knew very well that when they framed Roger, they completely used me as a tool.

In their eyes, I was no different from the family's servants.

No, that wasn't accurate. Maybe I was worse off than the servants. At least the servants had the freedom to come and go, but I had nothing.

The people I interacted with, the words I said, and the places I went, all had to be monitored by Emily Jones, the mother of Matthew. She needed me to be completely loyal to Matthew.

7 "Mr. Roger Jones wants you to stay here."

The servant brought in the meal just as I finished putting on my pajamas. Looking at the messy bed, I responded but still couldn't help sneaking out the door, standing at the top of the stairs to peek.

Matthew was standing there, being restrained by several bodyguards. The servants in the living room had already started serving the meal. Roger, dressed in a bathrobe, leaned against a chair, holding a knife and fork with his hands, eating slowly. When his gaze swept over me, I instinctively hid.

"Come down here," Roger suddenly said.

"Jolene!" Matthew, with a stern face, suddenly pushed away the bodyguards and tried to rush toward me, but he was pressed against the table. "Damn it! I'm the head of the Jones Family!"

I bit my lip, looking at Matthew being restrained, not daring to make a sound. Then I endured the discomfort and stood by Roger's side.

"Sit down," Roger said.

I lowered my head and was about to sit on the chair next to Roger, and in the next second, he reached out and pulled me into his arms. I knew what he was going to do and stood up at once.

8 "Roger!" Matthew felt extremely displeased. He was used to being pampered, yet now, he was suddenly suppressed. He immediately scolded, "Who do you think you are to touch my woman?"

As Roger looked up at him, Roger smiled, his eyes clearly showing amusement.

Unlike Matthew, who had Emily to back him up and was therefore arrogant, Roger developed his ruthlessness through sheer perseverance.

"Matthew... Maybe you should leave."

For the first time in a long while, I called Matthew by his name. I hesitated for a moment but knew that he was no longer my brother nor had he become my husband.

9 "Jolene."

Matthew looked at me in surprise, probably not expecting me to call him by his name. He then said in a deep voice, "Come home with me."

Roger paused for a second and then glanced at me sideways.

My spine chilled, and I instinctively lowered my gaze, nervously clenching my fingers as tears welled up in my eyes.

From the first day I was locked up here, I knew that angering Roger would make me end up suffering.

"Roger! You're holding her against her will! This is illegal!" Matthew struggled, panting and shouting angrily. "Do you want to go to jail?"

Roger ignored him and stared at me, speaking slowly, "Tell him. Who sent you here?"

Tears streamed down my face. I felt like I was about to break my fingers, but I had to answer, "Mom."

It was Emily who sent me here.

Emily handed me over to Roger as if I were a pawn in her game, and then she left without a word. I became a discarded piece on her chessboard.

10 "No way! Jolene, is he forcing you to lie?" I lowered my eyes and shook my head.

The veins on Matthew's forehead bulged as he got agitated and tried to rush over, but the bodyguards lifted him and directly threw him out of the villa. From a distance, I could only hear his furious roars.

Roger raised an eyebrow, leaning against the chair, sneering, "The head of the Jones Family? Him?" Clearly, he was mocking Matthew, but he was looking at me. I was a bit scared and unconsciously took a step back.

11 Roger didn't make things difficult for me, but he did keep me confined. It wasn't until Roger's cousin, Madelynn Moss, came to visit that I finally got a break.

"Miss Moss, Mr. Jones instructed..." "Out of my way!" The bodyguards didn't know how to respond. In their brief moment of hesitation, Madelynn rushed in. Since she was Roger's mother's niece, the bodyguards were more polite to her than to Matthew.

They just said, "The person upstairs cannot leave."

Madelynn snorted and quickly ran upstairs, looking at me through the crack in the door.

I was stunned for a moment and didn't say anything.

She smiled, looking me over for a while before squinting and saying with a grin, "No wonder Roger traded company shares to get you. You're even more beautiful up close."

I was a bit dazed, not daring to guess the meaning behind her words.

