Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 18

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Rebecca watched Lottie walk away, her chest tightening with a mix of bitterness and heartbreak.

Lottie had lived with the Harper family when she was just eight. Rebecca’s mom treated Lottie like her own, and Rebecca had always seen her as a true little sister. Growing up, it was always Lottie who got the best food and the newest toys. Rebecca never complained. She’d just smile and say, “It’s fine. She’s younger than me. It’s my job to take care of her.”

When it came time for college, money at home was tight. Lottie’s grades weren’t great, so she could only get into a small school with expensive tuition. Still, Rebecca and her mom never gave up on her. They pinched pennies and found ways to cover her fees. Because of that, Rebecca had to juggle part-time jobs throughout her own college years.

Then the Bernan family showed up, claiming Lottie as their long-lost daughter. Lottie left with them without even glancing back. Rebecca and her mom didn’t blame her. Who wouldn’t want a shot at a better life?

But things weren’t as perfect as Lottie had hoped. The Bernans didn’t treat her well, and the girl they’d raised in her place made life even harder for her. Eventually, Lottie came running back to the Harpers.

Rebecca used to feel bad for her. She thought life had just been unfair. But now, Lottie was tearing her down in front of others, using the fact that Rebecca had to work through college as some kind of insult. The little sister Rebecca had always protected suddenly felt like a stranger.

Her heart twisted painfully. This year just kept getting worse. First, her love life fell apart, and now her family was letting her down too. Maybe she really did need to visit some spiritural place for some luck.

Wiping away her tears, Rebecca headed downstairs to the supermarket. She picked up a few things, grabbed a quick dinner, and rode the escalator back up. The moment she stepped off, she ran right into Lottie standing at the entrance of a luxury boutique.

Lottie looked nervous, her eyes flicking back toward the store every few seconds. When she saw Sonja deep in conversation with a sales clerk, she finally relaxed.

“Rebecca, what a surprise. Out shopping too?” Lottie grabbed Rebecca’s hand and quickly pulled her into a quiet corner away from the store entrance. She didn’t stop until they were out of sight.

Rebecca gently pulled her hand free, her face calm and distant.

Lottie didn’t seem bothered. Rebecca had always been reserved, and the adults loved that about her. Still, Lottie couldn’t help but wonder why someone as cool and aloof as Bruce liked Rebecca. Clearly, a lively person like Sonja would suit him so much better.