Chapter <b>2 </b>
My eyes widened in shock. So, for thest two weeks, it was Ss who had been holding her to sleep every night.]
Before I could say a word, Ss began irritably tossing my things out of the bedroom.]
As I bent down to pick them up, a picture frame hit me squarely on the forehead, the ss shattering at my feet with a loud crash.
My hands trembled as I picked it up. In the photo, Ss was holding me, both of us smiling blissfully.[]
My tears dripped onto his face in the picture, instantly blurring the image, erasing the sweetness.[]
Seeing my heartbroken expression, Ss frowned and tried to exin.]]
“Nothing has happened between Reba and me. Until we’re divorced, I won’t betray you.“[]
‘If you don’t believe me, you can sleep with Reba tonight.“[]
With that, he stepped over the mess on the floor and strode out.]]
Reba hesitantly came over and took my hand.
Charlotte, please sleep with me tonight. There’s so much I want to tell you.“[]
it Reba’s insistence, I found myself in the master bedroom.]
ecause my own heart was filled with so many questions. How could the Ss who once cherished me more than life itself ave be such aplete stranger?
Was this really just sympathy for Reba<b>, </b>or had his heart truly changed?
ight in front of me, Reba slowly slipped off her nightgown and slid demurely under the covers.
eeing the whip marks and burns on her exposed skin, I couldn’t help but think of the horrific abuse described in the news.
‘omen stripped naked<b>, </b>thrown to the floor to be vited and used for sport, then leashed like dogs for amusement before eing discarded in sweatshops.[]
he images made my heart clench, aplex mix of emotions churning inside me.[]
lowly sat on the edge of the bed, theny down beside Reba.[]
ba’s voice, when she spoke<b>, </b>was eerily calm.]
harlotte, you know, I’ve always been so envious of you. Born into a wealthy family, growing up to do a job you love, arrying a man who’s handsome and brilliant and worships the ground you walk on.“[]
e let out a short, sharpugh.]
<b>20.3</b>%
“Do you know about the first time I met Ss? I was just handing him a ss of water. My hand barely brushed his, and he recoiled like I had the gue, the disgust in his eyes was so clear.”
“How could he be so good to you, give all of his love to just one person?“[]
“So, from that day on, I decided that I would have him. Even if it shattered me into a million pieces.“]]
Seeing the horror dawning in my eyes, Reba let out another chilling giggle.]
“Charlotte, do you think I was aiming too high? That I’m not as pretty as you, not as talented?“]
Her gaze burned into me as she spat out each icy word.[]
“But these scars, they’re my weapon. And Ss has already fallen in love with me. In love with how weak and pitiful I am. Charlotte, you’ve already lost. And it was a spectacr loss.“[]
Reba giggled again, the sound utterly bone–chilling.]
I was stunned. I realized the girl I’d sponsored was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, one who had been coveting everything I had from the very beginning.
I shot up and scrambled off the bed. I had to find Ss, to tell him everything.]]
Reba lunged and grabbed my arm<b>, </b>a strange, twisted expression on her face.
“Going to tattle? Let me show you who he’ll believe.“]]
With that, she pped herself hard across the face and copsed to the floor with a thud.[]
Before I could even react<b>, </b>the door burst open. Ss charged in and smacked me hard across the face.
“Charlotte! Reba told me she’d show me your true colors, but I refused to believe you were this vicious! How could you do this to her? She just got out of the hospital!“]
By the time Ss helped Reba to her feet<b>, </b>tears were already streaming down her face.
A beautiful woman weeping silently is a truly pitiful sight.[]
“Ss, I was just telling Charlotte that I would leave after the baby is born, that she shouldn’t me you.“[]
“And she called me a shameless whore. <b>She </b>even told me <b>I </b>should just die, that my living was a disgrace.“[]
As she spoke, she suddenly shoved Ss away and lunged for the open window.[]
“Just let <b>me </b>die! No one cares if I live or die anyway!“]
She turned a tragic, tear–filled gaze on Ss.[]
“Thank you, Ss. You’re the only man who has ever touched my heart. Meeting <b>you </b>in this lifetime was enough for me.“[]
With that, she swung a leg over the windowsill.[]
70.5%
Ss’s face went deathly pale. He dropped to his knees with a thud.[]
“I swear it! For the rest of my life, I, Ss Duncan, will love Reba Brown! I will always be by your side! <b>If </b>I break this vow, may lightning strike me down!“]]
Reba covered her mouth, sobbing. She flew into Ss’s arms.[]
“Duncan, I don’t want you to die! Even if you don’t love me, I will love you without any regrets!“]]
Ss immediately pulled her close and kissed her deeply.[]
“Silly girl. I will love you forever.“]]
(0)