"Hello there. I'm from the class next door."

Jolene looked sweet and adorable, her smile radiant like sunshine. She didn't mind my silence at all and immediately took out an envelope from her bag. I saw the letters on it. It was the admission letter from Meadows University.

12 I was taken aback, gawking at her as she handed me the admission letter. I said, "Is this mine?"

If I remembered correctly, it was Matthew who checked my SAT results.

He said the math exam this year was too difficult, and both of our scores were only enough to apply for Valley View Charter University. But Valley View Charter University didn't seem interesting at all, so he suggested we study abroad together and enjoy our time as a couple.

Looking at my name on the admission letter, I felt a bit dazed, but more than that, I felt sad.

"Hey, why didn't you fill out your application back then? Luckily, your head teacher reviewed it multiple times. He then called you several times, but you didn't answer. He even went to your house, but your family said you weren't there. I wanted to find you too, but that jerk Matthew wouldn't let me in.

Your head teacher was afraid you'd miss out, so he got approval from the administration to fill it out for you."

Jolene smiled playfully and patted my shoulder, "We're going to be schoolmates now." "Who let you in?" Roger's voice came from the doorway, slightly cold, but when he looked at Madelynn, there was more indulgence than anything else in his eyes.

Madelynn stuck out her tongue at him and said playfully, "I came to deliver the admission letter to your girlfriend."

Hearing her address me as Roger's girlfriend, I was startled and instinctively looked at Roger, wanting to explain that I didn't tell her to call me that. But he just walked over and casually took the admission letter from my hand.

I looked up at him, his scrutinizing gaze making my heart sink.

I didn't think I'd be able to attend school.

13 Madelynn grinned, reached out, and wrapped her arms around Roger's arm, leaning on his shoulder to look at my admission letter. She started to act cute, smiling, "Roger, I got in too. I'll be your junior from now on."

Roger didn't respond.

Madelynn snorted cutely, "Where's my reward?"

Roger glanced at her and then pushed her head away and said with a bit of annoyance, "You're so annoying."

Madelynn pouted.

Roger kept a stern face, pretending to be angry. After a second, he glanced at me and said flatly, his smile fading a bit, "Change your clothes. We're having a celebratory dinner tonight."

I pressed my lips and nodded, still confused, and Madelynn immediately got excited, hugging Roger and shouting, "Roger is the best!" 14 The celebratory dinner was at the most expensive restaurant in vecleuria, and Roger had booked the entire floor.

As Madelynn requested, Roger prepared a gold card for her as her reward, with a cute cartoon design on the envelope.

"Thank you, Roger!" Madelynn was overjoyed. After taking the gold card, she led a group of classmates to the other end of the floor, leaving just Roger and me, sitting face to face by the window.

Her classmates were obviously surprised when they saw me.

I stayed silent, lowering my head, knowing their stares were because of the news.

15 "You're not eating?" Roger slowly cut his steak, looking at me indifferently.

I obediently picked up the knife and fork, nervously rubbing the utensils with my fingers. After hesitating for a long time, I finally spoke, "Roger, I want to go to school."

He continued eating calmly, using his well-defined fingers to hold the wine glass as he took a sip, showing no intention of answering me.

I bit my lip, feeling anxious and unable to hold back my tears.

Displeased, he looked at me coldly and said in a deep voice, "Is crying the only thing you know how to do whenever something happens?" I lowered my eyes and didn't respond because I really didn't know what else I could do besides crying and pretending to be meek.

When I was little, if I disobeyed Emily, physical punishment was inevitable.

I had thought about running away, but if I got caught, the beatings would be even more brutal.

After enduring so many beatings, I gave up eventually.

If it weren't for Matthew always commanding me, I probably wouldn't even have the chance to go to school.

For me, school was both a curse and a blessing.

I envied my peers who expressed themselves freely and those who openly showed their dissatisfaction with things.

16 When Roger and I finished eating, Madelynn was still enjoying her time with her classmates. Through the rows of seats, I could clearly see her surrounded by people.

