The Prodigal of Love

01

My dad Oliver Cox died young. When I was thirteen, my mother married into the James family, an influential and affluent household.

Yet no one here ever showed us respect-least of all Mark James, the young heir of the James family.

My mother Debbie couldn't protect me. Worse, she saw me as dead weight. In her mind, had I not existed, her path to "marrying into wealth" would've been infinitely smoother.

I let out a bitter laugh, pointing out the crux. "The James family doesn't despise me. So tell me, between the two of us-who's dragging whom down?"

Smack!

The slap burned across my cheek. Not her first time. Not even close.

Debbie had been the other woman, entangled with my father Nolan James for years.

Back then, Nolan's lawful wife, Kimberly Green, came from a powerful family the Jameses relied on. He didn't dare openly cross the Greens, so his affair stayed hidden.

When Kimberly found out, Nolan, egged on by my mother, gave Kimberly the silent treatment instead.

Kimberly's health had always been frail. The stress and heartbreak wore her down until she was gone within a few years

With the Green family's influence crumbling under Nolan's pressure and Kimberly no longer in the way, he finally made my mother his wife.

Mark hated us. I understood.

02

Two years my senior, Mark was Nolan's golden boy. No matter how cruelly he treated us, Nolan turned a blind eye.

Debbie could still coax luxury handbags and jewels from Nolan to soothe her pride. But I? I had no one. Not a single soul in this house would shield me.

So I learned early-under their roof, I bowed to Mark.

I groveled. I obeyed. He told me to do something? Consider it done.

When he mocked me as "worthless bastard" and "disgusting shit" before his friends, I just smiled, serene as still water.

All I wanted was survival-to endure just long enough to escape to some far-flung university, leaving this wretched place behind.

But fate laughed at my plans.

On college application day, Mark changed my choices to match his own, right in front of me. "I can't bear the loneliness without you, my dear sister. You will understand, right?" he crooned.

I stood frozen, my face bloodless.

"So, what if I fail?" I stammered.

"Then you'll retake the exams. Again and again. Until you get in."

Why? I didn't understand. If he loathed me so, why chained me to him?

03

I got in-barely. Mark waltzed in on a recommendation; I scraped by, dumped into "Preventive Medicine," a major as obscure as it was unwanted.

Staring at the acceptance letter, I shoved my architecture sketches deep into a drawer.

Becoming a designer had been my dream. I'd imagined saving up, fleeing to some distant town, building a cottage where no one from the James family could ever find me.

The acceptance letter obliterated that fantasy in one stroke.

That day, I visited Oliver's grave for the first time in months.

It had been a long time since I'd been there; the pressure of senior year left me with little time to visit him.

"I got into Eastwood University," I whispered. "A top school. But I hate it." When Oliver was alive, no one forced me into anything. Now? No one stood in my corner.

I stayed for hours, cleaning the headstone, plucking weeds, watching the flower wavering in the wind-until Mark's call cut through the gathering storm.

"Where are you? Your celebration's starting!" Static and laughter nearly drowned his voice.

"On my way," I lied. He hung up with only one word, "Hurry."

I pocketed my phone and let out a sigh.

My mother hadn't cared about my admission. Nolan hadn't asked. Yet Mark? He'd insisted on a party.

I didn't know his game, nor did I care. His motives meant nothing to me. Show up, play along-that was all.

04

Rain sheeted down as my cab arrived at the nightclub. I sprinted inside, still getting drenched in those few steps.

Mark's third call came as I dripped in the lobby. I hurried to the VIP room he mentioned.

Inside, a dozen strangers, young men and young women, roared over music. The only face I knew was Mark's.

He waved me over, and the girl beside him slid away with a smirk.

I had no choice but to sit beside him, not wanting to offend him.

"Stop playing around, everyone." Mark said, holding a microphone, his voice booming in my ear. Everyone quieted down and stared at me. "Meet my stepsister. What's your name again?"

Mark draped an arm around my shoulder, pretending to think hard.

I knew he was doing it on purpose, so I took the cue and introduced myself.

"My name is Nebula Cox."

"Nebula? Do you share the same name with the freak in Guardians of the Galaxy? That's funny!"

