Chapter 7 Three days after leaving the Sinclairs', I'm cleaning my room, thinking I can finally live in peace. My phone starts buzzing like crazy. "Have you seen Twitter? Marlena's going totally insane with posts!" My friend sounds terrified. Aty hands shake slightly as I open the app. What I see on the screen makes me stop breathing. Martena's created over a dozen fake accounts, going viral with my photos. She photoshopped them, putting my face in all kinds of disgusting scenarios. [Sinclair Foster Daughter's True Nature Exposed!] [Playing the victim for sympathy, but look what she really does!] [See what this monster is capable of!] Each post has thousands of shares, the comments are pure filth. My breathing gets rapid, feels like a boulder's crushing my chest. I was just celebrating my new life, and now I feel like I'm being dragged back to hell. No, I can't let her win. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Twenty years of suffering taught me strength-I won't let her destroy me again. When Garrett finds out, his face goes dark as thunder. His fists are clenched so tight they're making noise: "She's lost it. Completely lost her mind." I've arranged protection for you," he tells me, his eyes full of guilt and rage. I nod, but I know this is just the beginning. Marlena with nothing left to lose is like a cornered animal-she'll be even more vicious. Sure enough, Brighton comes to see me the next day. He's holding a bank card, looking totally wrecked. I'm sorry." His voice is barely a whisper. Seeing his trembling shoulders, I feel complicated emotions. "You're a victim too." I don't take the card, keeping my voice gentle. "Hating her is your right." Brighton jerks his head up, tears shining in his eyes: "I thought she really loved me." "She only loves herself." After Brighton leaves, I continue my life. Collecting scrap, selling it, saving money. I'm going to survive with my own hands, never depending on anyone again. A rainy night. I'm pushing my cart down the familiar road, rain hitting my face, kind of cold. I've walked this road countless times- I could find my way home with my eyes closed. Suddenly, I hear an engine in the distance. A beat up van stops by the roadside, headlights blazing so bright I can't see. 1 ignore it and keep walking. Still thinking about where to collect scrap tomorrow-life finally has hope. The engine gets louder, closer. I glance back instinctively- That van is charging straight at me! High speed, like a rabid beast in the rainy night, headlights cutting deadly arcs through the darkness. My blood freezes instantly, my brain goes blank. I want to dodge, but the cart's too heavy, my legs feel like lead. The terror of death crashes over me like a tsunami. At that critical moment, a figure rushes out from the side. "Watch out!" It's Brighton! He uses all his strength to push me away, but gets hit by the van himself. The screech of brakes pierces the rainy night. I hit the ground, watching Brighton lying in a pool of blood, crimson slowly spreading in the rainwater. "Brighton!" I scream with everything I have, crawling toward him. His eyes are unfocused, but there's a relieved smile on his lips: "Sis... I'm sorry..." Title: The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets (English-dubbed) In CrushReel's ongoing romance, "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets," a young woman ensnared in a decade-long struggle against familial constraints finds unexpected solace in a man who appears as her pathway to freedom. Initially leveraging his presence for escape, she is gradually swayed by his unwavering faith and unwavering dedication. Exploring themes of liberation and trust, the narrative delves into the complexities of breaking free from oppressive environments. The protagonist's evolution from using the man as a means of salvation to embracing genuine connection offers a poignant portrayal of emotional transformation. Amidst the backdrop of romance, the story skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength. What sets "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets" apart is its nuanced depiction of intricate relationships and internal struggles, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity in romantic narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, this captivating tale promises a journey of self-realization and love amidst adversity.