- 7.
Ethan hadn’t slept, tending to me. His usually immaculate face was now shadowed with stubble. Seeing me awake, he moved to help me, but stopped, frozen by my look. “The doctor said you’re just malnourished. Nothing serious.” I knew my own body. It was more than malnutrition. Ethan saw my continued resistance, his voice tinged with something
akin to hurt. “I know you hate me. But you’re
not well. Stay here. Someone can take care of
you. You can leave when you’re better.” He
left, perhaps anticipating my refusal.
Chloe arrived soon after. Arms crossed, she smirked. “Amelia, you’re still alive?” “I told the director to teach you a lesson. I’m surprised you made it out.” A chill ran down my spine. She was a devil in disguise. She leaned closer, whispering, “That useless Seth almost ratted me out. Luckily, you’re mute now. Well, even if you could talk, no one would believe you anyway.” “You better stay away from Ethan. Or I’ll send you right back.” “The director asked about you recently. Wondered how you were doing. If you wanted to visit.”
L
Footsteps sounded outside. Chloe’s
expression anged. She threw herself
against the bedpost. Pointing at me, blood
streaming from her forehead, she cried,
“Amelia! I came to see you, why would you do
this?!”
Ethan rushed in, taking in the scene. Just like
two years ago, I was the guilty party, unable
to defend myself. The difference was, back
then, no one would have believed me even if I
had explained. Now, I couldn’t even speak. Ethan set down the soup he’d brought, rushing to Chloe’s side. The soup spilled on
my arm, the skin instantly reddening. Ethan glared at me. “Amelia! You haven’t changed at all, have you? So vindictive!” Chloe,
く
cradled in his arms, gave me a triumphant
smile, then produced a note. “I don’t want to
hide it anymore. I found this in the trash.”
www
M
Ethan opened it. His face contorted with
rage. He grabbed my neck. “Amelia! You’re
truly shameless! You seduced Seth, then played the victim!” I could only laugh silently. If he had any sense, he’d see it wasn’t my. handwriting. Enraged, he ignored my burned arm, dragging me towards the door. Chloe, feigning concern, said sweetly, “Looks like she’s not cured yet. Maybe she should go back to rehab?” Her lips curved into a smug smile.
A buzzing filled my ears. The world spun. Only one thought remained: I couldn’t go back. I
A buzzing filled my ears. The world spun. Only one thought remained: I couldn’t go back. I wrenched free from Ethan’s grasp and
climbed onto the window ledge. Ethan’s voice trembled. “Amelia! What are you doing? Let’s talk!” I jumped.