Laughter erupted. Mark's lips curled as he watched me.

I didn't care and I just waited, blank-faced, for the ridicule to die.

Mark soon tired of the charade, cutting off the laughter with a sharp gesture.

"Enough. Tonight's Nebula's celebration-drink, wreck the place, spare no expense!" He cracked open another bottle of obscenely priced liquor.

The crowd roared approval. Music surged. The room convulsed with forced merriment.

When two girls shouldered me away from Mark's side, he barely flicked a glance my way before draining his glass.

Surrounded by strangers, an unexpected hollowness opened in my chest.

I'd gotten into university. Yet no one cared, not even me.

Even this so-called celebration was just a roomful of people I didn't even know.

05

"Here, dry yourself." A hand materialized before me, pale fingers, neatly trimmed nails, offering a tissue.

The owner had one of those faces. It was unremarkable at first glance, but with a smile that softened sharp features.

"Is it raining outside?" He noticed my damp hair.

I snatched the tissue. "Just a drizzle. Probably stopped by now."

"I am Rhett, Rhett Wells. Mark's roommate."

I nodded, "Nice to meet you."

His voice carried an apology. "Had I known this was your party, I'd have brought a gift. How about next time?"

"Don't bother." My fingers twisted the damp paper. "It's not really... important anyway."

He slid a ring off his index finger. "Take this. Worthless, really-just a trinket I've had for two years."

"I can't accept this. It's too valuable." I recoiled.

Although I hadn't bought anything expensive, I'd seen enough during my time with the James family. I recognized quality-the plain silver band's weight, its subtle engraving, indicating it wasn't cheap.

Seeing my insistence on refusing, Rhett leaned closer, conspiratorial.

"Actually, this ring has a story."

I was curious, "What story?"

"I didn't buy this ring. It was given to me by a friend I met only once. He said this ring brings luck, but it only lasts for two years. After that, it must be passed on to someone else. I think it suits you!"

I was incredulous, "You are just telling a story, not a real one, right?"

"I swear I am telling the truth," Rhett continued.

"Originally, my academic performances weren't good enough for Eastwood University, but during the college entrance exams, I suddenly performed exceptionally well, scoring an astonishing thirty points higher than my usual and got in. Isn't that amazing? I believed the ring worked. Giving it to you will surely bring you good luck, and things like getting caught in unexpected rain won't happen again."

I was a staunch materialist and didn't believe in mystical things like lucky rings. Yet, for some reason, I really wanted to accept this ring. Perhaps the word "luck" was just too tempting for me!

I clenched the ring in my palm. "I'll take it, thank you!"

Rhett smiled and raised his glass to clink with mine.

06

Three hours later, only Rhett, Mark and I remained sober amidst the wreckage.

"Alright, party's over. Dismiss yourselves, everyone." Mark said.

Then he pinned me with a grin. "Nebula, pay the bill!"

"What?" The word slipped out before I could choke it back.

"Whose celebration was it? Who do you expect to pay for you?" His arm draped over the sofa like a lazy predator.

Drunken voices chimed in. "C'mon, we came all the way here just for your celebration. Don't be stingy!"

I muttered to myself, "Who's really being stingy here?"

Mark sat there enjoying the spectacle, showing no intention of helping me out. I knew he was serious, so I had no choice but to brace myself and head out.

I'd always wanted to break free from the James family, and the most direct way was to cut off the financial support chain. As long as I needed the James family to support me, I could never truly be free.

So after the college entrance exam, I stopped taking any money from Nolan and started working two jobs to save up for tuition before school starts. That way, during school, I would only need to earn enough for living expenses, which would be easier.

The bill might as well have been written in astronomical units.

My entire savings barely covered the service charge.

I stared at the bill for a long time until the person waiting grew impatient and urged me again. "How would you like to pay?"

I reluctantly took out my card, draining all the money from my account, but it was still not enough. As I fumbled to activate a loan app, Rhett's card appeared beside me. "I will cover the rest!"

I lowered my head, "Thank you. I'll repay you." My voice barely carried over the shame.

Rhett smiled, "Sure, but how will I reach you?"

I looked up at him and quickly took out my phone to show my number.

