18
From outside the room came the sounds of a violent scuffle, and I could have sworn I heard Ethan’s voice.
“She’s suffering from severe depression! She needs real treatment, not to be locked away in this cramped room! Are you trying to drive her insane? Do you want her to die?”
I didn’t know who won that fight, but I assumed it was Adrian since, if Ethan had been victorious, he would have taken me out of there by now. Just as I began losing consciousness, I heard Adrian’s broken voice.
“The doctor said her depression is because of me, and the best thing would be for her to forget me and leave.” His voice cracked with anguish.
“You think I don’t want her to get better? Of course, I do! But if she recovers, she’ll leave. She’s mine. She’ll forgive me… I know she will… I’m
not letting her go anywhere.”
Adrian pumped glucose into my veins to keep me hanging on by a thread, Ethan’s failed rescue attempt didn’t stop him, though. He soon began fighting Adrian for control of the company, determined to knock him out of the CEO position.
THAT
11:12 AM
<
.
Adrian was barely holding up under the weight of both his crumbling career and my deteriorating state. One night, he crept into my room and,
seeing I was awake, sat down on the bed, looking defeated and vulnerable, like a lost puppy.
“Vanessa, I’m sorry.” For the first time, he lowered his head and apologized.
“I know I’ve neglected you, but I can change. Just give me another chance.” In his eyes, I saw a sick sort of hope flickering.
“Once you’re better, we’ll have that wedding you always wanted by the ocean. The three of us, together like a family. Will you give me that
chance?”
I listened quietly until he was finished, then smirked and held up my middle finger.
“Please. I wouldn’t want to be a burden to you. Go marry Bella. You two are perfect for each other.”
“Vanessa, please don’t say that. I haven’t seen Bella in ages. I know you don’t like her, and I won’t see her anymore. I swear… Adrian reached for my hand, but I yanked it away, letting out a bitter laugh.
“Isn’t it pathetic, Adrian? Bella doesn’t love you, yet you still chase after her. And when I don’t love you, you suddenly decide to act devoted?”
“Your ‘love‘ is so cheap, Adrian. You don’t deserve anyone’s love.”
I leaned closer, whispering venomously, “Here’s a little secret for you: Bella’s only after your status. She’s never loved you.”
“And me? Only a fool would fall for someone like you.”
Adrian’s eyes flared with rage. My words were the final blow. He lunged at me, wrapping his hands around my neck and shouting.
“You’re lying! You’re not Vanessa. Vanessa loved me–who are you? Bring her back!” His grip tightened as he laughed maniacally.
“You’re not her. But maybe if you die, Vanessa will come back!”
