Locked in Autumn’s Memories novel
Seven years later, we met again in front of my sisters grave.
When our eyes met, she stopped wiping the tombstone. In her eyes flashed a mix of emotionsshock, joy, guilt all hard to describe.
Dorian, Ive been looking for you for so many years. I thought you were gone too. Where have you been all these years? Why didnt you contact me even once?
Seeing that I didnt respond, she quickly wiped the corner of her eyes.
Youre avoiding me on purpose, arent you? You still hate what happened back then. I had my own difficulties.
I didnt know how she still had the face to say those things in front of my sisters grave after killing her, stealing her husband and pushing me to the point where I almost couldnt survive.
But love and hate were both luxuries. To me, she had already nothing.
Meeting again after so many years, my heart no longer stirred.
Vivienne turned around and left.
I bent down and gently placed the pure white chrysanthemum in my arms onto my sisters tombstone.
In the photo, my sisters smile was warm, her eyes clear, forever frozen at twenty-five.
If she were still alive, shed definitely be at the airport picking me up today, just like when we were young, messing up my hair with a laugh.
Little one, why are you frowning?
No If she were still alive, she would never have allowed me to be bullied to the point that I had to flee far away.
I crouched down and gently traced my fingers over my sisters eyebrows and eyes on the tombstone.
Selene, I have some good news to tell you
Before I could finish, Vivienne came back, holding a heavy bag and placing it in front of me.
I once promised you that Id make you a gift by hand every year on your birthday. I couldnt find you these past years, so I saved them all up.
A razor, the newest game console, an expensive watch I could tell she really put effort into it.
But I felt nothing.
Her hand froze in mid-air and a hint of embarrassment and disappointment appeared on her face.
You dont like them? I can ask someone to prepare new ones. How about we have lunch together?
No, I still have something to do.
She was about to continue pestering me, but her phone rang.
Vivienne, when are you coming back? Today is our seventh wedding anniversary. Ive already booked the restaurant
My fingers paused as I brushed away a yellow leaf that had fallen with the wind.
Selene, this is the person you risked your life to protect back then. You were wrong. And I trusted the wrong person too.
My throat suddenly felt itchy and I couldnt help coughing twice.
Vivienne, where are you? Why is there a mans voice next to you?
Vivienne hung up without saying a word. She took a mask from her coat pocket and handed it to me.
Youre allergic to cold air. Every autumn you start coughing. Remember to wear a mask.
I turned my head away and avoided her hand.
Its already cured.
After saying goodbye to my sister, I turned and walked out.
Vivienne quickly followed after me.
I didnt understandseven years ago, she warned me never to appear in front of her again. Why was she now clinging to me like glue?
At the cemetery gate, a row of shared bicycles was parked.
I scanned the QR code to unlock one.
Just as I was about to pedal away, Vivienne drove her Mercedes up beside me and stopped steadily.
Dorian, all these years have you still been alone?
In the autumn sunlight, there was a careful, hopeful look in her eyes.
I nodded, giving no further explanation.
This time, I came back because I wanted to tell my sister in personI was getting married.
I was selfish enough to want to share this kind of happiness only with her.
Dorian, dont force yourself when youre alone out there. If you have any difficulties, remember you can come to me.
My number is still the same, its never changed. I was afraid that if you ever wanted to contact me, you wouldnt be able to find me.
I couldnt help pulling the corner of my lips.
Who wouldve thought the person who once cut off all contact herself, the one who wished never to see me again, alive or dead, was now pretending to be so devoted and regretful?
No thanks. Im not interested in getting entangled with a married woman.
I pushed hard on the pedals and the bike carried me away along the long path covered in golden ginkgo leaves.
The wheels rolled over the fallen leaves, making soft rustling sounds.
This path used to be so familiar to me.
When I was young, I loved coming here with my sister for morning runs and bike rides.
She was better than me at everything, except running.
Whenever I slowed down on purpose to wait for her, she would mess up my hair and laugh at how annoyed I got.
She once said that even when we were old and gray, the two of us would still walk this path together, supporting each other and basking in the sun.
But now I was already two years older than she ever got to be.