The warm yellow light fell on her, and both her smile and her eyes exuded confidence.

And I, in comparison, was like an ugly duckling.

Roger took me away without informing them. I leaned tiredly against the car window, looking at the lights on the street.

The admission letter was still in Roger's hand.

At night, I went to his study on my own, but I didn't ask for the letter. Instead, I said softly, "Roger, it's late."

Roger glanced at me, showing no intention of saying a word. I lowered my eyes and obediently returned to my room, waiting until he came in.

17 "Still awake?" Roger frowned at me and then lay down on the bed. I gathered my courage and moved closer, starting to massage his temples.

Roger stared at me with his clear eyes for a while and then closed them slightly, commenting indifferently, "Don't you think your way of pleasing people is a bit outdated?"

I stopped massaging and looked at his thick, black eyelashes. Then my gaze fell on his lips as if I could still feel the sensation of his lips and teeth. I tentatively leaned down.

Roger opened his eyes abruptly, got up, and pressed me down on the bed.

18 "I want to go out and earn my tuition fees."

I said tentatively again.

Roger held me, stroked my waist, and said in a deep voice, "I think my money is enough to pay for your education."

I looked at him in surprise, not knowing what to say for a moment. I wanted to tell him I'd repay him in the future, but I was afraid he'd disdain me and get mad at me, so I could only whisper, "I'll study hard and repay you in the future."

Roger leaned closer to me, smiling, "No need to wait. You can start repaying me now." I was stunned and fell silent.

19 Half a month later.

Maybe because the news about Roger and me had gradually died down, he actually took me out.

"Roger."

Roger turned the steering wheel, glanced at me, and said casually, "Selling you won't get me much money. No need to be nervous."

I felt a bit speechless and remained silent. I guessed he could do whatever he wanted as long as he didn't sell me like Emily did.

In fact, I was somewhat grateful to be with Roger. At least I could attend Meadows University, which was a dream for many people... 20 I had expected Roger to take me to some banquet or party, but he took me to a stationery store instead.

When we arrived, he said, "You have half an hour to buy all the stationery you'll need for the next four years."

I looked at him, feeling at a loss. Meeting his dark eyes, I quickly grabbed a basket and started shopping.

I picked up pens and rulers. As for the pretty accessories, I could only look at them. After all, I had never owned such things since I was a child.

In Emily's eyes, I should be grateful just to have food to eat. I shouldn't covet anything else.

Roger seemed to be getting impatient. He looked at me with displeasure and said in a deep voice, "What are those?"

I was taken aback, re-examining the items in the basket. Thinking he might think I took too much, I quickly put a few pens back.

But it seemed that after I put them back, Roger's face became even gloomier.

In the end, he clicked his tongue and said, "You must have buried your head 24/7 in studying before being enrolled in Meadows University." Being mocked, I was speechless.

21 Probably unable to stand it anymore, Roger had me carry a basket and follow him around the store. I watched as he picked out sticky notes, notebooks, and pens in various colors.

Then he chose two of each type of hairpin, headband, and even hair ties and wigs from the store's accessories section.

"This is... too much."

I was slack-jawed and looked at Roger awkwardly. He just glanced at me and said coldly, "Don't stutter when you speak.

Now is not the time for that."

I fell silent, wondering if I was overthinking it. I felt there was a deeper meaning to his words.

22 We shopped at countless places, buying clothes, shoes, stationery, and even... lingerie.

Roger remained deadpan the entire time, but I had a bad feeling.

A month before school started, Madelynn began visiting me frequently.

Once, just as Roger was holding me, she came knocking on the door non-stop, saying she had bought roast chicken to share with me. Roger was practically livid with anger.

After that, he forbade her from coming over again.

She could only come to see me behind his back.

23 "Is Roger a dog or what?"

Madelynn looked at the purple hickeys on my neck, leaned in close, and whispered, "Do you guys do it every day?" I bit my lip, instinctively covering my neck, and replied softly, "Let's eat."

