The Boy I Liked Hurt Me

1

When the police burst in, Chris Baton stood up in panic. I lay on the floor, staring ahead in despair.

Amid the chaos and noise, a pair of hands helped me up.

Immediately after, a warm and oversized coat was draped over my shoulders.

A strange but gentle voice whispered in my ear, "Don't be afraid."

I nodded, and tears I had been holding back began to fall uncontrollably.

Unintentionally, I looked up and saw Chris, now handcuffed, also looking at me.

Our eyes met. He smirked slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.

He was then shoved roughly by the police and led away.

"Lucy, don't be afraid."

The arriving counselor embraced me, softly comforting me. "I've called your aunt. She'll be here soon."

I simply nodded and said nothing.

The pain coursing through my body made me shiver uncontrollably.

After an indeterminate time, my aunt finally arrived.

When she looked at me, there was a brief flash of harshness in her eyes.

It was fleeting, and no one else saw it but me.

In the blink of an eye, her face was filled with sorrow as she rushed over to hug me tightly, crying uncontrollably. "My poor child, how could this happen to you..."

Nestled in her warm embrace, I felt no warmth whatsoever.

I only felt myself shivering even more.

2

My aunt took me to the hospital.

I knew she still couldn't accept it, clinging to a final shred of hope.

But the final examination results inevitably disappointed her.

Her face darkened completely, becoming extremely ugly.

"Go home!"

I lowered my head, silently enduring her rage.

Once in the car, she sat as far from me as possible, as if I were something dirty.

After getting out of the car, she walked ahead without a care for my slow, painful steps.

Finally reaching the front door, I hadn't even steadied myself before she yanked me and slapped me.

Although I had braced myself, the slap still made my head turn, and a sweet, metallic taste filled my mouth.

My legs were too weak to support me, causing me to collapse to the ground.

Before I could recover, she grabbed my hair and forced me to look up at her.

Her face was contorted in rage, like a demon from hell.

"Why did you call the police?"

She held my hair tightly, making me feel as though my scalp might tear.

I couldn't help but scream in pain.

But instead of any sympathy, she only gripped harder.

"With this kind of incident, you gather evidence and keep your mouth shut! No one would have known, and we could have found a way to cover it up and get some compensation. But no, you had to make it public! Do you think you're being honored?

"Now everyone knows, and there's no way to hide it. Who would want to marry you in a prestigious family from now on? Don't you know, all my plans have been ruined because of you?

"If I'd known you'd be so shameless, I should have never brought you back and let you die outside!"

I let her push and hit me, not resisting.

It wasn't that I didn't want to, but I couldn't.

With things having come to this, I couldn't let it all fall apart.

Patience in small matters was crucial for larger plans.

3

"Mom! What are you doing!?"

Zain Hobs heard the commotion and rushed over.

He rescued me from my aunt's clutches.

Though he's younger than I am, when he opened his arms and stood in front of me, I felt an unusual sense of security.

My aunt's expression noticeably softened.

But it was only a limited form of gentleness. "This doesn't concern you, go back to your room!"

"No way!"

Zain ignored my aunt's cold demeanor and stubbornly shielded me.

His small face was filled with determination. "I can't just watch you bully my cousin!"

I looked up at him, and my desolate heart began to warm up.

This place really isn't my home.

After my parents died unexpectedly, they didn't even have time to leave a last word.

I suddenly became an orphan, tossed around like a ball by relatives who didn't want to take me in, fearing trouble.

In the end, someone contacted my aunt who had married far away, hoping she would adopt me.

On the phone, my aunt didn't want to take on this burden; she said that having just lost her husband and raising her child alone was hard enough.

Eventually, she relented after persistent persuasion and agreed to come see me.

When she saw me for the first time, her eyes visibly lit up, and the gloom on her face vanished.

She immediately embraced me and vowed to take care of me.

At that moment, I thought I might finally have a home again.

Little did I know, what awaited me was a hell shrouded in beauty.

I lay on the floor, feeling the cold of the ground seeping into my body, and my legs felt so numb they were losing sensation.