I rode all the way back to the old apartment complex where my sister used to live. Ever since the accident, the place had been empty.
When I opened the rusty security door, a musty smell rushed out.
In the living room hung a photo of the four of us, covered in dust.
My sister and I grew up depending on each other.
When I was sixteen, Vivienne entered our lives.
She said my sister had saved her from drowning and given her a second life. From then on, she was my sisters best friend.
She and I were like natural enemies. We argued over the smallest things, faces red, tempers flaring.
Until after our senior-year graduation trip, when a mudslide struck the resort area.
Classmates were picked up by their parents one after another, but my sister was away on a business trip and couldnt return in time.
The rushing mud buried the hotel in an instant. I was pinned under a collapsed beam, silently waiting for death.
But Vivienne fought her way back against the flow, digging with her bare hands from dawn until nightfall.
Dorian, dont be scared, Im here!
She carried me on her back and walked the whole night.
Only when she finally got me to the hospital did I notice that she had lost both of her shoes.
Her feet were covered in pale, water-soaked wounds, overlapping each other.
Her always-pretty manicured nails were broken from the roots, bloody and torn.
Dummy, why are you crying? As long as youre safe, its worth it even if I end up crippled!
In that moment, even the spring breeze couldnt compare to the smile in her eyes.
On New Years Eve, the three of us were making dumplings when Lucian showed up, looking a complete mess.
He was the son of a neighbor from our hometown. His family had gone bankrupt and he was hiding everywhere because of debt collectors.
Because my sister remembered how his family once gave her a bowl of hot porridge when she was young, she didnt hesitate to take responsibility for him.
She quit her stable, respectable job and started doing business.
She drank so much at social events that she had stomach bleeding and she hovered at the edge of life and death several times.
In two years, my sister lost thirty pounds. She helped Lucian pay off all his debts and in return, won his love.
We toasted together, promising to stay close and love each other for a lifetime, never to be separated.
I was lost in thought when I heard a key turning outside.
The door opened and Lucian and Vivienne were suddenly standing there.
I had forgottenwe each had a copy of the key to this place.
Vivienne said you came back, so we guessed youd be here. You shouldve told us you were returning. We couldve picked you up.
He stepped forward as if to pat my shoulder, but I avoided him.
This place isnt suitable to live in. Come back with us. The housekeeper is on leave and theres an empty room available.
I lowered my gaze and saw that their house was here in this city.
I had only come back to see my sister. Later, I was going to meet my future mother-in-law for the first time.
I held out my hand. Keys!
This house had been bought by my sister and it was under my name.
It had nothing to do with the two of them.
Viviennes eyes swept over the photo in my hand with a complicated expression. Dorian, if she were here, Im sure shed want the three of us to be happy together.
Lucian looked away, unable to meet the gaze of the photo.
Vivienne walked straight in, took off her coat, rolled up her sleeves and picked up the broom behind the door.
Lucian, go open the window and let some fresh air in.
For a moment, it took me back many years. Back then, the four of us often gathered here.
My sister would cook, Lucian would help and Vivienne did the housework.
I was busy bossing everyone around.
Laughter echoed in the small house. Now, only silence remained.
I cleaned the table and carefully placed my sisters portrait on it.
In the photo, my sister was smiling so gently.
I never expected that a reunion of the four of us would happen like this.
Lucian suddenly rushed over and slammed the portrait onto the table. Why display this? Everythings fine already!
Seeing his flustered expression, I couldnt help but sneer inwardly.
So, he felt guilty and ashamed to face my sisters pure eyes.
Dorian, Lucian is just worried about you. After all, someone died here before.
Dont you know better than anyone how my sister died?
The broom in Viviennes hands clattered to the floor.
The room fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the wind outside the window.
The second year after my sister married Lucian, we all began to change.
My sisters business grew busier and she often traveled across the country.
The day she received angel-round investment, she was so happy she treated us to a big meal.
Halfway through the meal, my sister received a call from Vivienne, who hadnt shown up.
Selene, I got into trouble. Theyve cornered me at a bar.
Without a second word, my sister put down her spoon and rushed out.
But after that trip, she never came back whole again.
In order to protect Vivienne, my sister was struck hard on the back of her head with a beer bottle.
