Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 273: A Liar

Chapter 273: A Liar

"I nearly lost my life back then, but I never regretted risking it to save Alexander," Carla stated proudly, her smile wide.

Rain bit her inner cheek, feeling the weight of memories she hadn’t fully processed until now. She didn’t recall every child she’d saved that night, but she vividly remembered running back and forth through the conservatory, pulling out anyone still trapped.

As she thought back, a particular memory surfaced... a boy, the heaviest one she’d had to carry out. She found him alone in the study room of the conservatory, his faint cries just audible over the crackling flames. He had been hurt, pinned by a fallen wooden shelf, and though conscious, he was too weak to move on his own.

She had pulled him up, struggling under his weight as the fire closed in. She even remembered snapping at him in frustration, "Do you want me to die here with you? Try moving yourself, will you, and hold onto my back!"

Turning toward Alexander now, she frowned in realization. ’Could he have been that boy?’ She searched his face, but the details were hazy. The smoke, the chaos... it had been impossible to make out his features.

Alexander caught her gaze and gave her a small, knowing smile, as if he could read her thoughts.

"Hmm, you mentioned that day," Sanya suddenly spoke up. "I was actually one of the kids in the orphanage caught up in that fire."

Rain’s stomach clenched as she noticed the mischievous glint in her friend’s eyes, sensing exactly where Sanya was heading.

"Really?" Aunt Ava interjected, her tone surprised.

Mrs. Summer joined in with a warm smile. "Yes, Sanya grew up at Haven Orphanage. She’s one of those we’re incredibly proud of. She worked so hard and even managed to put herself through school," she said, her voice full of pride.

Sanya shook her head modestly. "Actually, it’s all because of Rain. She supported me through everything, like a sister... No, more like a mother. She worked overtime, just so I’d have extra money to continue my studies."

Everyone murmured, admiration directed at Rain.

Sanya continued, sharing memories of their childhood and how Rain had been her constant support.

"To have done all that at such a young age, you’re remarkably talented," Mr. Arlan praised.

Rain blushed and replied humbly, "I couldn’t have done it alone. My Aunt Melanie was always there to support me. I had friends like Sanya working hard alongside me, and Cliff managing my savings. He invested it all wisely..." Her cheeks flushed a little as she explained.

Sanya’s expression turned serious. "About that fire at the orphanage... something has always felt off to me. I was there, and I remember every moment as the kids were rescued."

"What do you mean?" William asked, curious.

"I remember only Rain going back and forth, rescuing kids trapped in the conservatory. There was also a girl with blonde braids, dressed in gold with white flowers, who was pushing through everyone to get to the exit first..."

Sanya turned, locking eyes with Carla. "Weren’t you that girl in the gold dress, with butterfly clips in your braid?"

A collective gasp spread across the room at Sanya’s words. Alyssa, her expression hardening, shot up from her seat. "Please, be careful with your statements! What exactly are you implying? Are you saying that Carla would push children aside to save herself? Carla wouldn’t do that!" Alyssa’s voice was laced with both anger and disbelief, her glare fixed on Sanya.

But Sanya didn’t flinch. She remained calm, her tone unwavering. "But that’s what I witnessed that day. Carla... she stepped on one of the girls without a second thought, just so she could get out first. She was pulling kids out of the way, pushing ahead, as if only her escape mattered."

Sanya’s gaze shifted to Carla, who was still silent, her face pale. "How could she have saved Xander when she was already out of the fire by then?"

The room fell into a heavy silence. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Carla’s response.

Lucian’s voice cut through the silence. "Are you saying Carla didn’t save Xander that day?"

Sanya simply shrugged. "I’m just sharing what I remember. All of us kids from the orphanage saw it... Rain was the one pulling everyone out. And I distinctly recall that blonde girl in the fancy dress. She was the first to escape and just stood by while Rain helped everyone else."

Carla’s face went pale, and she stammered, "Why are you doing this? I saved Xander that day, and he knows it." She looked desperately at Alexander. "You remember, don’t you? We were in the same ambulance when you woke up. I saved you!"

Sanya shook her head, her voice calm but firm. "I’m not trying to ruin the night, and I respect Mrs. Summer and Mr. Arlan deeply. But I believe the truth matters, especially after hearing Carla claim she saved Alexander’s life. It’s not right to take credit for something so important if it isn’t true."

The tension grew thick. Carla’s face darkened as she spat, "Are you calling me a liar? How dare you!"

Ignoring Carla’s anger, Sanya turned to Alexander and asked, "I did see you both taken in the same ambulance, Xander, but that doesn’t prove who saved you. Can you remember anything specific about the person who did?"

Rain turned to Alexander, waiting for him to answer. She was still unsure if he was the boy she had saved that day, but if he was, surely he would recognize something about his savior, right? He had been conscious when she carried him on her back. Couldn’t he at least remember her hair color, or how it had been tied up in a messy bun at the time?

Carla’s voice trembled with frustration as she turned her gaze toward Xander, her eyes pleading. "You’re doing this because Rain is your friend!" she snapped, her face flushed with anger. "I risked my life to save Xander!" She paused, her chest heaving with anger.

Then, turning directly to Xander, she practically shouted, "Xander, do something! Why are you letting your wife’s friend embarrass me like this?! This is not fair! She’s making me look like I’m a liar!"