She couldn't help but laugh out loud, saying, "A virgin finally experiencing intimacy can go crazy indeed."

I blinked, looking at her in shock, completely unable to believe it.

Seeing that I didn't believe her, she laughed and said, "In our family, kids aren't allowed to date early. Don't be fooled by Roger's handsome looks; his personality isn't charming, so he never had much success with dating.

The Jones Family always gives the best resources to that punk Matthew, so Roger has focused on his career and stayed single."

"Who are you calling a punk?" Matthew's voice suddenly rang out.

I looked over in surprise only to see Matthew pushing open the glass door...

As our eyes met, Matthew quickly walked over and, before I could run upstairs, he grabbed me around the waist.

"Jolene, don't be afraid. It's me." I lowered my eyes, wanting to say that it was precisely because it was him that I was afraid. But eighteen years of deference made it impossible for me to say anything disrespectful to him.

"I'm taking you home."

Matthew grabbed my hand and wanted to leave, but as I looked at his back, I instinctively stepped back, trying to break free from his grip. I knew very well. If I went with him, I wouldn't be able to attend Meadows University.

24 "Let go! You punk!" Madelynn jumped up and hugged me, glaring at Matthew with dissatisfaction. "She's Roger's girlfriend!" Matthew tightened his grip, glared at Jolene, and pushed her away. Then he carried me over his shoulder and strode toward the door.

"Matthew..." I struggled to get down, but he held me tightly.

"Take him down."

Roger's voice suddenly rang out.

Before I could react, Matthew put me down and rushed toward Roger, throwing a punch.

I knew Matthew had been practicing fighting. Being punched by him, Roger's mouth started to bleed.

Roger didn't fight back. He turned his head slightly to look coldly at Matthew, who was being held by bodyguards. Then he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his hand.

The next second, a bodyguard kicked Matthew's leg, trying to make him kneel, but he refused to submit, saying coldly, "Roger, if you have the guts, kill me. Or I won't let you off..." Before he could finish, Roger punched him, kicked him in the abdomen, and grabbed his collar, hitting him hard.

"Matthew..." I was terrified and instinctively tried to stop Roger.

"Don't go over! Matthew deserves it!" Madelynn pulled me back. Seeing Matthew being beaten until he spat blood, I rushed over and grabbed Roger's hand. Facing Roger's fierce expression, I felt that my mind went blank. I trembled and no longer dared to beg him to stop beating Matthew. I just whispered, "If you hurt him, the Jones Family will give you a hard time."

Especially Emily. If she knew Matthew was beaten up by Roger, she would probably skin Roger alive.

25 Roger let go, and I felt a bit relieved, but then Roger grabbed me and said coldly, "You're worried about me? It seems you've grown attached to me after sleeping with me."

"You bastard... Roger, one day, I will..." Matthew was clearly out of breath, but his tone was still defiant.

Facing Roger's dark eyes, I quickly knew what he was thinking and gave the best answer, "I don't want you to get hurt.

Let him go."

We looked into each other's eyes for a while, and then Roger pulled me into his arms and used his firm hands to grip my waist tightly.

I shivered, pressing my hands against Roger's chest, and said, trembling, "Roger..."

Roger leaned close to my ear as if to kiss me, but he didn't. He whispered with a chuckle "I know you're pretending. I advise you to keep it up. Otherwise, I'll chop him up and feed him to the dogs."

26 Roger was warning me, yet he still had a smile on his face. I instinctively clenched the hem of my clothes, not daring to speak again. Matthew, unable to control his emotions, was dragged out by the bodyguards.

Roger sneered.

He moved away from me, tilted his head to look at me, and said in a deep, cold voice, "Jolene, I didn't realize you could endure so much."

I bit my lip, not knowing how to respond. Roger was unpredictable, and any careless words would make my night miserable.

"Well... Roger, you look like the bad male supporting role in a soap opera."

Madelynn suddenly said.

