Seven Years to Unlove You

I spent seven years loving Leo.

His secretary suggested the kidnapping was a good chance for me to learn my lesson, and he actually didn't pay the ransom.

Those hellish months made me see him for who he truly was.

Just when I finally made up my mind to leave, he came to me, eyes red, begging me to come back.

He said he wanted a fresh start, but I had already learned how to stay far, far away.

1.

The day I walked into the city barefoot, I made the news.

Kirsten Hassell, the adopted daughter of the prominent Hassell family, had been kidnapped for months. She stumbled back, filthy and reeking, her clothes ragged, her bare feet scarred and bleeding. She was a wreck, like a stray dog.

I watched the media flashes, the cameras clicking, desperate for a shot, but my heart was already stagnant, incapable of even a ripple.

The old Kirsten was dead. The glamorous, naive, spoiled, vibrant Kirsten was gone. The kidnappers, and Leo, had utterly destroyed her.

Soon, a group of bodyguards in black suits cut a path through the throngs of people. Their leader, Ethan, I knew. For seven years, during my relentless pursuit of Leo, he had been the one to escort me out of Leos office and private apartment.

Escort was a polite word for it; it was more like dragging me out, because I wouldnt give up, and because Leo found me utterly exasperating.

Ms. Hassell, Mr. Hassell is waiting in the car for you. Please come with me.

Ethans gaze flickered with surprise when it landed on me; he clearly hadn't expected me to be in such a wretched state.

I nodded, stepping forward on my injured feet, leaving bloody prints on the pavement. The pain receptors in my nerves were long since numb; this short walk was nothing compared to my escape.

Ethan walked behind me, unable to resist calling out, Ms. Hassell

I didn't answer him. Pity me? He should be relieved. After this lesson, I would never pester Leo again, nor would I add any extra trouble to his job.

Once in the car, I saw Leo sitting, eyes closed, lost in thought. His short, dark hair was impeccably styled, his sculpted features flawless, undeniably handsome.

Of course. During my absence, he must have felt an unprecedented sense of peace and relief. He looked better than ever.

Hearing the slight commotion, Leo slowly opened his eyes. The moment he saw me, he barely recognized me. Kirsten?

I meekly nodded. Yes, I had learned my lesson. Before, I hadn't cared about being the adopted daughter of the Hassell family, acting as if I were their biological child, proud and arrogant. But now, after the kidnapping, I understood that my life was in the Hassell family's hands. If Leo didn't pay the ransom, my life was worth less than dirt.

He frowned, a hint of displeasure. How did you get yourself into this state?

This state? What state? A lunatic? A beggar? Id run for dozens of miles, sleepless, not only evading kidnappers but also wary of predatory animals in the suburban forests. When thirsty, I drank rainwater; when hungry, I rummaged through trash heaps by the highway. I imagine anyone would go mad under such circumstances.

I knew he was annoyed that I appeared before the media looking like this, that it would cause trouble for his companythe Hassell family's company, to be precise.

Im sorry. *Sorry for offending your eyes, Leo.*

Leo paused at my reply, then a smirk played on his lips. She was right. You actually learned your lesson.

I didn't understand what Leo was talking about. Once the car door closed and the vehicle started moving, Leo suddenly reached a long arm toward me. I instinctively recoiled into the corner, but he stopped short, speaking with a disgusted tone, Kirsten, you stink.

I dont know if it was the confined space of the car, but Leo finally smelled the foul odor clinging to mea fermented mixture of blood, sweat, dirt, and scraps from garbage piles.

Hearing Leos words, I instinctively moved to get off the seat, but the car swerved slightly, and I ended up kneeling in the aisle.

Im so sorry, I wont get the seat dirty, Ill just *Just kneel here.*

It hurt so much. My knees, and the tiny pinprick wounds the kidnappers had made with fine steel needles. They blamed me; I wasn't important to Leo at all, and they hadn't gotten the ransom, wasting their time, so they took their anger out on me.

I couldnt stand, so I just knelt in that cramped space.

Leo instantly became furious. What are you doing? Get back in your seat!

He ordered me, but his disgust kept him from helping me up. I could only obey, using immense effort to prop myself up and sit back. The pain, coupled with the low blood sugar from the past few days, brought tears to my eyes.

Leo had always ignored my tears, finding them annoying, but this time, he surprisingly tossed me the handkerchief he had used to wipe his hands.

I clutched the clean, white cloth. Before, I would have been overjoyed, but now, that handkerchief only served to highlight my filth and brokenness.

Ethan glanced at me in the rearview mirror. My head was bowed; perhaps he had never seen me so disgraced and pathetic.

2.