My aunt finally gave in to Zain and said, "You go back to your room and reflect on this!"

"Mom! It's not my cousin's fault; you should..."

"Zain."

I suddenly spoke up, interrupting him.

He turned to look at me while I tried to push myself up from the floor.

But I still failed.

I looked up at him and gave a wry smile. "Help me."

Zain didn't hesitate, quickly helping me up and then escorting me back to my room.

4

"Lucy..."

Zain stood in front of me, frowning and looking worried. "Are you okay?"

I forced a smile and said, "I'm fine, don't worry, you can go now."

"But..."

"It's fine, be good and go."

I waved my hand and lowered my voice. "Your mom is in a bad mood, so don't provoke her now, or you might end up getting scolded too."

Zain stubbornly said, "I'm not afraid!"

"But I am."

Sighing, I patiently persuaded him. "If you get scolded or beaten, who will take care of me? I'm still waiting for you to sneak some food to me tonight."

"Oh, right!"

Zain smacked his forehead, as if realizing something.

He hesitated no more and quickly turned to leave, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

As the door closed, the smile on my face vanished.

I let out a long breath, feeling a heaviness in my chest and still struggling to breathe.

My face hurt, my scalp ached, and my legs throbbed.

Everything hurt.

"That bastard really has no manners at all!"

I muttered under my breath when my phone suddenly rang.

Looking at it, I saw a message from Chris. [I'm out. Want to meet up?]

I bit my lip and slowly typed. [I'm hurting.]

After a while, I hadn't received a reply.

I threw the phone onto the bed and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Sticky all over my body, and having been lying on the ground for a while, I didn't know how dirty I must be.

Naturally, I was still not as dirty as someone's heart.

4

My body hurt too much, and I didn't have much strength. I quickly rinsed off, and with wet hair, I came out.

When I opened the bathroom door, I saw someone sitting on my bed.

I was so startled that I almost cried out.

Fortunately, I quickly covered my mouth, avoiding alarming anyone.

"How did you get in?"

Chris looked up at me, raising his eyebrows slightly. "I came in through the window."

As he spoke, he pointed to the window sill.

I was speechless.

This was the downside of living on the first floor without security bars.

"Why didn't you dry your hair?" Chris stared at me, frowning with displeasure.

I shrugged. "It hurt, and I didn't have the strength."

Chris looked at me for a moment and then smiled helplessly.

"You really are something."

Saying that, he got up and went to the bathroom, coming out with a hairdryer.

He gestured to me. "Find a place to sit."

I obediently sat in a chair, closed my eyes, and felt his long fingers weaving through my hair, the warm wind blowing gently.

It brought an indescribable feeling of warmth.

Slowly melting the ice in my heart...

5

I felt so comfortable that I was almost drowsy.

Suddenly, the wind stopped.

His laughing voice came to my ears. "All done."

I suddenly opened my eyes and saw him standing in front of me, bending over to look at me.

I involuntarily bit my lip and pointed to the corner of his mouth. "Who hit you?"

Chris raised his eyebrows and gave a teasing smile. "I thought you couldn't see it."

How could I not see it?

I noticed the injury at the corner of his mouth the first moment I saw him.

I just hadn't had a chance to ask.

"My dad did."

Chris curled his lips, his expression a bit strange. "I guess that's the price for getting me out."

He pointed to my face. "Actually, it's mainly to create a 'couple's injury' with you."

I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't expect any serious words from him.

Fortunately, my brain worked well enough to guess.

Master Baton must have been so angry that he hit Chris.

"Does it hurt?"

"Does it make you feel heartache?"

Chris didn't answer the question and I could only nod.

I then saw him grinning widely, like a blooming chrysanthemum.

He looked quite "taking advantage and still playing innocent."

"The old man's hand was quite heavy; it hurt a lot."

Chris pouted and leaned closer to me.

His expression was eager, like a big golden retriever.

If he had a tail, it would probably be wagging like a spinning top right now.

I felt a bit angry.

He did it on purpose. Knowing that I couldn't refuse his requests, he pretended to be pitiful and wronged, making me feel sorry for him.

Such a schemer.