Roger's expression changed instantly, and he looked at her impatiently, scolding, "What did you say?"

Madelynn grinned, walking over quickly and pulling me, speaking softly, "Don't be so mean. You're a grown man. Don't pick on us young ones."

If anyone else had said that, Roger would have probably beaten them up, but when it came from Madelynn, he was instantly not that angry anymore.

27 Roger moved his lips slightly and gave me a cold look without saying a word.

He didn't return to the room that night. I didn't dare to sleep before he came back, so I sat on the sofa waiting.

With a bang, the door was suddenly kicked open.

I stood up in fright, looking at Roger as he entered. Avoiding his gaze, I got up, poured him a glass of water, and carefully handed it over.

He didn't take the glass. He just started undressing piece by piece until his toned, fair abs were exposed. Then he took the glass.

I lowered my gaze, remaining silent.

After he drank the water, he put his distinct hand on his waist and clicked his tongue. Then he said indifferently, "You actually didn't poison it."

I was used to his constant sarcasm and didn't want to respond, so I kept my head down.

He turned around and walked to me, his fresh scent instantly making me nervous. I looked up, noticing the bruise on his mouth.

He raised an eyebrow, leaned down slightly, and looked at me with a mischievous smile in his dark eyes. He moved closer, and before I could step back, he grabbed the back of my head and whispered, "He broke my lips, so I'll punish him by kissing his girlfriend's lips till her lips are broken, too. What do you think?"

28 "I..." The sound of a glass shattering rang out before I could say anything.

I was once again pressed onto the bed by Roger. Instinctively, I pushed against his shoulders, but the more I struggled, the more urgent he became.

As our breaths intertwined, I gave up struggling, feeling like I was being enveloped by him on the bed.

It wasn't the first time we had sex, but I was extremely nervous every time.

Roger wasn't satisfied to see me just lie there.

He wanted me to be more active and move with him, sinking in the sea of lust together.

29

Roger had never lost control like this before.

I didn't know how many times I cried. My lips seemed to bleed, but Roger kept sucking on them.

"How I wish he could see you like this."

He laughed softly in my ear, like a victor. Caressing my skin, he said in a deep voice, "But now, you are mine..." Finally, he added, "And you will still be mine in the future. Understand?"

30 In the future, too?

I was dazed, my eyes watery. Clutching the pillow beneath me, I tilted my head, letting my hair cover my face.

In a daze, I could still remember the ruler in Emily's hand.

The Jones Family had high standards. Everyone thought I was lucky to be part of the Jones Family, but they didn't know how many times I was punished to learn the so-called strict Jones Family traditions.

Even though it was Matthew who did something wrong, I would be the one punished.

I knew, the "mom" I cried out for wasn't mine. She was Matthew's mom.

But besides her, I didn't know who else I could call "mom"... "Hey! Wake up! Jolene? Hey!"

31 When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a bed with an IV drip, my throat a bit dry. I heard Madelynn talking to Roger.

"Is this how you treat your girlfriend? Her lips are broken!" "You're so annoying! Get out!" Roger frowned, impatiently pushed her out, and locked the door.

I looked at him secretly. Noticing him turning around and walking toward me, I quickly closed my eyes.

He stood by the bed and kicked it in frustration. My heart skipped a beat, and before I could react, he grumbled discontentedly, "Aren't you supposed to be taking care of me? Why is it the other way around?

How come you get sick so easily?

That old gal must have sent you here to scare me on purpose.

That makes sense. If she thought highly of you, she would have kept you for Matthew.

She took my shares and then dumped you on me. Nicely played! She kills two birds with one stone and gets all the benefits!" I held my breath, almost certain that the "old gal" Roger was referring to was Emily.

Roger's complaints made me feel awful, but I didn't dare open my eyes or say anything. I couldn't afford to offend either Emily or Roger.

As Emily's stepson, Roger had always been taken care of by the Moss Family and only returned to the Jones Family during holidays. Of course, he'd feel bitter.

