Misplaced Love: He Is Out of Control

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When my fianc was on his deathbed in an earthquake, he made his older brother, James Stork, promise him that he would take care of me after his death.

James kept his promise and took care of me for five years.

One day, we got drunk and in the moment of recklessness, we ended up sleeping together. As a result, I got pregnant.

Remembering the ring that James kept hidden in the drawer, I became excited and could not wait to tell him the news.

However, as I entered the house, I was walking in the middle of James and his "one true love", Jane Lennox, having a heated lovemaking session.

Seeing this, my face turned as white as a ghost and I fled from the scene.

However, his hoarse voice called out to me, "Sandra Lane, could you help me buy a box of condoms?"

I crushed the pregnancy result tightly in my fist as I gave out a bitter smile.

After I returned with a box of condoms, James transferred fifteen hundred dollars to my account for running errands for him.

Jane, his lover, turned her gaze at me after looking at the box briefly. Her eyes were full of malice when directed to me.

Then she said, "James, your sister-in-law looks so innocent, but she sure knows how to pick things.

James's gaze was sharp as he scolded, "You're still young. Stop meddling in adult matters. Go stay at a hotel for a few days before coming back.

I obediently left and never came back.

After that, I went to the doctor to abort our baby.

When the doctor saw me return to her office, she was confused.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

I was not surprised she asked that question. After all, when I first found out I was pregnant, my face was flushed with joy. Now, it was deathly pale.

I said to her, "Please schedule the earliest appointment for an abortion."

Having seen the warmth and the coldness of human relationships, the doctor did not persuade me to do otherwise. However, when it came time to sign the consent form, she insisted I get a family members signature.

I pulled out my phone and instinctively pressed a speed dial. The phone only rang once and before I could do anything, James had already hung up on me.

I forced a smile and told the doctor, I dont have any family. Ill sign it myself.

After the abortion procedure finished, I found out that James had sent me a message along with a screenshot of a hotel reservation.

It said, "Don't call me unless it's an emergency. You know the reason."

The man was considered enough to book me a hotel room for an entire week.

I was not dumb. After I saw the diamond ring on that woman's finger, what else was there to understand?

When I saw the diamond ring in the drawer, I was too foolish to think James had prepared it for me.

Even more absurd, I thought he might remember that night of madness between the two of us.

I looked at the bloody remains of the tiny life I had lost and left and at that moment, my heart turned into ashes.

The superior luxury room hotel that I stayed in had everything that I needed. It was as cozy as the bedroom James had set up for me.

However, as I curled under the blanket, all I could feel was a bone-chilling coldness.

With trembling hands, I made a call, Senior, you mentioned putting together a medical aid team for Africa. Count me in.

Although thrilled I wanted to join her, she was thoughtful and cautiously asked, Sandra, didnt you say before that your brother-in-law wouldnt let you go to Africa? Did you two have a fight?

Just because you're angry, dont act on impulse and leave with me. If he finds out and becomes panics, hell search everywhere to find you!

It was understandable, she had this concern.

After that reckless night with James, I had sneaked away in embarrassment while he was still asleep.

Later, he treated me the same as before, like his little sister and acted as if nothing had happened.

I was so angry with him, he had dared to do the deed but refused to own it. So, I went traveling without saying a word to clear my mind.

At that time, James turned the city upside down to find me. As a result, everyone knew that he treated his sister-in-law like his precious little sister.

His act made me assume I must mean a lot to him.

However, the reality was harsh. Turned out, I overestimated my importance.

Now, just one night with his beloved was enough for him to offer me a hotel for a week. Once they got married, there was no place for me in that home.

I could not bear to stay and see him and that woman displaying their love every single day.

I hurriedly explained, "He agreed with this."

Okay, Ill put your name on the list and send you all the information in a while so you can prepare everything in advance," finally my senior agreed.

I booked a flight for seven days later, enough time for me to stay at the hotel before leaving for good.

As for things that I had to bring, I tried to think about them but realized there was nothing I truly needed.

Ever since that earthquake, I did not have a real home. Everything that I owned after that was brought by James.