6

I couldn't say no to him.

I cupped his face with both hands, leaned in, and gently kissed the corner of his lips.

Unexpectedly, he seized the opportunity and immediately embraced me, turning the tables.

I had no defense, so I could only weakly snuggle into his arms, letting him take whatever he wanted.

Fortunately, he understood restraint and stopped at the brink of danger.

His fingers lightly brushed over my lips and landed on my cheek.

"Hiss..."

A sharp pain shot through me, and I couldn't help but take a sharp breath.

Looking up, I saw a flash of hostility in his eyes.

I immediately grabbed his hand. "I'm fine! There has to be a price to pay; it's worth it for the future."

Chris's eyes were filled with tenderness.

He embraced me, resting his chin on the top of my head.

He whispered, "It's almost over; it will be alright soon."

I nodded vigorously, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

The world is full of hardships, but meeting you made me realize it was just a false alarm.

7

I was locked in the house for three whole days.

During these three days, Zain brought me food and water; my aunt never appeared.

Even Zain didn't know where she had gone.

After three days, I was finally allowed to leave the bedroom.

However, in the living room, I saw people other than my aunt.

—Chris's parents.

"Come, Lucy, come to me."

In front of others, my aunt always treated me with great affection, being gentle and considerate.

But only I knew that beneath her kind exterior lay a heart so filthy.

"You're Lucy Wendy?"

Madam Baton looked me up and down and shook her head slightly at Master Baton.

Then she turned to my aunt and said, "We are very sorry for the harm caused to the child. We will provide some compensation. However, we cannot accept the demands you made."

My aunt's expression immediately changed. "What do you mean? Our Lucy's purity and reputation have been destroyed, and you don't want to take responsibility?"

"With this incident, Lucy's future is ruined. How will she live her life after this?"

"Chris must marry her; this is non-negotiable!"

Master Baton and Madam Baton exchanged knowing glances.

Master Baton pulled out a bank card and pushed it towards me.

"There is a sum of money in here, enough to ensure you never have to worry about basic needs for the rest of your lives. As long as you agree to our terms, this money is yours. Take it, move to another city, or even go abroad; it will be more than enough.

"Girl, I hear your grades are excellent and you should have a bright future. Don't ruin it over such a small matter."

At his sincere advice, my face showed little expression.

I simply asked calmly, "What do you want me to do?"

They thought I was conceding and looked pleased, hoping I would admit to seducing Chris first.

As expected, I smiled slightly and not yet speaking, my aunt suddenly pulled me into her arms, holding me tightly.

She glared at them, baring her teeth. "Don't even think about it! Although our family isn't wealthy, we are not those who are swayed by money. I treat Lucy like my own daughter and will never allow you to mistreat her like this!

"Now get out of my house!"

While scolding, my aunt threw the bank card at them and urged them to leave.

I nestled in my aunt's embrace and noticed her hand trembling slightly.

It seemed that throwing back that bank card was very distressing for her.

Once Chris's parents left, my aunt immediately released me.

The tenderness on her face had long disappeared.

Grabbing my shoulders with a heated and frenzied gaze, she said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely find a way to get you into the Baton family!"

I was curious about what kind of plan she would come up with.

However, nothing happened in the next two days.

I still couldn't leave the house, but at least I wasn't confined to my bedroom anymore.

8

After lunch, I felt a bit sleepy and went back to my bedroom to rest.

In my drowsy state, I felt as if a heavy stone was pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe.

I furrowed my brow, struggling, and suddenly opened my eyes—

"Who are you!?"

A stranger had appeared in my room.

Seeing me awake, his face was filled with excitement.

How did he get in? Why was he in my room? Did anyone else in the house know?

My mind was a chaotic mess, and I didn't have time to think. I opened my mouth to scream for help, but he quickly covered my mouth, making only muffled sounds.

The sounds were weak and almost inaudible.

"Screaming louder won't help. Just be obedient, and I might be a bit gentler with you!"

The man was breathing heavily with excitement, pressing down on my hands and feet, trying to tear my clothes.

The disparity in strength between men and women left me powerless to resist, and tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably.