In some ways, I was his punchbag, so the smart move for me was to avoid provoking him.

32 The room gradually quieted down. Just as I wondered if Roger had left, I felt a cotton swab dipped in water being applied to my lips.

A faint, refreshing scent lingered in the air.

I clenched my hands under the blanket unconsciously and tried hard to stay calm until Roger moved his hand away. Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief.

In the following days, Roger had become much more restrained. Although we slept in the same bed at night, he kept his distance and didn't say much.

I was quite relieved, but at the same time, I felt helpless due to the fatigue from the fever. With the new semester starting soon, there might be exams, but I only reviewed some materials Madelynn had brought me. I was afraid my preparation wasn't thorough.

Around eleven at night, I turned my head to look at the already sleeping Roger. Then I quietly sat up, planning to go through the content I had read during the day once more.

The small lamp in the bedroom emitted a warm glow, and aside from Roger's gentle breathing, the only sound was me rustling papers.

33 The day before the semester started, the servants packed three suitcases and then unpacked them for me to check. I saw clothes and some daily toiletries, and I was surprised to find several boxes of condoms. Feeling embarrassed, I quickly threw them back.

"Jolene, are you done packing?" I heard Madelynn's voice and hurriedly covered the condoms with clothes, and then I saw Roger leaning against the door frame, looking at me. He only looked away when Madelynn bounced into view.

"Jolene, you only have three suitcases? That's so little!"

Madelynn tugged on Roger's arm and looked at the suitcases spread out on the floor. "What about the dorm curtains? What color are yours?"

I blinked, hesitating whether to check. Then Roger spoke up, "She won't be staying in the dorm. She'll be staying with me." I looked at him in surprise but couldn't say anything. I just lowered my head and hid the condoms well.

Madelynn laughed at his words, saying, "You've been immersing in work so much that you're hallucinating. Don't forget that first-semester students at Meadows University must stay on campus."

I bit my lip and looked at her, finding it hard to believe her words. As my emotions went through great changes, including both ecstasy and disappointment, I met Roger's scrutinizing gaze, which made my ears burn. I quickly looked away.

He graduated from Meadows University, so, of course, he knew that first-semester students must stay on campus.

33 "How are you going to school tomorrow?"

Roger casually asked Madelynn, "Have you decided?"

She bit her lip and giggled, "I want to ride with Jolene."

Roger said, "No." I glanced up at him and then obediently lowered my head, listening to their conversation. I didn't know how I would get there actually, as I didn't have any money... Madelynn changed her approach and said, "Then you can drive us."

Roger didn't respond.

I was stunned. Meadows University was at the border between the local and out-of-town areas, but it still took two or three hours to get there by car. To my surprise, Roger handed Madelynn over to the housekeeper and personally drove me.

Even though one car would have been enough, he insisted on using two. I had a bad feeling and carefully checked that I was dressed conservatively before daring to get in his car.

35 "Roger, this is so not fair!" Madelynn protested. "Keep it up, and I'll have the gold card back," Roger said, instantly silencing her.

Madelynn obediently got into the housekeeper's car, and I hesitated and sat in the back seat. Roger sat in the driver's seat and casually tossed a box next to me.

"Open it."

His tone was arrogant, and right after he touched the steering wheel, the car shot forward like an arrow.

I lowered my head and slowly opened the box, finding a phone inside. I took it out and saw a missed call on the screen.

Roger's cold voice rang out. "That's my number."

I nodded and saved the number under Roger's name. When I looked up, I noticed him looking at me through the rearview mirror.

I sat up straight and was about to put the phone back in the box only to find an envelope underneath.

If I wasn't mistaken, it was identical to the one Madelynn had received.

Roger snorted, "The password is the first six digits of your Meadows University student ID."

I was a bit stunned. Recalling the previous news, I obediently nodded. However, I had no intention of using the money he had given me at all, and neither did I dare to. I carefully put the envelope away. Meeting Roger's probing gaze, I said, "Thank you." I meant it when I said this.