By the time Lucian and I arrived at the hospital, my sisters mind had already regressed to that of a five?year?old child.
She forgot everythingexcept me, her little brother.
My world completely collapsed.
I swallowed my grief while taking care of her and at the same time, I cruelly pushed Lucian away.
When my sister was healthy, she loved you the most. She wouldnt want you to ruin your whole life for her.
Ill decide for her. The two of you should get a divorce!
Lucian held my sisters hands tightly, tears streaming down his face, utterly determined.
I wont leave Selene. Even if I die, I wont.
He chose to stay, without hesitation.
In his youthful passion, I was moved by Lucians unwavering devotion to my sister and I gave him full inheritance of her company.
Vivienne was wracked with guilt, shutting herself in her room and drowning in drink and despair.
Until Lucian kicked open the door and poured a bucket of cold water over her head.
If you want to honor Selene, then take care of her company and this family properly.
From that day on, Vivienne seemed like a different person.
She also joined my sisters company and took on the responsibility of looking after us.
At that time, I was drowning in grief and uncertainty about the future.
Viviennes companionship and support became my only lifeline.
She and I registered our marriage, swearing by my sisters bedside that we would care for her for life.
Viviennes phone rang, breaking my reverie.
It seemed eager to escape the grip of the past and Lucians words suddenly became unusually numerous.
Dont blame Vivienne. Shes now the CEO of a listed company and very busy.
He rolled up his sleeves, deliberately showing the limited-edition vintage watch on his wrist.
This was for my birthday last month. She specially went to an auction in France to get it for me.
Vivienne hung up the phone. What were you talking about?
Lucian held her hand affectionately. I was just saying that Dorians clothes are worn out and Ill pick a few suits I dont wear and give them to him later.
My tone was calm, flat. No need. I dont like dirty things!
Lucians face instantly darkened with anger. What do you mean by that?
I lifted my eyes and stared straight at him. You know what I mean, dont you?
If it werent for that accident back then, it should have been my sister enjoying her life now.
Seeing my sister reduced to a child in mind was a pain I couldnt get over.
But life must go on. In the quiet of the night, I secretly felt grateful that my sister left me two family members who were not by blood, but felt closer than blood relatives.
The night I left for graduate school in another city, Vivienne repeatedly promised me that she would take good care of my sister.
In my despair, I clung to her like a lifeline and believed her.
At first, she truly did everything perfectly.
It was as if she wanted to give me all the love my sister never got to finish giving.
Every two weeks, she would fly to my city, afraid that I would feel wronged or alone.
Dorian, when the first snow falls, well have our wedding. Well be the happiest couple in the world.
Norwyn Citys seasons are usually as warm as spring, but that winter was especially cold.
The weather forecast said there would be a once-in-fifty-years first snow on Christmas Day.
I used the money I earned from my part-time job to buy a diamond ring and secretly bought a ticket home, planning a surprise for them.
But when I opened the door, what met my eyes was my sister, chained and emaciated. And before her two naked bodies, tangled together.
I felt as if Id fallen into an ice cave, trembling all over, unable to stop myself from wanting to vomit.
I didnt know whether I was angrier at them for abusing my sister or outraged by their betrayal of me.
The two most important people in my life had both betrayed me.
My mind went completely blankbut my sister saw me first.
Always so clean and tidy, she was now covered in filth, her hair like a birds nest, holding out a dirty steamed bun to me.
My little Dorian eat
Tears instantly poured out. I went mad, rushing forward.
Screaming, I swung my fists with all my strength at Lucians face.
Lucian screamed and fell to his knees before me.
Dorian, I know Ive wronged you wronged Selene. But Im not even thirty yet. I dont want to spend my whole life with a fool.
But I had clearly wanted to let him go and he had promisednover and over that he wouldnt leave. So now he wanted both?
Vivienne and I truly love each other. I wont fight you for being his love. Ill take care of your sister, but please let me stay by Viviennes side. Wont the four of us still be together forever?
I used to have my sister shielding me from all storms. This was the first time I was forced to face the malice and ugliness of human nature head?on.
I raised my hand high, but Vivienne slapped it away.
