Chapter 8 The proposal came to a close . Night fell , and social media buzzed with another wave of trending posts about tonight's party . Noelle was led to stand before Lucinda . " Noelle ! You're back ! " Lucinda's voice rang with joy as she moved to hug her . Noelle stiffened , her spine rigid . Thankfully , Darin held Lucinda back . His gaze , heavy with unspoken meaning , settled on Noelle . " Noelle , " he said , his voice tight . on , broadcasting " Noelle , I'm just glad you're home . Come on , you are my sister . You don't need to apologize , " Lucinda said , her microphone still her words to the crowd . " What happened back then was just a misunderstanding . You didn't mean to come between me and Darin , right ? " " Lucie , your mic's still on , " Hester gently reminded her . " Oh , gosh , everyone heard that ? " Lucinda gasped , feigning surprise as she fumbled to switch it off . The crowd , which had started to dance , stopped once again , drawn in by the drama . " What's going on ? " " Lucinda has a sister ? I thought she was the only daughter of the Martinez family . " " Wait , is this about that scandal three years ago ? Let me tell you ... " Whispers rippled through the guests , and the band fell silent . " No need to turn it off . Give her the mic , " Raymond said , arms crossed , nodding to Lucinda . " She said she'd make sure every guest here knows she was wrong . " Lucinda shook her head , her eyes glistening with unshed tears . " Ray , this doesn't feel right ... " Raymond thought to himself , " Little Lucie is just too kind - hearted . " He strode over , took the microphone , and handed it to Noelle . Noelle gripped the cold metal , feeling the weight of curious , judgmental stares . It was three years ago all over again . That day , she was shoved into the spotlight , pressured to apologize for a crime she didn't commit . Back then , she'd been angry and heartbroken . In fact , she'd rather die than admit to something so vile . In the end , they'd labeled her mentally unstable and locked her away in the sanatorium for " treatment . " This time , she wouldn't make the same mistake . * After I was welcomed into the Martinez family , I always had a strained relationship with Ms. Martinez , " she began , her voice hoarse but steady . " Three years ago , Darin was drugged , and I ... I took something illegal as well . We nearly made a terrible mistake , and it was all because of my jealousy and twisted intentions . " When my family confronted me , I lost control . I threatened to hurt myself and demanded the police investigate , scaring Ms. Martinez and her family . These past three years , every time I think of that day , I'm overwhelmed with guilt . " So today , I'm here to apologize to Ms. Martinez . " The girl's hoarse , trembling voice fell like a bomb on the silent hall , sending shockwaves through the crowd . The incident three years ago had involved both the Martinez and Schaefer families . Everyone had heard the rumors : that the Martinez family's illegitimate daughter had drugged Darin in an attempt to sleep with him . But this was the first time anyone had heard about her wanting to call dur police Murmurs spread If Noelle had been willing to involve the police , didn't that suggest she might be innocent ? After all , why else would the guilty pany insist on an investigation ? At the mention of the police , Lacinda's face paled . But she quickly masked it , slipping back into the role of the sweet , forgiving sister , Norle , stop I've never blamed you . Let's just put this behind us, okay? " Binance Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Download Menu Lucinda feigned leaning in to help Noelle up , but in truth , she used the moment to whisper in her ear , " You really are pathetic , aren't you ? Had to get beaten down to learn your place . < Chapter 8 " If you had just accepted the blame three years ago , you wouldn't have had to suffer so much . " Noelle's fists clenched , her eyes blazing as she stared at Lucinda . She wanted to scream , to tear apart Lucinda's fake , scheming mask and lay bare every truth from three years ago . Then she could walk away from this family forever , free of their chains . * Brage : Buy Stecoin & Gryph Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!