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Bullied Me 10

Bullied Me 10

Chapter 10 

As if on cue, the bathroom door opens, and June pops her head through

*Spring, will you wash my hair for me?” 

Emotions rise in my throat and I force them down as I turn to my sister. I’ll be there in a minute, sweetie. Just do everything else. Brush your teeth too.” 

She gives me an adorable, sheepish smile. They have a tub and bath salts and bombs; can I run a bath and soak in it?” 

I laugh softly. Do you know how to?” 

She nods eagerly and looks so small and excited that I feel a primal urge to just hold her. Knock yourself out, hon; I’ll come join you soon.” 

She lets out a delighted squeal, and her head disappears back into the bathroom before the door clicks shut

Well, isn’t she adorable,Peter muses. She’ll definitely be a crowd favorite.” 

turn back to him, my feelings souring. Crowd favorite? She’s not in the competition.” 

He chuckles. But she’ll definitely be in the news reports, the photo ops, all of that.” 

She’s not a contestant, she’s a child.” 

He nods. One with special needsthat you brought here.” 

Because she can’t live without me! I’m all she has.” 

Exactly!he laughs. Think about the news articlesthe Ashfords are so altruistic, so indiscriminate and inclusive. They accepted applicants from all backgrounds, even one with a sick, dependent sister. They don’t care about trivial, petty things like background or influence, they have big hearts, they’re so generous, so-” 

I get it!” 

Peter chuckles. Do you?” 

I sigh. The only reason I’m still here is because my sister’s condition is good press for your family.” 

He grins. Bingo.” 

I shake my head. Do you realize how messed up that is? Your family is exploiting us!” 

He cocks his head to the side. Really? You realize that for the duration of your stay here, your sister has access to the best medical attention she could ever need.” 

I hate the way I involuntarily perk up at his words. What do you mean?” 

He shrugs. What care does she need?” 

I sigh. She’s diabetic. She needs basal insulin once a day and bolus before every meal.” 

To his credit, Peter doesn’t instantly make the cruel, mocking remark I expect from him

Does she have a pump?he asks

I shake my head. We can’t afford that.” 

He shrugs. We can.” 

My heart skips a beat. You wouldn’t do that.” 

If my parents thought it would help boost their image, they would do anything, even cure her diabetes if it was possible.” 

1/3 

12:39 PM p p

Chapter 10 

My sister isn’t a charity case,I say, but the words sound flat even to my own ears. The thought of not having to worry about the cost of her insulin shots or where to get money from when her current supply runs out makes me want to sag with relief

Look,Peter starts, the truth is, even if your sister wasn’t here, you wouldn’t be so easily sent home after what happened. The names of the girls in the competition have been released to the press and the general public, we would look fickle and unreliable if you were sent home on the first day.” 

What are you saying?” 

He shrugs, leaning back on his arms on my bed. I’m saying take advantage of the situation.He smirks. We’re using youso use us.” 

I hate this. I hate this so very much

The idea of these rich people looking down their noses at my sister and me, using her unfortunate condition to rack themselves points in the eye of the public, makes me furious. So furious that I consider packing our bags and hightailing out of here without so much as a backward glance

But Peter is right

If even for a short while, someone else can take the burden of June’s care off my exhausted shoulders… 

I don’t know if it makes me a bad sister to feel so relieved at the prospect

Peter sees the resignation and acceptance on my face and smirks triumphantly. Let Easton or Anna know about your needs as soon as possible,he instructs

Thank you,I say through gritted teeth, wondering if I could get away with slapping him if I said that’s how I show gratitude

You’re very welcome,he says with the same insincere smirk

I glance pointedly at the door. Anything else?Can you get out now

Peter shrugs. You know, I don’t know much about the dynamics of the competition. Like I don’t know how they intend to match which candidate with which brother.” 

Yeah, well, neither do I. Why don’t you discuss this with Easton?Out of my room, far, far away from me

He smirks. Aren’t you even the least bit curious? What if you end up with Lucasor me?” 

The thought of ending up with Peter makes bile rise in my throat. Even with Lucasmarrying Nathan feels like a pipe dream, an unattainable fairy tale. But marrying his brother just feelswrong

But I don’t play into Peter’s game. Cut the bullshit,I say. You know I have no chance of winning this thing.” 

His lip twitches. What makes you think that?” 

You said it yourself, I’m only here for sympathy points. Your family would never touch a family like mine with a ten foot pole, they definitely wouldn’t want to see us joined in matrimony.” 

Peter is fullon grinning now. I remember you being a nerd in school. It’s good to know you’re still a smarty pants.” 

Great. So we agree.Get out of my room

Still,he muses, I can’t help but wonder how the dynamic between you and Nathan will fare during the competition. I don’t know about you, but I’m not one for a boring straightforward competition.” 

I flash him a tight smile. Then let’s hope your bride is one hell of an entertainer.” 

He chuckles and finally stands up from my bed. He moves towards the door, but his hand rests on the doorknob, and he stills

I look forward to this competition, April. Deny all you want but I know there’s something between you and Nathanor at least there’s the potential for something.” 

You’ll be disappointed.” 

2/3 

Chapter 10 

Peter smirks. No, I don’t think I will.He winks, and then he’s gone

My breath whooshes out of me as the door clicks shut, and I stagger to the bed. I plop onto it, occupying the space Peter just vacated

His words seem to press me down into the mattress and I suddenly feel so exhausted. Two things ring loud and clear, though: I’m here now for June, and I will make sure she gets the best treatment the Ashfords can afford

Secondly, I will never win this competition or ever be an Ashford bride

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