"This is my number. Don't worry, I won't default."

Rhett gently ruffled my messy hair, his lips curling into a soft smile. "I trust you. After all, when school starts, you'll be a freshman at my school."

07

"What's this?" Mark's voice sliced between us. Behind him, the drunken herd swayed like dying trees. They could barely maintain their balance by supporting each other.

Mark complained, "Why is settling the bill taking so long? Nebula, are you an idiot?"

"It's not like that, Nebula..." Rhett was about to step forward to explain, but I stopped him.

Mark knew everything. He did this on purpose today; there was no need to explain. He wanted to see me embarrassed in front of others.

Mark looked at us, his face turning sulky, then stepped forward and roughly pulled me aside. Then he shot Rhett with a cold gaze and said. "I'm taking her home first. Please take care of the others."

With that, Mark dragged me away.

08

Mark insisted on walking home to sober up. Fine. The thirty-minute drive would be torture for his pampered legs-he'd collapse first.

"So," he said abruptly, "what do you think of Rhett?"

"Polite. Kind. Decent." My answer came automatically-no sarcasm, just the truth of that brief encounter.

Mark's laugh was a knife dragged over ice. "Changing targets already? But what about Debbie's grand plan?"

"What are you talking about?" I was confused by his hinting words.

"Come on, nobody's around. Just save it." Mark sneered. "You think I don't know what Debbie told you? Didn't she tell you to please me? To seduce me? To crawl into my bed? She thought these tricks could make her life easier. What now? What happened to being mommy's good girl?"

I frowned, clenching my fists tightly.

Debbie did say those things, but I didn't know how Mark found out.

Seeing me silent, Mark continued, "Sure enough, your family is all the same. Jumping at any chance to find a sugar daddy. Rhett gives you a ring, and you think you can latch onto him? Nebula, compared with the James family, their Wells family is nothing."

Blood roared in my ears. I forced a smile. "Why so angry, Mark?"

"I... I just find your intentions disgusting. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

I shrugged, "Yeah, that's exactly who I am. Rhett is great, and I really like him. Even if his family isn't as powerful as the James family, what does it matter? Sure, the James family is the best, but so what? You are the worst choice. Even though Debbie told me to seduce you, I am still unable to overcome the grossness triggered by you. I am sorry."

"You..."

He seized my collar with a twisted face.

After a long pause, he finally showed a mocking smile.

"Seduce me? Ha, that's disgusting!"

I frowned slightly, and as Mark was about to let go. His grip faltered, and that was when I kissed him.

Mark froze, and it wasn't until I released him and stepped back that he regained his senses.

I laughed heartily right in front of him.

I pulled back, laughing at his stunned revulsion. "Disgusted? Bet you'll skip dinner now."

Mark glared at me, his face openly showing disgust.

I must have been really angry with him, and it was a moment of impulse. But seeing Mark so frustrated and powerless now, I felt incredibly satisfied.

I didn't regret it at all; I even wanted to provoke him further.

That was what I thought, and that was what I did. "Oh, sorry, my dear brother. I just acted on impulse just now. My desire to climb high is just too strong. But that wasn't your first kiss, was it? Do you need me to take care of you for the rest of your life?"

Mark stared at me coldly. Normally, I would have backed down, knowing that offending Mark would make my life with the James family unbearable. But now, I feared nothing.

So, there would be nothing I needed to worry about.

His glare could've melted steel. "You'll regret this."

Mark threw this parting shot at me before hailing a cab and leaving. I had spent all my money on drinks and was now penniless.

I walked back slowly, the late-night wind chilling me to the bone.

My earlier triumph had completely faded. Afraid I might start crying, I wiped my face with my hand, feeling the coolness of the ring on my middle finger as it brushed my cheek.

I looked down at the silver band, feeling a bit lost. "Where's the luck?"

09

By the time I got back, it was already late, but to my surprise, the James mansion blazed with light.

Inside, Mark lounged in a bathrobe while Nolan loomed over sobbing Debbie.

"Mom, Nolan, why are you still..." I barely got the words out before Debbie's slap cracked across my face.

The blow left me stunned, my cheek burning with pain.

