After I returned from the hospital, I stayed home every day, too afraid to step outside.
I couldn’t risk running into Lucas Hart or Cassidy.
I lived in constant fear that Lucas, in a fit of anger, would follow through on his threats and have me thrown in jail.
Surprisingly, Sean had stopped bothering me.
Even Mrs. Taylor, the housekeeper, began delivering warm meals to my room every day.
I knew this kindness wasn’t her idea–it must’ve been approved by Sean and my stepmother.
9:49 AM
<
I knew this kindness wasn’t her idea–it must’ve been approved by Sean and my stepmother.
Sometimes, I thought to myself; if I could quietly slip away from this world, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.
But life has a way of dragging you back into chaos.
Lucas and Cassidy’s wedding arrived right on schedule.
They came to the Miller house in person to deliver the invitation.
The embossed gold lettering of their names on the card felt like a cruel joke.
It was as if the universe was mocking me, reminding me that I was a complete and utter failure.
“Do I have to go?” I asked, my voice trembling.
Lucas narrowed his eyes at me, the faintest hint of displeasure flickering across his face.
My heart clenched, and I immediately corrected myself.
“Fine. I’ll go.”
He always knew how to get what he wanted.
I thought I was prepared.
I thought I could handle it.
But standing there at the wedding venue, surrounded by flowers and smiling faces, my chest ached in ways I didn’t know were possible.
Watching the man I’d loved for eight years hold someone else’s hand and walk toward their future together…
Was there anything more excruciating than this?
Every breath felt heavy, every muscle in my body sore.
I was so, so tired.
Since the incident at the pond, I’d been running a fever on and off.
At first, it was mild, but lately, it had escalated into high fevers that came more frequently.
I hadn’t told anyone.
No one would care, and even if they did, what difference would it make?
I gripped the edge of a table, trying to steady myself, and decided to step outside for some air.
Before I could leave, Cassidy appeared in front of me, blocking my path.
“Where are you going?” she demanded.
“The ceremony hasn’t even started yet.”
“I just need some air,” I said, clutching my chest as I struggled to explain..
I fought the urge to cough, not wanting to show any weakness.
I tried to move around her, but she stepped in front of me again.
“Nora, running away won’t change anything. After today, Lucas will be mine forever.”
Her words felt like knives, but I was too exhausted to argue.
Loughed quietly then conti
9:49 AM
<
I coughed quietly, then replied hoarsely, “Cassidy, I never loved Lucas. I never will. I wish you both the best. After today, I’ll disappear from your lives completely. Now, can you please let me go?”
I surprised myself by managing to say all of that in one breath.
But she didn’t move.
She stood there like a brick wall, refusing to budge.
“You’re not going anywhere,” she said firmly. “The ceremony is about to start, and I
ant
you
to watch every second of it.”
I felt my patience snap.
I raised my hand to push her aside, but as soon as my fingers brushed her shoulder, she collapsed like
She fell perfectly into Lucas’s arms, as if it had all been choreographed.
It was deliberate.
“Are you okay?” Lucas asked her, his voice soft and full of concern.
Then, his gaze turned to me, and the tenderness vanished, replaced by pure fury.
“Nora, you still can’t let go, can you?”
The look in his eyes was venomous, cold enough to kill.
I didn’t even try to defend myself.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
The dim lighting in the room made my head spin.
I doubled over, coughing violently into my hand.
When I pulled it away, I saw blood staining my palm, dripping onto the white dress I was wearing.
The red spread like blooming flowers, vivid and impossible to ignore.
The noise of the room faded into a dull hum.
My knees gave out, and I collapsed to the floor.
I barely registered Lucas’s face above me, his expression uncharacteristically frantic.
I closed my eyes and let out a bitter, broken laugh.
Why?
Why was I always the one at fault in their eyes?
Why did everyone hate me, even when I’d done nothing wrong?
Why couldn’t they just leave me alone?
Everyone wanted me gone.
“Maybe… if I die, you’ll all finally be happy…”
The world around me dissolved into darkness.
10
“Nora, you can’t die.”
a
paper doll.
ribing
9:49 AM G
<
.
“Nora, please, open your eyes.”
I seemed to hear Lucas Hart calling my name from somewhere far away.
I didn’t understand.
