For years, Ss and I had been the “power duo” of the National Research Institute, creating dozens of patented inventions for the country.
Some CEOs were constantly trying to cozy up to us, hoping to get their hands on patents through private deals.
Ss had done some side work with a fewpanies, developing minor patents for them. I had warned him against getting involved inmercial coborations, those people were backstabbers, not our kind.[]
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Ss would justugh and reassure me that he knew what he was doing, saying that you need friends in this world, that people have to help each other out.]
When I arrived at the institute, my colleagues all gave me meaningful looks, filled with disdain and contempt.[]
knew what they were thinking: that I was a jealous shrew who had schemed to get rid of the poor little girl, causing her to be brutally abused and lose her mind.
A few of the younger researchers, filled with righteous indignation, blocked my path.
“Dr. Martin, how can youe to work acting like nothing happened? Don’t you feel even a shred of guilt?”
“Yeah, Reba was such a sweet, innocent girl, always so friendly to everyone. How could you be so cruel to her, just because of some petty jealousy?”
“You didn’t have the guts to confront Ss, so you took it out on innocent Reba. You’re just evil.“]
They backed me into a corner as they spoke.]
Just then, a soft<b>, </b>weak voice came from the doorway.
“Hey guys, what are you doing?<b>“</b>]
Everyone turned to see Reba, bundled in a thick coat, walking in timidly, with Ss’s hand resting on the small of her back.
The guys immediately rushed over to her.]]
“Reba, what are you doing here? You’re not well, you should be resting.”
“Yeah, we were just teaching this monster a lesson for you. I don’t care who she is, I can’t stand bullies who throw their weight around.“]
A faint, weak smile touched Reba’s lips.]
“Thank you all for your kindness. But please, don’t me Charlotte. She’s my benefactor<b>. </b><b>I </b>can’t hold this against her.“[]
She lowered her head and began to wipe away tears.
“If you have to me someone, me my bad luck. I was raised by my grandmother, I worked so hard to <b>get </b>into college, and then to get into the institute. I thought my hardships were finally over.“]]
As she spoke, she covered her mouth, her voice catching with a sob, her face turning even paler.[]
Suddenly, a group of rough–looking older men and women burst into the institute, shouting and cursing.]
“Where is that venomous bitch, Charlotte Martin? Think you can bully our little Reba just because she’s an orphan?“]]
“Shameless couple! The husband takes advantage of my niece, and the wife uses her power to kick her out. My poor Reba, what did she ever do to deserve meeting such animals!”
One of the women plopped down on the floor and began to wail loudly, crying about the injustice done to Reba.[]
Just then, a burly man lunged forward and punched Ss square in the face.
“You’re that animal of a scientist! I know you, you even came to our vige! Said you were Reba’s boyfriend back then, turned out you’re just a liar.“]
The mannded another punch to Ss’s gut. Ss immediately doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach.[]
Reba quickly stood in front of Ss, shouting.[]
“Stop hitting him! It was my choice! I like Ss, he never lied to me!“]
She desperately tried to push the group away.[]
“Don’t hit him! It was all my fault, I was being a slut, I’m not good enough for him.“]
At Reba’s heartbroken cries, everyone fell silent.]
One of the women walked forward and wrapped her in a hug.]
“My poor child. No parents growing up. We thought after all that hardship, once you got your education<b>, </b>you’d have a good life. We never thought you’d be ruined by such wicked people.“]
Reba hugged the woman back, and they wept together.[]
“Auntie, I don’t me anyone. It’s just my wretched fate.“]
Watching the two of them crying, Ss could no longer maintain hisposure. He pulled Reba into his arms.
“Reba, I’ll marry you. Let me take care of you for the rest of our lives.”
<b>He </b>turned to face the crowd.]
“Uncles, aunts, colleagues, I want you all to be my witnesses today. <b>I</b><b>, </b>Ss Duncan<b>, </b>have decided to take Reba Brown as my wife, to love and protect her for the rest of my life. If I ever break this vow, may lightning strike me down.“[]