Despair surged in my heart like a tidal wave...

"Lucy, that reference book of yours..."

Just when I thought there was no hope for rescue, Zain pushed open the door and walked in.

My eyes widened, and my whimpers became louder.

"Who are you!? Don't touch my cousin!"

Seeing the scene before him, Zain wasted no time and grabbed a chair from the side, smashing it at the man!

The man winced in pain and released his grip.

I scrambled to my feet, and Zain rushed over, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the door.

He slammed the door behind us.

"Lucy, you need to hide!"

Terrified, I didn't think much about it, nodded, and ran out of the house.

9

In my rush to get out, I didn't take my ID or phone, only some cash in my pocket.

I found a small motel and spent the night there.

I only went back the next day.

As soon as I opened the door, my "disappeared" aunt rushed up to me.

Holding my hands with a concerned face, tears in her eyes, she said, "Lucy, where did you go yesterday? You didn't even take your phone. Do you know how worried I was? I almost called the police."

Seeing her emotional display, I took a deep breath and slowly pulled my hands away.

Staring directly into her eyes without expression, I asked, "Did you do this?"

My aunt played dumb. "What are you talking about?"

"The man from yesterday—did you send him? You couldn't marry me off to the Baton family or use me to appease that old man, so you resorted to this kind of scheme?"

The more I spoke, the more absurd it felt.

The aunt who always claimed to treat me like her own daughter had no sincerity toward me.

In her eyes, there was only interest.

It was truly disgusting.

The thought of that man on top of me made me feel nauseous.

I even vomited several times in the room yesterday.

I vomited until my stomach was empty and bile came up.

My aunt's expression suddenly changed, showing a moment of embarrassment as if she'd been exposed.

But it was only for a moment.

She soon regained her composure, sticking her neck out, and said with conviction, "What do you know? I'm doing all this for your own good!"

10

"For my own good?" I scoffed, as if I'd heard a joke.

She remained undeterred, her voice still full of conviction. "What do you know?! I've been running around for days, just for your sake. Now that Chris has ruined your reputation, shouldn't his family take responsibility? They're wealthy and well-established; you wouldn't be at a disadvantage marrying into their family. But who would have thought they'd look down on you, wanting to just pay you off with a bit of money. What a pipe dream!

"I've thought it over. They're not accepting you because they haven't been pushed to their limits yet. If you were pregnant, even if they're reluctant, they couldn't just let a child from the Baton family be left out in the cold.

"As long as you can marry into their family, it would be a life of endless benefits; it's a chance to rise to the top. It's worth making some sacrifices now for a better future!"

I was confused and incredulous, hardly believing it. "You mean, you want me to get pregnant with someone else's child and pretend it's Chris's?"

I usually spoke clearly, but this time, such a simple sentence was so hard to say.

It felt as though gravel was lodged in my throat, each word felt like being pierced by a knife.

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean!"

My aunt nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with a fervent heat that almost seemed to engulf me. "I'm doing this just in case. Maybe you're already pregnant. Besides, this isn't your first time; what's a few more occurrences to you?"

What's the difference?

Perhaps the difference was between being human and being a beast!

I felt utterly exhausted, looking at her was as repulsive as looking at that man.

I couldn't stay for another second. I pushed past her and rushed back to my room.

I quickly packed my things and was about to leave.

Seeing me about to go, my aunt panicked and blocked me. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going back to school."

"Back to school? Don't you understand the gravity of the situation? Once this matter is resolved, you'll be well taken care of even without school. It's a stroke of good fortune!

"Do you want this fortune for yourself?"

I sneered, gritting my teeth, and was determined to leave.

My aunt tried to stop me, but Zain suddenly appeared from somewhere and pulled her aside.

He said to me, "Lucy, you should go back to school. I'll handle things at home."

Seeing his anxious expression, I felt my heart ached with endless sorrow.

Without him, I might be...

In this family, he was the only warmth I could feel.

I took a deep breath, blinked rapidly, and forced back my tears.

Clenching my teeth, I resolutely left.

Ignoring my aunt's shouting behind me, I walked faster and faster.