He had paid for all my expenses, so I did not have to touch the inheritance my parents had left me.

I knew I had to repay him back. So, I kept some for myself and sent the rest of the money that I owed to the card he gave me.

Once I finished everything, without any thought in my mind, I fell into a deep sleep.

In my sleep, I felt as if the building was shaking.

I was too deep in my sleep that when my phone rang, I did not hear it, even though it rang multiple times.

Then someone pounded urgently on the door.

"Sandra! Open the door!"

Hearing James's anxious voice jolted me awake and for a moment, I did not know where I was.

I opened the door in a dazed state. When he saw I was okay, relief washed over his face, but it quickly turned to anger.

Whats wrong with you? You were ignoring my calls and messages. Are you trying to scare me for fun?

After I picked up the phone, I realized James had called me multiple times.

While I was asleep, another earthquake struck.

Sorry, I was in a deep sleep and didnt hear anything," I apologized.

James exploded, "Don't lie! Youre terrified of earthquakes. Even the slightest tremor keeps you up all night!

He was not wrong. Every time it happened, he would stay up with me and assure me that he would protect me.

He even said that even if the building collapsed, he would be there with me until the very end.

When I saw his misbuttoned shirt, a strange warm feeling filled my heart.? Turned out, he did still care about my safety.

Yet, as soon as my gaze landed on the marks on his neck, I snapped from my imagination. I realized his concern was not for me at all.

He was only looking after me because of his dying brothers last request and I was just a pitiful orphan who happened to be part of his responsibility.

"I guess I was just too tired," I calmly said.

Clearly, James did not believe my claim because he looked inattentively at my face for a while before reprimanding me coldly, Why is your face so pale? Did you do this just to make me come here?

I looked up and saw the frustration in his eyes.

In the past, if there was an earthquake and he saw my pale face, he would tell me not to worry and that everything would be fine.

Now, when he saw my pale face, he accused me of putting on an act and painted it white.

Although my lips stretched into a smile, inside, I felt like I was soaking in ice-cold water.

Sorry for ruining your night, Big Brother. Go back and keep your girlfriend company.

I hadnt called him big brother in a long time.

The name that slipped out of my mouth made James's lips tighten into a thin line and in his dark eyes, I saw the emotions I could not decipher.

Youre coming back with me. If there are aftershocks, Ill feel better knowing youre safe with me and Jane. Besides, this will prevent you from doing this kind of stunt again," he added.

I wont cause any trouble. You can go. I refused to leave.

James, who had almost lost his patience, frowned. Because you wouldnt answer your phone, I had to leave Jane alone. Cant you be more considerate?

I had already aborted our child and planned to leave quietly, was not it sensible enough? What more did he want from me?

Before I could say anything, his phone rang.

A delicate, tearful voice asked, James, when are you coming back? Im scared .

"Jane. Don't worry, I'll be back soon," James assured her with a gentle tone while giving me a look. His eyes urged me to cooperate.

The fact that he thought of me during the first sign of the earthquake was already enough for me. After all, we were not related by blood and he had taken good care of me for years. If I still did not that it was time to draw a line, I was being ungrateful.

James was still on the phone when I refused to leave, so he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, then carried me to the elevator.?

When I was busy struggling and telling him to put me down, I accidentally knocked his phone to the floor.

Angry and frustrated with my antic, he slapped my backside hard. The crisp sound echoed down the hall.

We were so shocked that we both froze at the same time.

The warmth of his hand seeped through the thin fabric, making me feel uncomfortable.

When the thought of the mistake we made that night went through my mind, my cold body turned hot.

The little girl who passed by covered her mouth and snickered as she ran away.

I overheard her excitedly gossiping with her friend around the corner, I just saw the cutest couple! I bet they wont leave the hotel room for days!

When James who had been stunned silly because of his action heard this, he immediately threw me to the floor. His usually calm demeanor shattered as his face flushed all the way down his neck.

Look at the mess youve caused. This is a disaster! I should never have bothered about you!

After saying this, he picked out his phone and stormed off the hotel.