Roger glanced at me indifferently and, while turning the steering wheel, said slowly, "Don't just say it verbally. Prove it." I clutched the box tightly, suddenly realizing that I was starting to understand the implications of his words more and more quickly.

36 The first day of school went smoothly, but when I arrived at the dorm, I found that one of my roommates was Madelynn, who hadn't arrived yet... "Roger, Madelynn..." I said. Roger leaned back on the sofa, his long legs crossed, casually flipping through the school newspaper. "That's not your concern."

I was speechless. He put down the newspaper and looked at me, slightly loosening his collar. "Come here."

I was startled and stammered, "The dorm..." Roger's gaze turned cold. Clearly, he didn't want to say more. I felt a bit panicked and glanced at the closed apartment door before obediently sitting next to him.

As soon as I sat down, Roger seemed to sneer, "You don't think I'm only interested in that kind of thing, do you?" I was left speechless again.

37 Roger picked up a pen from the table.

With his hand resting on the newspaper, he circled a few teachers' names and began explaining each one's area of expertise. Finally, he looked at me and said, "If you plan to pursue a master's or Ph.D., ask them for recommendation letters. Make sure to attend their classes often. Don't just stay cooped up in the dorm."

I listened in a daze. Meeting his deep, dark eyes, I blinked and said quite foolishly, "Alright." He gave me an exasperated look. "You react slower than a snail."

I didn't know what to say. Probably annoyed by my slow response again, he propped his chin on his hand, tapping the newspaper with his pen. He stared at a photo of a male student in the alumni section and suddenly said, "You'd better perform well in your studies.

I don't want people thinking I have nothing but eye candy."

I blinked, feeling that Roger and Matthew had very different ways of thinking.

If it were Matthew, he would only advise me not to work so hard, saying he was the only one I needed, and I didn't have to make any effort. If I spent my time studying, it would be a waste of energy, and I'd end up with dark circles under my eyes, making me look ugly. A girl who wasn't pretty was worthless.

I never dared to contradict others, especially Matthew, so all I could do was silently disagree in my heart and try not to study or read in front of him.

"OK, I'll study hard," I replied earnestly.

Roger glanced at me. There was a smile in his eyes, but his face showed a helpless expression. "You're so obedient?" I bit my lip.

He leaned back on the sofa, reached out, wrapped his arm around my back, and leaned in closer, his gaze wandering over my face. "Open your mouth." I blinked, terrified that he might try something here. If Madelynn suddenly walked in, it would be so awkward...

But Roger said, "It's just a kiss."

I tentatively parted my lips, and the next second, I felt his lips press against mine. Nervously, I clutched his collar, even becoming cautious when breathing.

38 To be honest, Roger taught me all my kissing skills. Because Emily was very strict, Matthew and I could only hold hands in secret occasionally. It was only on the day he proposed that we had our first kiss, which was so brief.

I opened my eyes slightly, gazing at Roger's face, lost in thought. I had comforted myself countless times, but my heart still ached from time to time.

I had never experienced the outside world, and the content in books couldn't fill the emptiness of my life at all.

Before I turned eighteen, Emily, Matthew, and Emily's ruler occupied my entire life. When I was eighteen, Emily expelled me from Matthew's world and let Roger take over my life.

"Did you bring the condoms?" Roger's voice was somewhat hoarse as he asked softly.

I pressed my hands against his body and quickly said, "You said it would just be a kiss..." His eyes darkened slightly as he licked his lips and wrapped his arms around my waist, clearly restraining his emotions.

39 I pushed Roger, wanting to call him a liar but not daring to. I could only whisper, "Roger, not here, please..." He loosened his grip slightly, leaned back on the sofa with his eyes closed, and said in a deep voice, "Go fetch some water."

I immediately got up and ran to get water, not daring to hesitate at all, and then I respectfully handed him the water.

Roger used his slender hand to grip the glass and glanced at me.

He was probably angry. Without saying a word, he just sipped the water. Finally, he slammed the glass down on the table hard and left.