A Billionaires Regret

The sound of shattering glass filled the room as a lady squatted down to pick up the broken pieces. The sharp edges of the glass pierced her finger, causing blood to immediately ooze out.

"Just look at what you did, Annabel! You broke my favorite vase. You are good for nothing, just like your useless mother," scolded her aunt from behind.

Annabel pleaded, her voice trembling, "Please don't talk about my mother like that."

"Oh, shut up! She is the reason for my brother's death!" her aunt barked, causing Annabel to lower her gaze.

"If only he hadn't married that woman, we wouldn't have had a worthless person like you," her aunt added, her remarks filled with rudeness.

"My mother is not a whore," Annabel finally voiced out, unable to bear any more insults against her mother.

"How dare you talk back to me, Annabel!" her aunt exclaimed, grabbing her tightly by the wrist and pulling her up, then landing a tight slap on her face.

Tears streamed down Annabel's face as she looked up at her aunt with teary eyes, her fists clenched in rage. "Don't you ever call my mom a whore with your filthy mouth," she warned, pointing her middle finger at her aunt, leaving her stunned.

"How dare you raise your voice at me, you ungrateful little twat," her aunt hissed, giving her a menacing glare.

"I don't care. Just don't ever talk about my mother ever again!" Annabel screamed at the top of her voice.

"Annabel!" her aunt screamed, slapping her hard on the cheek. Annabel lowered her head, caressing her cheek to ease the burning sensation.

She never believed she had it in her to talk back to her aunt. This newfound attitude of hers was influenced by her best friend Juliet, who had always encouraged her to stand up for herself.

"I need you to leave my house this minute," her aunt ordered with a commanding tone.

"Where will I go from here?" Annabel cried out, unable to believe her aunt would ask her to leave.

"I don't care, just leave!" her aunt yelled, disgusted by her presence.

After losing both of her parents in a fatal accident, Annabel had no other choice but to move in with her aunt, as she was the only family she had left. Living with her aunt was hell. She treated Annabel like trash, constantly taunting her and blaming her for the death of her brother.

As Annabel wandered aimlessly in the pouring rain, tears mixed with raindrops cascaded down her face. She didn't care about getting drenched; her pain overwhelmed everything else. Strange glances from people surrounded her, but no one dared to ask what was wrong. She stood in the middle of the road, watching as people hurriedly passed by.

Eventually, the rain stopped, leaving Annabel soaked and shivering. It was the middle of the night, and she had nowhere to go. She continued to walk aimlessly on the street, searching for solace.

"Pretty lady!" two men called out simultaneously. Annabel didn't respond and kept walking, but they walked faster to catch up with her.

"Come with us so you don't catch a cold," one of them sheepishly suggested.

"I'm fine. You don't need to do anything for me," Annabel refused with fear evident in her voice. She quickened her pace to get away from them, but they followed closely behind. She turned and threw her bag at them, hoping to create a distraction and escape. However, luck was not on her side as she ran into a dead end.

"We're gonna take it easy with you," they laughed, slowly approaching her with malicious intent.Just as they were about to lay their hands on her, a commanding voice suddenly boomed from behind, sending fear coursing through their veins.

"What do you think you're doing?" the voice yelled, causing the men to freeze in their tracks.

"We aren't doing anything. We're just trying to help this lost girl find her way," one of them awkwardly lied, their eyes darting nervously.

The stranger's gaze shifted from the men to Annabel, who was crouched on the ground, trembling uncontrollably. He gave the men a cold, piercing look, seeing through their deceit.

"We're just leaving," they stammered, their confidence shattered. Feeling intimidated, they quickly turned and walked away.

The stranger, about to approach Annabel, felt a hand on his shoulder from behind. He turned to find another stranger standing there.

"There you are! I've been worried sick, looking everywhere for you," the second stranger said, receiving no response. His gaze followed the first stranger's line of sight, landing on Annabel.

"Who is she?" he asked curiously, his eyes fixed on her.

"I have no idea. I heard someone scream, so I came here," the first stranger replied. "I think we should leave now. Mom will be worried sick. And have you fixed the car?"

Ignoring his question, the second stranger continued to stare at Annabel, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.