When the car returned to the Hassell estate, Leo ordered someone to take me to the bathroom to wash up. I refused the maids help, only asking them to pick out a long dress, one that covered my ankles, from my old wardrobe.

They rummaged for a while, finally pulling out a modest, long-sleeved dress, almost like a students uniform, from a corner amidst various fashionable clothes.

No one defined what a student should wear, but looking at myself in the mirror, I did indeed resemble a student more than my former flamboyant style.

I remembered receiving my acceptance letter from a top international design school before the kidnapping. Now, three months had passed since the enrollment deadline.

Thank you.

The maids looked utterly stunned, clearly not expecting their young mistress to thank them.

But after everything that had happened, I understood perfectly: I was essentially no different from them. They were maids hired by the Hassell family; I was a daughter hired by the Hassell family.

Pushing the door open, I saw Leo waiting for me at the top of the stairs. He leaned casually against the railing, his eyes lazily scanning me up and down, then he scoffed.

Kirsten, what game are you playing now? Dressed like that.

*Too plain?* Leo thought this was another one of my childish ploys for attention, but I only wanted to cover my scars.

I followed Leo into the dining room. The room was silent until Leo gestured for me to come forward. Only then did I notice Mr. and Mrs. Hassell sitting at the dining table, looking worried.

Mrs. Hassell saw me and almost rushed over. She stumbled, and a woman beside her gently helped steady her.

Mrs. Hassell, please dont worry. Ms. Hassell has returned safe and sound, hasnt she? Ms. Hassell, Mrs. Hassell has been so worried about you that her hair has turned gray.

I knew this woman; she was Leos secretary. Claire.

Claire had naturally flowing black hair, wearing the simplest, most unassuming turtleneck sweater and jeans, yet a beautiful rose gold necklace hung around her neck.

I was safe and sound, while Mrs. Hassell had worried herself sick. The moment Claire spoke, I transformed from a victim into an unfilial daughter of the Hassell family.

Mrs. Hassell held me, weeping, while the woman comforted her. But I couldnt cry. I looked at Leo, and his eyes seemed to say I was a heartless person.

Finally, Mr. Hassell spoke, his voice firm, interrupting them. Stop holding Kirsten, let her come and eat.

Mrs. Hassell wiped her tears. My fault, my fault. My darling has suffered so much these past months, she must not have eaten properly. Come, Auntie made your favorite fish chowder!

Mrs. Hassell pulled me to sit between her and Mr. Hassell. Leo sat opposite me, and Claire sat beside him.

Such a perfect picture of a family.

I looked at the food in my bowla feast of colors, aromas, and flavors. I had almost forgotten what normal food looked like. I yearned to drop my chopsticks and just grab it with my hands, stuffing it into my mouth.

The closer I got to the city highway, the stricter the sanitation management became. Gradually, I couldn't find any more trash heaps, which meant no food. So I had been starving for almost three days, surviving only on tree leaves.

Under everyones gaze, I forced myself to pick up the bowl and shovel rice into my mouth with chopsticks. Even so, I still caught Claires mocking gaze; she ate daintily, in small bites, displaying her elegance.

Leo, witnessing this, naturally looked even more disgusted with me, yet at Mrs. Hassells urging, he reluctantly picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork and placed it on my plate.

I thought that even the blandest porridge and steamed buns, which I used to find hard to swallow, I could now devour. But looking at the tempting sweet and sour pork, and realizing Leo had personally put it there, my stomach churned with nausea.

Darling, eat. Leo knows you like sweet and sour, so he specifically asked Auntie to add this dish.

*Nonsense.* Leo had no idea what I liked. Conversely, I knew all his preferences by heart. For instance, goldhe favored rose gold.

Seeing my hesitant chopsticks, Mr. Hassell asked with concern, Whats wrong, darling? Did you argue with Leo on the way back? Dont worry, after dinner, Ill give him a good talking-to.

Dad! Leo exclaimed, perhaps feeling this made him lose face in front of Claire.

I shook my head silently, overcoming the physiological revulsion, and brought the sweet and sour pork to my mouth with my chopsticks.

But the moment I swallowed, I threw up.

Leos expression was startled. I immediately stood up from my chair, covering my head and retreating to a corner.

Im sorry, Im sorry, Ill eat it, please dont hit me!

Everyone was shocked. Mrs. Hassells tears flowed again as she came to embrace me. Did those people abuse you, darling? Tell me, did they?

Mr. Hassell and Leo also approached. Mr. Hassells expression was pained, looking at me with heartache.

Leo, however, frowned, remaining silent, his face grim.

*What does this mean? Didnt the kidnappers threaten the Hassell family, saying that if the ransom wasn't paid, their adopted daughter would experience abuse?*

*Why are they asking me now if I was mistreated?*

Actually, giving me stale bread and spoiled rice wasnt really abuse, especially compared to the slop I ate afterward.

