493: [Bonus chapter] You are not the big sis

[Bonus chapter] You are not the big sis

The first time Princess laid eyes on the girl, she instantly knew she shouldn't be inside that container. Most of them were runts, while some were stray children who were abandoned by their families to die or survive on their own.  2

But that girl in pigtails, while her large curl bounced on her shoulder, seemed well-off. 

"You're a real princess, are you? How did you know they plan to replace everyone's organs with drugs, if not?"

All Princess could do was stare at the beautiful girl. The latter's eyes were twinkling with anticipation and admiration. Her gleeful appearance, however, disappeared when a man's voice thundered outside the container. 

"Hera! Do you really want me to get killed?! Just how many times am I going to tell you not to run off?!"

The young Hera frowned deeply, turning her head to the container's only entrance and exit. "Weren't we playing hide and seek?"

"No!" The man outside, Vicenzo, gasped in exasperation. "Oh, my goodness. Just whose daughter is this? I bet her father is so brave that she turned out like this! Just how could she get all of her father's good traits?"

"Well." Hera shrugged nonchalantly as she faced the girl before her. "Hey, want to be my friend?"

"Huh?"

"Daddy, I'm going to adopt a little sister!" said the little girl, who was surely, much smaller than Princess if the latter stood up. With lips stretched from ear to ear until her teeth were on full display, Little Hera offered a hand to Princess. "I'm Hera. Call me big sis!" 

"..."

Princess couldn't recall how or when. She couldn't even remember taking that girl's hand. But somehow, she ended up getting dragged into the mansion of the only princess of the Cruel Family to be her friend. Even at the present time, Princess didn't know what happened that night. All she could remember was that she disliked Hera in the beginning. 

Hera was spoiled and mischievous, but she was smart, almost like a genius. Armed men surrounded her most of the time, and she would habitually tag along with her father secretly. Despite her age, adults respected her. Unlike Princess, who was abandoned as a child and then sold for a few grams of drugs. 

But that small difference and envy didn't last because Hera, despite her differences with others, was likable. She was sweet and precious. She took care of Princess even when the latter showed clear dislike toward her. 

Hera took care of Princess like what a true big sister would take care of her little sister. They weren't blood-related, but she still did. It didn't matter if they were ten years old, in their teens, or even as adults. Hera became a strong pillar of support for everyone, not just for Princess. And because of that, the loyalty and support she got from everyone was unbending. 

Thus, they couldn't all deny how amazing Hera Cruel was. People could hate her, but they could never deny how wickedly remarkable she was.

[PRESENT TIME]

Princess blinked ever so slowly, lips drawn into a tight line. When she closed her eyes to rest, her breathing calmed down. 

"Am I foolish?" she whispered, earning Gray's arch brow. "To want to believe that woman is actually alive? Albeit in another person's body??"

Gray lowered his brow, keeping his eyes on the high ceiling as if he wasn't on duty. He didn't answer, keeping his silence, as he also had the same question in mind. 

Were they foolish to want to believe Heaven Liu is actually Hera Cruel?

Their boss? The person they swear in their life to stay until death comes knocking on their doors?

"I need time," he remarked under his breath. "I can't just believe someone… and get hurt if the real truth comes out." 

And then again, they were back to that little doubt in their hearts. At the end of the day, what scared them wasn't this inexplicable truth. Rather, what truly terrified them was believing a lie just because they could barely move forward from the memories that certain witch left in their decaying hearts. 

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Meanwhile…

"I can't believe you knew all along." Heaven let out a weak chuckle, sitting in the waiting area in the hallway with Fig. She cast the man a look, unable to stop her lips from stretching.

"You should've told me. In that case, I could've worked you to the bones."

"That's why I didn't tell you," Fig humored back, giving her a knowing look. "If I told you I heard everything, then you would've split Bear's workload."

"Wise."

"But." His eyes softened as he stared at her with affection. "Even though I was already satisfied with staying with you at arm's length, there's one thing I was envious of the old man."

"Hmm?" Her brows rose, staring at him squarely. 

"Welcome back, Boss," he remarked quietly yet sincerely. "I've always wanted to welcome you back and congratulate you for this new life granted to you. It didn't matter how or why did this happen, but I'm genuinely glad to see you in your happiest state."

"Fig…" Her countenance softened even more as her heart felt warm, hearing those genuine words from him. "Thank you."

Fig tilted his head down slightly. "You're always welcome, you know that."

"Mhm." Heaven rocked her head as she peeled her gaze from him. "And I'm sorry if I didn't plan on telling you guys."

"It's understandable. If I found out under a different circumstance, I would've reacted differently as well." Fig turned his head in the hallway. "Don't worry about them for now. They will need time."

"I know." She lowered her gaze, sporting a bitter smile. "But I still feel sorry for them. They loved me with all their hearts and souls. It will not be easy and somehow… I'm scared that they might see me die again."

This time, Fig's smile faded, and he looked back at her. The moment his eyes landed on her side profile, he shook his head mildly. 

"Never," he asserted, waiting for her to look back at him. "I will die first before I'll go through that hell again."

"Fig."

"We failed to protect you back then and we are hopeless that we can't even trade our arms or legs just to save you. This time is different." Fig planted a hand on her shoulder. "Let us protect you with all our lives this time. I'm sure once those two get a grip, they will share the same sentiments as I do."

His grip on her shoulder tightened. "You are no longer the big sister and we are no longer your family. You have your own now, so… use us at your own disposal to protect Sebastian, Dominic, and that child inside you."

Strange and harsh as it may sound, there was only one thing that came along with this truth. And that was… they could finally make amends with their only regret in their life. That was to protect Hera with everything they had so they wouldn't have to go through the same horrible pain they went through upon burying her dead body. 

"Thank you." Instead of arguing with him, Heaven sported a short smile. "Then, don't blame me if I threw you all in the pits of eternal fire for my family's sake."

"I'll gladly take that."

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