Maxine's Pov:
Noah's car was parked in front of the house, and I came out with him and Charlene. 

I walked in with them feebly but insisted on going to my room alone. 

"Be quick for dinner so your meal doesn't get cold, okay?" Noah said, and I just gave a perfunctory nod and left slowly.

In my room, I sat on the bed, feeling a wave of weakness and bitterness that refused to fade, pulling me into a dark silence.

I sauntered to the bed and sat on it, and the memories came driving in. 

Dad used to call me "princess" and Mum - "baby" - but now, those memories only deepen my sense of loss and longing, making readers feel her profound grief. 

They used to be the sweetest thing to me - showered me with so much love and care and treated me like a queen. 

Dad used to call me "princess"

And mum - "baby".

We made so many plans together, and I can recall the moment I heard they were dead. 

They had left for a meeting but never returned that night. And the following morning, they were dead. 
The only precious people to me were dead. 

I remember crying my eyes out and losing consciousness. I stayed in the hospital for days before being discharged and made to stay with Richard and his family.  

They killed my family and turned me into an enslaved person. How could they be so cruel??

Tears were already scrolling down my cheeks as I wept uncontrollably. It was more than a shock to me. 

I had always known there was something mysterious about my parents' death - I just never thought Richard could ever be behind it. His own brother?

"Maxine?" I heard my name from outside but couldn't even lift my head.
It was probably Noah. 

I bent my head and continued weeping, and soon, he opened the door and walked in.

"Maxine?" He called, his voice tinged with worry, as he hurried toward me, sensing my distress and trying to break through my silence.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He cooed as he crouched in front of me, but I still kept my head bent to the floor, still crying. 

He cupped my cheeks and lifted my face,  making me look into his face. 

"Hey, it's okay. Everything will be fine - I promise," he said, but I couldn't say a word, and he pulled me into a hug. 
*
*
#Next_morning. 

Ruby's Pov:
I kept turning and turning on the bed, finding it so difficult to sleep again. Gosh! I still felt dizzy. So, why the hell am I finding it difficult to fall asleep?

Suddenly, the door opened, with Tammy running in. 

What the heck!

"Ruby! Ruby!" She called and slapped my leg.

Ouch!

"Hey! What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you have to slap me??" I asked angrily as I sat up immediately.

Oscar's return sparks excitement and curiosity, making readers eager to discover his motives and the secrets he might hold. 

"Huh? He is?" I asked, surprised, and she laughed and ran out of the room. 

I left the bed at once and hurried out of the room, and there I met him with Mum, Dad, and Tammy in the sitting room.

Oh my gee!!! He's here!!

Oscar! I shrieked in excitement, running down the stairs and jumping into his arms, feeling a rush of happiness that readers will share.

"Heyyyy. Look who's all grown up now," he laughed as he twirled me around in his arms, and I fingered him as I climbed down from his body. 

"I've missed you, brother!! I can't believe you're back! Oh my God!! You look so cute," I said and pulled off his glasses.

"Hey, move away, Ruby. You're not the only one here," Tammy said as she pushed me away and stepped in front.

What? What the heck?

"Have you gone..."

"Hey, that's enough. Give your brother some space - both of you," Mum chipped in when I was about to flare up, and I rolled my eyes at Ruby. 

"I missed you, Oscar. So, tell me; how was Korea?" Ruby asked as she threw her hands over his shoulders like a baby.

"Do you really expect him to start talking like a parrot? He's just coming back. Give him a break," Dad said, and Mum took his hand.

"Come with me, son. I'll show you to your room," she said and started leading him away while I glared at Tammy. 

"You're such a brat", I muttered to her, hearing and following Mum and Oscar behind.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I sat at the dining table with Noah and Charlene, having breakfast.

I just kept eating slowly as I didn't have an appetite for anything at all. 

"Do you need something else, Maxine?" Noah asked, and I just shook my head.

"Hope you'll be able to participate in tonight's competition?" He asked again, and I nodded.

Of course, I wouldn't miss it for anything. 

"Um...Charlene," he called, staring at her. 

"You said your ex is after you, right?" 

"Yes. I'm pretty sure he's combing the area right now for me," she replied. 

"Well...if not for the fact that Maxine wants to take the whole thing slowly, I'd have suggested we report everything to the police so they can arrest the criminals and give you protection.

"So....I think it'd be better if you stay here for the meantime," he added, and she smiled. 

"Thank you so much", she beamed.

And after a while, she called out to me. 

"Maxine".

I looked at her without saying a word. 

"Your revenge is about to begin. And your key will be Oscar".