I was just so terrified, terrified of the feeling that my life was in Leos hands.

The kidnappers had negotiated directly with him, but he chose to abandon me. He hated me that much.

I suppose thats where the physical nausea came from.

3.

After dinner, I was called to Mr. Hassells study.

Mr. Hassell, abandoning his usual decisive corporate demeanor, patiently and kindly asked me, Darling, youve liked Leo since you were a child. Do you still like him?

I shook my head frantically, so hard my facial muscles started to ache.

Seven years of loving Leo, seven years of humiliation, seven years of pain. But I never learned my lesson, did I? Thats why this time, this time I went through a hell of revenge and torment.

I couldnt dare to like Leo anymore.

Mr. Hassell pondered my answer for a moment, then sighed regretfully, Oh, well. You may not be Leos wife, but youll always be a daughter of the Hassell family. My darling is so good, so beautiful, its that boy Leo whos unlucky.

He took a bank card from his drawer. This is what your parents left for you, four million dollars. They asked me to hold onto it and give it to you as your dowry when you grew up.

Four million dollars. The ransom was also four million dollars.

During the kidnapping, I had resented my parents, wondering why they hadn't taken me with them, sparing me this gratuitous torment.

It turned out, they had already left me a guarantee to live well. They loved me so much.

I bit my thumb, preventing myself from crying out.

Thank you, Uncle.

It was already 8 PM when I left the study. I walked toward my own room but bumped into Leo halfway.

He understood my intention and spoke to me with an unexpectedly gentle tone, Claire is staying in your room tonight. Youll stay in the guest room next to mine.

So it was for Claire.

I nodded and started walking in the opposite direction. When I first moved into the Hassell household, Leo disliked me and moved to the room furthest from mineone in the far east, the other in the far west.

But my room had been decorated by a top-tier designer hired by the Hassell family; the guest room couldnt compare.

Yet, ultimately, it all belonged to the Hassell family. If Leo told me to yield, I would.

I hadnt walked two steps when Leo called out, Kirsten, why are you so obedient now?

I turned around and saw a mocking, yet almost worried, expression on his face.

I Im sorry I spoke hesitantly. Aside from endlessly apologizing, I had no idea what to say to Leo.

This is the third time youve apologized to me today. Youre being strange. Leo walked over, leaning in and raising a hand to my forehead.

I recoiled as if electrocuted, pushing myself away quickly. By the time I gripped the hallway railing, my legs were weak, almost unable to stand.

Leo looked at me like I was insane, his expression growing impatient.

I forced back the tremble in my voice and said, I Im moving out tomorrow. Ive already told Mr. Hassell.

I had expected Leo to be relieved by the news, to finally let me go. Instead, he grew angry.

Moving out? Why? I merely let Claire stay in your room for a night. Shes a guest; whats wrong with you being accommodating?

I shook my head frantically. No, its not that.

Leos face darkened as he walked toward me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward the easternmost room.

Come with me, I need to talk to you.

Fear engulfed my mind. I tearfully pulled out the bank card Mr. Hassell had given me earlier in the study. Im sorry, I have money, please dont hit me.

I have money, please dont hit me.

Leo turned back, startled. I was already slumped on the floor, my wrist still held high in his grip.

Kirsten, what are you saying?

My lips were now bitten purple. As Leos face loomed larger, I gradually recalled the kidnappers insults: *The Hassell familys dog, foolishly clinging to its master.*

Mr. Hassell, Ino, Mr. Hassell, I wont bother you anymore. I wouldn't dare again.

Leo finally realized my mental state was off. His movements became much gentler. He put an arm around my waist, lifting me from the floor.

The sudden loss of balance made me instinctively cling to Leos neck. His stern expression finally softened slightly.

Kirsten, Im not saying I dont want you around, its just

Before he could finish, the hallway door swung open with a *click*. Claire poked her head out of my room, the bright light from inside spilling into the hall.

She covered her mouth, feigning surprise. Mr. Hassell, Ms. Hassell.

Leo looked displeased. I gave you the room, what else do you need?

Claire replied somewhat aggrieved, Its a video conference with the US branch. Mr. Hassell, they need you to attend personally.

Leo glanced at me in his arms, then reluctantly put me down. My body was stiff, unable to speak.

Wait for me in my room.

Leo left that instruction, then walked over to Claire. The two entered the room, and the door closed.

The bright light vanished from the hallway. I felt like I had just escaped death, cold sweat already soaking through the back of my clothes.

