He was once a safe harbor

Before I could turn around, Kevin was already berating me, "Amy, what kind of sister-in-law are you? Are you trying to poison Wendy?"

He grabbed a nearby bottle and threw it at me. The bottle shattered on impact and sharp fragments flew, leaving several small but glaring cuts on my calf.

With a "clank," I set down the spoon in my hand, turning to face the two of them. Wendy leaned into Kevin's arm, eyes red, her mouth curling into a smile that seemed both boastful and taunting.

Claiming to be allergic was one of Wendy's usual tactics and excuses. I had no idea what she was actually allergic to, only that she'd announce an allergy at any moment, for any reason.

Constantly looking for ways to make things difficult for me, she'd watch gleefully as Kevin lashed out in anger. And each time, Kevin would fall for it like a fool. This time was no different.

Looking at the painful scene before me, I felt a hollow emptiness in my chest, as if a cold wind was blowing through a gaping void.

But this time, I didn't feel as heartbroken as before. I turned, picked up the pot and dumped the cooked egg and cheese pasta into the trash right in front of them.

"If you're allergic, then stay hungry!" I tossed the pot into the sink with a loud clang.

Wendy covered her ears and shrieked, pretending to be startled, her big tears rolling down her cheeks. Kevin glared at me before gently comforting the person in his arms.

My eyes stung, but I swallowed the endless bitterness and walked past Kevin. He reached back, grabbing my wrist, "Amy, have I been too lenient with you?"

In the struggle, blood began to seep from the freshly bandaged wound on my arm. My hands trembled slightly, my throat felt as if something was lodged in it and I looked at Kevin, "Lenient? Are you not actually indulging that tacky girl from the countryside you've got in your arms?"

I pointed at Wendy, watching her surgery-altered face change color and continued, "Or has it been so long that someone's forgotten who they are?"

Kevin's gaze flickered, his brow furrowing as he looked at the wound on my arm. "Amy, weren't you also from the countryside?" He looked down at me so arrogantly, his mocking expression enough to crush me.

Ten years ago, Kevin had discovered my potential as a model from among the crowds. He'd used each of his meticulously designed creations to elevate me to a high position. He was my mentor, but he was also my calamity.

Wendy giggled on the side, her malicious smile unmistakable, "Alright, let's forget about this. Just don't let it happen again."

Then he lowered his head, soothing the girl in his arms in gentle, soft tones. Once upon a time, he comforted and loved me the same way.

Even if I had just a minor scratch, he'd be anxious, vowing to find the best doctor to ensure I didn't scar. But now, with such a large wound on my arm, he acted like he didn't even see it.

He said, "Alright, stop crying. You're really bad at lying, aren't you? Who goes around constantly claiming allergies? Do I look that gullible?"

In that moment, my feet felt like they were filled with lead, unable to take a step.

"Oh, Kevin, you're so mean! You know I'm not that bright, yet you tease me," Wendy said in a coy, aggrieved voice, as Kevin patiently comforted her.