Chapter 113: Chapter 113

After my breakdown, I oddly started feeling more at ease. Honestly, the old me, Stephanie, was long gone.

I wasn’t Stephanie anymore. Michael wouldn’t have a say in my life any longer.

I had already dealt with the nightmares he caused and squared things away from past favors.

I was free from owing him anything. If anything, he owed me a life–the life of the child who used to grow inside me.

As I was leaving, my phone started ringing. It was Rachel calling.

“Stephany, the police have managed to restore Stephie’s phone. We’ve retrieved the last recorded call from her.”

Before heading to Sunset Alley, I took the precaution of recording all my conversations with Yasmin.

It turned out to be a rather clever move.

I didn’t trust Yasmin. Ever since she falsely accused me of pushing her down the stairs, trust was out the window. Fortunately, I had those recordings.

“I’ve already informed Michael. Do you want to come over and listen?” Rachel asked.

“Yeah, I’ll be on my way. I want to see the look on Michael’s face.” I practically gritted my teeth, showing just how much I loathed him.

I used to be crazy about him, thinking he could be my savior in death. Now, I couldn’t stand him just as much.

“Too bad Yasmin said she has a stomach ache and has gone to the hospital. It would’ve been quite a show if she could come,” Rachel remarked with a low voice.

Apart from me, Rachel probably had the biggest grudge against Michael and Yasmin.

I chuckled, my voice tinged with sarcasm. “Her? Who knows whether she really has a stomach ache or if she’s just trying to avoid the matter?”

But it didn’t matter anymore. It wasn’t important. Just watching Michael’s expression would be interesting enough.

“Let’s go and catch some drama.” I grinned at Steven after ending the call.

He hesitated for a moment and awkwardly asked, “Do you… still hate him?”

I knew he was talking about Michael. How could I possibly not hate him?

“I do,” I answered honestly.

For some reason, Steven seemed a bit displeased. He slowly let go of my hand and looked out the car window.

I couldn’t quite figure out the reason behind his reaction.

But how could I not hate Michael?

After an awkward pause, Steven stared out of the car window and said, “He’s not a good guy… He doesn’t deserve you.”

I gave Steven a puzzled look. Was he deceiving himself into thinking I was Stephanie?

“Okay.”

I wasn’t convinced Steven had figured out who I was. At most, he might have mistaken me for Stephanie based on my appearance.

Seeing my dismissive response, he appeared irritated.

He turned to me, looking somewhat disgruntled. He was like a big dog that had been provoked. “I’m clearly… more obedient.”

I paused, looking at Steven. He claimed to be the more obedient one.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his comment, especially since he had put in the effort to dress up today.

It enhanced his already refined and elegant appearance.

Nowadays, the name Steven would suit him best. Even calling him Steve didn’t quite do justice to that face.

Indeed, being good–looking had its advantages.

A person so refined was staring at me so seriously and claiming to be the more obedient one…

Regrettably, trust had become a luxury I couldn’t afford. Michael treated Stephanie like a possession.

Steven’s actions also mirrored Michael’s. He insisted on branding Stephany as his own, forcing me to live as Stephanie.

Hence, I refrained from letting myself be drawn to anyone. I admitted that I had been traumatized.

“Why are you suddenly dressed like this today?” I deflected, changing the topic.

Steven appeared a bit disheartened. He knew I was avoiding the topic.

“I was concerned that those people might give you a hard time. You’re not Stephany. If they had tried anything, I’d get angry,” he whispered, no longer meeting my gaze.