"Liar!" She yanked my hair toward Nolan. "Tell him I never told you to seduce Mark!"

I glanced at his cold expression, then at Mark, and suddenly everything made sense.

"Mom, you know what you said. I did what you told me, and now you're not satisfied? Trying to blame it all on me?" I protested.

"You... you..."

Debbie pointed at me, choked for a moment. I turned to meet Mark's gaze.

"Mark, you heard it that day, didn't you?"

Mark stared at me without speaking. Suddenly, Nolan's cup exploded at my feet. Shards bit into my ankle.

"Nebula, I didn't bring you up to go after my son. He pointed to the door. "I won't have a whore under my roof. Get out!"

I closed my eyes, then opened them again after a moment.

"Fine, but my acceptance letter is still in the bedroom. I need to get it."

Nolan waved me off impatiently. I didn't linger and went straight to the bedroom.

I retrieved the letter from the drawer and stuffed it into the canvas bag I'd carried for three years, now faded from washing.

There was nothing here worth holding onto. When Nolan said those words, I felt a strange sense of relief.

My ankle throbbed suddenly, and I looked down to see blood staining the edge of my white sneakers.

I pulled two tissues from the table, crouched down, and pressed them against the cut from the shards. It stung.

A band-aid was handed to me. I didn't need to look to know who it was from.

Without fuss, I took it and applied it to my ankle.

I stood up and looked at Mark. "Thanks."

"For what? For kicking you out?" he asked with a hint of amusement.

I shook my head. "For the band-aid."

Mark crossed his arms, watching me with a slight smile.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going." I turned to leave, but Mark stopped me, pressing something cool into my hand. I looked down.

"A key?"

"I bought it with my own money. It's small, but more than enough for you. I'll send you the address later, " Mark said.

"Why are you giving this to me?" I asked.

Mark shrugged.

"You don't want to stay here, right? I'm giving you a chance to move out, and you're not taking it?"

I couldn't help but smile. Did he think it was just the house I wanted to escape from?

I handed the key back to Mark. "Mark, Debbie wronged you. I'm her daughter, and no matter what, I am responsible and am always part of the tragedy about what happened back then. But I've tried to make it up to you over the years. I think we're even now. From now on, we are clear. Let's stay out of each other's way. Nolan said he never wants to see me again, and I feel the same about you all. I don't need your apartment. Just save it."

I didn't want to stay a moment longer and turned to leave.

"Nebula!" Mark called after me.

I didn't look back.

10

I had nothing but an acceptance letter and a phone to my name.

I didn't know where to go, only that I wanted to get as far away from the James family as possible.

I walked until I was exhausted, finally stopping and sitting down on the ground without a care.

The car behind me also came to a halt.

I knew it was Mark; he'd been following me the whole way.

He approached and tossed a jacket into my lap. "Put it on and get in the car."

I ignored him, throwing the jacket back.

Mark got angry, crouching in front of me and forcibly draping the jacket over my shoulders, holding it in place so I couldn't shrug it off.

"Nebula, what are you trying to prove? It's the middle of the night, and you don't have a penny. What are you planning to do? Beg on the streets?"

I let out a cold laugh. "Oh, and whose fault is that? If it weren't for you, I could have stayed at a hotel. I might have even taken a cab, had a nice hot shower, and slept until morning."

Mark gritted his teeth. "Nebula, you started this, and now you're acting like the victim? For whom?"

I turned my head away, closing my eyes in exhaustion. "It was just a kiss, wasn't it? What do you want? To make a spectacle out of me?"

Mark was breathing heavily. Without looking, I could easily picture how furious he was.

Normally, I'd enjoy watching him lose his cool, but I was too tired now.

I'd been walking for hours, from the nightclub to the James family home, and then here. I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep.

Mark was silent for so long that I thought he might have fallen asleep too. Just as I turned my head, I felt warmth on my lips.

I struggled free from Mark's grip, pushing him away and staring at him in shock.

"What are you doing? Let go of me!"

"What do you think?" Mark laughed. "Just returning the favor." Then he tried to kiss me back.

"Stop being so naive!" I didn't want to deal with him, so I stood up to leave, but Mark scooped me up and put me in the car.