Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 14: A mistress daughter

As Elaine made her way toward college, she quickly noticed the shift in the atmosphere. Students whispered among themselves, their gazes flickering toward her with a mix of disdain and amusement. Though their voices were hushed, the cruel words still reached her ears.

"She's just a mistress's daughter..."

"Look at her, acting so high and mighty."

"People thought she was some Monroe princess, but in reality, she should be ashamed."

Elaine felt her chest tighten. Growing up, she had endured the taunts of her stepmother and sister, but now their venom had spread beyond her home, staining her life at college.

Her vision blurred as tears threatened to fall, but she steeled herself. She refused to break, not in front of them. She wouldn't let them see her pain.

Before she could react, Mary and Ryan appeared, rushing toward her. Without hesitation, they grabbed her arms and pulled her away from the suffocating stares. They led her to the school garden, where they settled onto a secluded bench.

Elaine remained silent, her head bowed as she stared at the ground. Mary and Ryan exchanged worried glances, their anger simmering beneath the surface. She didn't deserve this cruelty. No one did.

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Taking a deep breath, Mary finally spoke, her voice firm yet comforting. "Elaine, listen to me. You need to hold your head high. You haven't done anything wrong."

Elaine said nothing, but Mary continued. "If anyone should be ashamed, it's your father and mother. They made their choices—you didn't. You shouldn't carry their mistakes as your burden."

Ryan crossed his arms, his jaw tight with frustration. "These people are cowards, Elaine. Don't let their words define you."

Elaine lifted her head slightly, her watery eyes meeting theirs. The ache in her chest remained, but their words brought a small sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she felt.

Determined to carry on, Elaine forced herself to attend her classes, but the whispers never stopped. Wherever she went, the cruel murmurs followed. Mary, having had enough, finally snapped. She warned the students that if they kept talking, they'd have to deal with her fists. Some shut their mouths, but others were bold enough to taunt Elaine openly.

"What's a mistress's daughter doing in this prestigious college?" one sneered. "She's ruining our reputation."

"Enough."

The voice that cut through the room was firm, unwavering. All eyes turned toward Adrian, who stood at the entrance of the hall. He had been waiting for Elaine in the stadium for their basketball match, but instead, he found himself overhearing the cruel gossip about her. Normally, he would ignore such drama, but this was Elaine.

His hands clenched into fists as he stepped forward, his sharp gaze silencing the crowd.

A student scoffed. "But she is a mistress's daughter. This is a reputable college—"

Adrian's glare was enough to make the boy shut his mouth. His voice was cold, sharp. "And what of it? What crime has she committed? She was born from her parents' sins—does that make her guilty? If you're so eager to shame someone, shame her father. Not her."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Adrian's gaze swept over the crowd. "You act as if your own lives are spotless, as if you have the right to judge. This is a college, not some high school hallway for gossiping children. Grow up and learn the difference between right and wrong before you speak."

The weight of his words settled over the students. One by one, they looked away, shame creeping onto their faces as they realized their cruelty.

Adrian turned to Elaine. "Pack your things. We're leaving."

Elaine hesitated, but before she could respond, Mary was already grabbing her bag and shoving it into Adrian's hands. "Take her out of here," she said, her voice firm. "She doesn't need to be around these people."

Without another word, Adrian took Elaine's hand and led her away from the suffocating stares.