After Falling for My Childhood Friend, He Sent Me to Hell

I wasn't sure if Izzy had been freely entering and exiting Smith House over the past three years.

In Smith House,William's mother held the highest position,and his father doted on her,listening to her every word.Since his mother loved me so much,his father also grew to like me.I had been raised by them for many years.It was natural to develop feelings for them.However,Mrs.Smith disliked Izzy,and Mr.Smith disagreed with William's relationship with her.

I was well aware of this and used it to my advantage.Mrs Smith once told me she didn't trust her son with Izzy.She said that Izzy appeared fragile and innocent but had calculating eyes and a guilty heart.Mrs.Smith and William argued multiple times,but couldn't come to any conclusion.

So,I exploited this,acting recklessly and clinging to William,being empowered by his mother's support.As long as she stood by me,I believed I would succeed.However,I never targeted Izzy,knowing William's affection for her.I treated those he cared about with utmost care.

William never trusted me or considered me a good person.As a result,he reduced his visits home,avoiding his mother's criticism of Izzy.That period coincided with my relentless pursuit of William.

After moving out of Smith House,I settled next door to William.His attitude toward me deteriorated daily.Less than a year later,he sent me to River Mouth for"training."

During my three years in River Mouth,I realized my excessive clinginess must have driven him to it.

"Claire,my darling,you've finally returned.I almost died waiting."Mrs.Smith exclaimed while rushing to embrace me.

Mrs.Smith usually poised and elegant,was now visibly shaken.Her emotional state revealed genuine longing.She genuinely loved me.I could feel it.

Previously,she attempted to match me with William,but he refused.Each time William hurt me,she compensated with extra affection.

Mrs.Smith embodied maternal love,allowing me to be vulnerable.That's why,despite fearing William,I agreed to return to Smith House.For an orphan like me,Smith House felt like home.In River Mouth,whenever I suffered,I drew comfort from Mrs.and Mr.Smith.

Having devoted myself entirely to William,I had no friends or acquaintances.William controlled every aspect of my life.Friendships,studies,and even my wardrobe were arranged by him.

I grew dependent on him,hoping he'd never leave.This dependence fueled unrealistic expectations,leading to my downfall.Now,like a flower trampled in mud,I was stained and unable to escape.

This reality made me repulsive,even to myself.But knowing someone still care,I must persevere.

Living is painful,so I must distance myself from those who caused me suffering.

"Auntie,I traveled abroad,got caught up in the beauty,and forgot to contact you.It won't happen again."

I forced a smile while speaking lightly,trying to conceal my tremors.

"My poor child,did William withhold your allowance?You've grown so thin."Mother asked.She seemed shocked with my appearance.While embracing me she felt my frailty beneath my clothes.The Mrs.Smith I knew would never let me suffer.

"No,William provided for me.I just slimmed down.It's the current beauty standard."I explained hastily.

I couldn't let Mrs.Smith blame William.He might send me back to River Mouth.I ran my mind and immediately made up an excuse–reducing weight for looking thin.

"Nowadays,girls idealize slimness.I used to be slightly heavier.So,this is normal."I added.

Mrs.Smith made me sit down.Her concerns towards me were visible on her face.She explained,"Becoming this thin isn't attractive.Stay with me,and I'll help you regain your health."

I noticed Mrs.Smith's own weariness and newly gray hair.Three years ago,she was immaculate.There were no such wrinkles or gray hairs.Her transformation pained me.I longed for her vibrant past.

"I slimmed down for beauty,but seeing your gray hairs hurt me.From now on,I'll take care of you."I said gently.

While embracing her cautiously,I fought my deeply ingrained fear.William mentioned his mother's birthday wishes was my return.He brought me back to appease her.

I knew my role.It was'making his mother happy'.But I would have done so voluntarily,even if William hadn't shared her wishes.