Leo wouldn't be back. I knew Claires tactics. Countless times, on my birthdays, my graduation ceremonies, he had been called away by Claire exactly like this. Perhaps he truly wanted to leave, and truly didnt want to return.

And I needed to leave as soon as possible, to a place where I wouldnt see Leo. I was terrified that any further contact with him would push me over the edge into madness.

4.

I sat on the guest room bed until 3 AM, with no sound coming from Leo's room next door.

During that time, I used the new phone Mrs. Hassell bought me, logged into an app, and found a well-secured apartment for rent.

Just as dawn broke, the Hassell estate was silent. I carried my shoes, barefoot, and slipped out.

Walking outside, I suddenly saw someone leaning against Leos car, playing on their phone. My heart leaped, fearing it was Leo.

The person heard my movement and looked up. I realized it was Ethan.

I pretended nothing was wrong, walked past him, and headed to the roadside to hail a cab. But he followed me.

Ms. Hassell?

Mr. Hassell knows youre

Can you please not tell Leo?

I suppressed my agitation. I was so close, just a hairs breadth away from escaping. Why did I have to run into him?

Ethan looked confused. Mr. Hassell will be worried.

I shook my head hard, and started to take off my clothes.

Ethan instinctively backed away, then turned his head, his ears flushing. Ms. Hassell, what are you doing?

I didnt care. If I could live, what was shame? That feeling had long been eroded by Leo.

He wont worry about me. All these scars were left on me by the kidnappers, under his instruction.

Ethan looked at me then. Under my jacket was a white sleeveless tank top, clearly revealing purple-red whip marks, blue bruises, and several scabs on my arms.

He was incredulous. These shocking scars were beyond his comprehension.

I quickly put my clothes back on while he was stunned and pleaded, Ethan, please, let me go, or Ill die.

It was the first time I had called him by his name. Before, I always called him Leos dog, just as the kidnappers called me.

Ethan was speechless for a long time. I quickly ran towards the roadside to hail a taxi. Suddenly, a large hand grabbed me, but after realizing there were injuries beneath my clothes, it recoiled.

I was on the verge of tears. No

Ethan gritted his teeth, his voice firm. You wont find a taxi at this hour. Ill take you.

With a complex mix of emotions, I got into Leo's car again. Ethan turned off the dashcam, just in case.

Just bear with it, well be there soon.

He thought I resisted being in Leos car, which was true, but as long as it meant escaping Leo, escaping the Hassell family, this endurance was nothing.

We arrived at the prearranged apartment complex. I texted the agent that I wanted to move in immediately. To close the deal, he came early in the morning with the contract and keys, greeting us with a cheerful smile at the complex entrance.

Ethan was worried, so he came up with me to see the place. It was a fully furnished loft. Although small, it had all the necessary household items.

One thousand two hundred square feet, it's already the largest apartment in our complex, Ms. Hassell. Whether you live alone or with a boyfriend, it's more than enough.

I looked at Ethan. He said nothing, his head bowed as he flipped through the contract in his hand. Then he asked about utilities and air conditioning. Finding no issues, he handed it to me.

I dont know why, but I trusted him immensely. Perhaps it was his good nature, not caring when I lashed out at him with kicks and punches every time he dragged me out of Leos office. Or perhaps it was when he found me in a bar, under Leos orders, and brutally beat those men who tried to lay hands on me.

Without hesitation, I quickly signed, pulled out the bank card, and handed it to the agent. He swiped it on the POS machine, then complimented Ethan and me a few times before happily leaving.

In the empty room, only Ethan and I remained. He suddenly became a bit awkward.

Ms. Hassell, I should head back.

I nodded, intending to write him a check as thanksan old habit of minebut then realized my pockets were empty.

Right, I had left with nothing. I had wanted to bring a few personal items, but even my own room had been taken over, let alone a checkbook.

Ethan, how can I thank you?

Ethan was slightly surprised. No no need to thank me.

I said no more. Even if he needed something from me in the future, I wouldn't refuse.

Ethan left; he had to go back to work. Before leaving, he said, Get some good rest.

I certainly needed rest. The thought even crossed my mind: *Finally, I can rest.*

Dozens of miles, I slept under tarpaulins in farmlands, on low tree branches. It wasn't really sleeping; my mind was constantly on edge, wary of those hunting me, wary of wild animals.

Back at the Hassell estate, I was constantly waiting for an opportunity to escape. So, sitting on that soft guest room bed, I pinched the soft flesh of my inner thigh over and over, just to stay awake.

I took off my shoes, went upstairs into the bedroom. The large bed inside had only a bare mattress; I hadnt had time to buy any furnishings.

But luckily, this loft came with blackout curtains. I pulled them shut, collapsed onto the mattress, and fell into a deep sleep.