I used all my strength to steady myself by holding onto the elevator doors until they were about to close. Then I collapsed, unable to stand anymore.

He was the one who tried to drag me away and he was the one who crossed the line.

If that was enough to embarrass him, what about his act of getting me pregnant? What did that mean?

As my emotions surged, I felt a rush of blood flowing from between my legs.

Darkness clouded my vision and I fell backward.

?When the young woman saw me collapse, she shouted toward the elevator, Hey, your girlfriend just fainted!

I forced my eyes open, catching only a glimpse of the elevator numbers dropping steadily. The number stopped on the first floor and stayed there for a long time.

The girl who had been watching earlier rushed over and helped me up.

When she saw the blood pooling beneath me, she was furious. Whats wrong with him? Did your boyfriend just leave you here like this?

I managed a bitter smile. Youve got it wrong. Hes not my boyfriend.

However, she automatically assumed that we had argued and broken up.

With her support, I tried to make my way back to the room, but after just a few steps, everything went black and I passed out completely.

When I opened my eyes again, all I saw was white. The familiar smell of disinfectant told me I was in a hospital.

"Are you awake?" asked the nurse.

After she checked on me and confirmed that I was stable, she began to complain, "What's wrong with your emergency contact? I had tried to call him so many times but every time, he hung up on me."

"You're lucky. The girl who bought you here covered your medical expenses."

I pulled out my phone and looked at my call history.

There was no doubt about it, James was truly angry this time. However, I did not have any intention to explain anything or make peace with him.

I actually felt a sense of relief that he did not answer the phone, otherwise, I could not hide the fact that I had just miscarried.

I stayed in the hospital for a few more days before heading back to the hotel to collect my belongings.

However, when I went there, I was told that James had already checked me out. The staff who handed me my luggage gave an apologetic look, but there was a hint of amusement in their eyes.

As I left, I overheard their gossip, their words clear as day. "It seems she mustve fallen out of favor, right?

Of course. Mr. Stork is already engaged. Theres no place for her now as his sister-in-law."

I thought shed be the one to win his heart after all these years. Turns out she lost to his true love instead!

In the hotel lobby, a news report played on a screen, announcing James and Janes engagement set for the next day.

I acted like I didnt hear anything, flagged down a cab and headed to the airport.

As the cab moved, the scenery outside the window turned blurred and I closed my eyes out of sheer exhaustion.

The car kept driving, much longer than it should have. When I opened my eyes, I realized something was wrong.

Panic set in as I glanced at the rearview mirror. The masked drivers gaze flicked toward me, it was cold and snake-like.

I tried to stay calm and discreetly pulled out my phone to call for help.

Unfortunately, he realized my movement. He gave me a sinister smile and slammed on the brakes.

It's too late now, he sneered.

He got out and pressed a damp cloth over my nose and mouth. My vision blurred as I started losing consciousness.

He grabbed my phone and mocked me, "Are you trying to get help? Let's make a bet. If he answers your call, I'll let you go. If he doesn't, well ."

The man unlocked my phone with my fingerprint and dialed the number at the top of my contact list.

Just as I expected, James did not pick up my call. The call went to voicemail and when the man tried again, it was immediately declined.

On the third attempt, James finally answered. I tried to cry for help, but my voice was barely a whisper.

On the other end, his voice was filled with anger, "Sandra, you should know your place! My brother is dead and to me, youre nothing but a stranger. Stop trying to drag me back into your life!

His furious shout echoed through the phone, mixing with the masked mans taunts. The words stabbed into my ears and heart like a knife.

The car stopped at an abandoned factory and the man dragged me out, then threw me onto the cold, hard ground.

A pair of high heels appeared in my line of sight. Before I could see the womans face clearly, she kicked me hard twice. My body was so weak that I saw stars because of it.

"Sandra, you're so shameless!" she hissed. "James sees you as a little sister and here you are, trying to slander him!

I recognized the voice immediately. The day I stumbled upon James and Janes moment of passion, she looked at me with hostility.

At that moment, she glared at me with her hand holding her phone.

