---- Chapter 16 Jake knocked on Ryann's door. It took a long time for Ryann to answer it, but Jake waited patiently, without urging her. When the door finally opened, Ryann's eyes darted nervously. Her right hand awkwardly attempted to cover the swollen cheek. Jake found it amusing. The clumsy attempt to hide the obvious. But he chose not to ask her because he knew she would eventually reveal everything herself. He despised himself for being so easily manipulated by Ryann, a stupid woman. Without further delay, he threw the photographs from her past three years, where she was mingling with various men, onto her. "Explain yourself." Ryann burst into tears. She pointed at her swollen face with grievance. "My parents pushed me into this against my will. Jake, you know I've had a tough life since | was a little girl. My parents never cared for me. During college, they found out | was dating ---- a wealthy boyfriend, and they began hounding me for money constantly. | had no choice, but | didn't want them to find you and disturb you, so | often worked secretly to earn money for them. Later, we were forced to break up, but their appetite had grown. They coerced me into earning money. They even set me up with some old guys. | didn't want to... They somehow found out where | live here today and came to ask for money again. When | refused, they hit me... Jake, only you and Eva know my address. Could you please ask her to let go of me? We can break up if that's what it takes. I'll give you back to her, okay?" Ryann cried out her heart, but Jake's heart grew heavier with each word. Ryann always found the perfect moments to tell him how despicable Eva's love for him was and how she framed Ryann for his sake. Ryann had told Jake that the notion of siblings in love was a taboo that others couldn't accept. Jake had struggled to overcome his love, but Eva remained relentless, willing to risk the scorn of the family to keep loving him. Under Ryann's warped guidance, Jake had begun to resent Eva. How could he be so stupid? His hands trembled uncontrollably. He nearly couldn't hold back the urge to strangle Ryann. ---- But it wasn't the right time. In a cold voice, he asked, "Where are your parents? I'll confront them and put an end to this." Ryann's heart leapt with joy. With Jake's backup, she was fearless. "Jake, they're unreasonable and shameless rogues. | don't want you tangled up with such lowlifes. Please find me a new place. As long as they can't find me, they can't stir up trouble." She nestled into Jake's arms and felt safe while sensing his strong heartbeat. She was lost in her fantasy and oblivious to the veins bulging on Jake's arms. She couldn't even miss the chance to frame Eva again at that moment. "Jake, don't blame Eva. It's not her fault for loving you. It is the same with me. We both love you deeply, although I'm your girlfriend, and she's just your sister." Jake couldn't bear Ryann's careless defamation of Eva's affection anymore. He pushed Ryann away forcefully. "I'll arrange a new place for you." With those words, he left in a hurry. Jake got into his car. His rage channeled into his fingertips, ---- and he even bent the key before tossing it to the ground. He then took out his phone. "Have Ryann's parents brought to me.