My sister burst into terrified wails and despite her weakness, she threw herself again and again against the iron chain.
She actually snapped her own ankle in the struggle and broke free.
Dragging her broken leg, she spread her arms wide and shielded me tightly beneath her.
The wooden stool Vivienne hurled came crashing heavily down on my sisters head.
Warm blood seeped into my hands.
Panicking, I tried to dial for emergency help.
Vivienne pulled on her clothes and calmly crushed my phone under her heel.
I had seen her playful, happy and even guilty expressions beforebut this was the first time I saw such cold, merciless eyes.
If you want this idiot to live, then obey and shut your mouth!
My husbands position is still yours and I can even hire the best doctors for your sister. But dont ask about the things between me and Lucian anymore.
My sister, dazed and confused, didnt understand what had happened, yet clumsily wiped my tears.
My little Dorian, dont cry. I'm here!
I gave in.
After the initial panic, Vivienne and Lucian became completely reckless.
Their affair spread within our small circle. Some people scolded them for being ungrateful and even the companys IPO plans were affected.
Most importantly, Vivienne became pregnant.
She came to me, hoping I would divorce her and publicly admit that I and my sister had been the ones interfering.
Dorian, if you act on impulse, youll never see Ahe again in this life.
She meant it and she followed through. I searched everywhere but could not find my sister.
Kneeling before her like a beaten dog, in front of countless media, I lowered my head in apology, publicly confessing and apologizing to her and Lucian.
It was Selene who drugged Lucian to seduce him and I deliberately interfered in their relationship
Seeing the confession they twisted and forced me to write, I had wanted to run away.
Vivienne leaned close and played a vague voice recording of my sister.
Dorian so cold
I clenched my teeth and admitted everything.
***
People in the audience casted looks of disdain and mockery at me, as if watching a circus act.
I didn't even know how I left that banquet. I only wanted to see with my own eyes that my sister was safe.
But the caretaker at the nursing home told me that after seeing the video of me kneeling, my sister had cried to go out and look for me and disappeared.
When I saw my sister again, she had already become a cold, lifeless corpse.
Her body was filthy and battered and even at her last breath she had clutched tightly the paper plane I loved to play with as a child.
I beat those homeless men who abused her half?to?death, yet I would never again hear her call me My little Dorian.
Holding her body, I was drowning in agony.
Meanwhile, my phone was flooded with headlines celebrating Tech Rising Star Vivienne and Lucian Finally Reunited.
How could I not hate them?
I handled all of my sisters funeral arrangements alone.
With a fruit knife in my pocket, I wanted only one thingto drag them down to hell with me.
At the bell?ringing ceremony, I charged inside. But I was too naive. Before I could even get close, the security guards pinned me hard to the ground.
In front of the cameras, I screamed and cried, exposing their shamelessness, hoping to destroy them publicly.
But how could I ever be a match for them?
He was mentally unstable after his sister passed away. Hes caused trouble for everyone. My apologies, but I promise hell never have the chance to hurt anyone again.
When it came to dealing with a helpless orphan like me, they had endless ways and endless strength.
I was jailed for intentional assault.
Two years later, when I was released, the world outside had already changed beyond recognition.
Vivienne had become the lofty, untouchable CEO of a publicly listed company.
I couldnt even get near the company gates, let alone talk about revenge.
Vivienne opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, when my phone suddenly rang.
Dorian, Im here.
Warmth rose in my chest and I ran downstairs.
I brought Maris back up with me, but before we even entered, voices of an argument spilled out from inside.
Why? Why should we give him half the shares for nothing? Ever since he walked through the door, your eyes have practically been welded onto himam I dead to you? If you dare go looking for him again, believe it or not, Ill send him back to prison
The mans words were cut off by a slap.
The company was originally his sisters. It was Selene who brought you home from the streets and paid off your debts. If not for her, who knows in what gutter youd be rotting now. Youve ruined him this badlydont you fear Selene coming for you in the dead of night?
Hearing them mention my sister, I felt a sudden wave of irritation.
I pushed open the door and both fell silent instantly.
Vivienne stared intently at the woman holding my hand, her voice hoarse as she demanded,
Who is she?
My fiance, I replied.
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