Did you leak this photo? she demanded. If I hadnt caught it in time and James hadnt handled it properly, you wouldve had your way!

I glanced at the photo and finally understood why James had said those words.

The photo showed James was walking away and leaving me on the ground.

It was accompanied by a caption that read, "All almighty netizen, please help me expose this scumbag! His girlfriend just had a miscarriage and when he couldn't get his way, he dumped her violently!

I swallowed the metallic taste of blood in my mouth and denied it, "You've misunderstood."

Misunderstood? Dont think I dont know what youre up to! You heard James is getting engaged to me and now youre panicking! she yelled.

"You are a virgin, but you're so shameless. You even went so far as faking to have a miscarriage just so you can play the victim, huh? You have no shame!

It was bad enough that James had humiliated me and denied everything. However, Jane had kidnapped me and was hurling insults at me. Did they think I was that easy to bully?

With all the strength I could muster, I shoved her foot off my face. She wasnt prepared, lost her balance and fell.

Enraged, she raised her hand as if to slap me but then hesitated for some reason. A sinister smile that I could not understand spread across her face. "Sandra as a woman, I can tell you like James Lets see just how important you are to him!

A sense of dread filled me.

Before I could do anything, Jane slapped her face hard, twice. She then removed her engagement ring and slipped it onto my finger while I watched in shock.

Finally, she scratched her arms, leaving deep, bleeding marks, before instructing the masked man to tie her up.

She faced me with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Sandra, did you bring me here just to kidnap and humiliate me?"

Just as she finished speaking, the door was kicked open and a figure rushed in. Even with the light behind him, I recognized James immediately.

Upset and extremely aggravated, I called out softly, "James ."

However, he ignored me. He rushed over to untie Jane. As he cradled her in his arms, he gently soothed her, "Jane, are you okay?"

He cupped her swollen face, his eyes filled with concern.

There was a time when he would look at me that way, but ever since Jane returned, I no longer existed in his eyes.

He checked her over from head to toe, his expression darkened when he saw the scratches on her hand.

Furious, he turned to me and yelled!" Sandra! Who gave you the right to hurt her?

Jane's eyes were red and teary like a rabbit. She choked back sobs as she pleaded on my behalf, "James, dont be mad at your sister-in-law. She likes you, so its understandable that she resents me. Luckily, you arrived in time, so I wasnt seriously hurt.

James glanced at the masked man, who took the opportunity to flee and then slapped me hard.

What kind of sister-in-law falls for her brother-in-law, making a spectacle of herself? She has no shame, but I still have my reputation to protect!

Janes lips curled, but she maintained a pained expression as she tearfully begged me, "Sandra, could you please return the ring? Its the engagement ring James gave me. If you give it back, I wont hold this kidnapping against you.

Her eyes, swollen and red, were full of provocation.

Seeing through her act, I took the ring off and tossed it at Jamess feet.

Looking him straight in the eye, I said firmly, I dont like you and I have no interest in playing along with your fiances drama. Take your stupid ring and get out.

My words darkened Jamess face; his expression turned gloomy.

Sandra, pick up the ring and hand it back to your sister-in-law! Apologize to her! he yelled.

From start to finish, he was the one at fault, yet he was forcing me to apologize.

Shes the one who brought me here. If anyone needs to apologize, its her! I yelled back.

Sandra, Ive spoiled you for far too long!

Fine, dont apologize. You'd better go to my brothers grave and reflect on your actions. Think about whether youve honored his dying wish to take care of you!

His tone was icy, leaving no room for argument.

He was right because I was about to leave, I owed it to Luke Stork to pay my respects.

At the cemetery, he watched as I obediently knelt before the grave. Then, with Jane who gave me a smug look in his arms, he walked away.

Rain began to fall and without a second glance, I booked another flight, determined to leave this place.

As the plane was about to take off, I searched for my medical documents and only then I realized the folder was missing. The record was filled with my prenatal checkup records and miscarriage report.

Just then, James unexpectedly called me, "Sandra! Tell me the truth who's the man who got you pregnant?"