Chapter 9
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From that day on, Samuel kept me locked in the house.
I started a hunger strike–refusing to eat or drink every day.
When he found out, he sat in front of me with a plate. “I know I wronged you, but you can’t hurt yourself.”
I only said one thing the whole time. “I want to leave.”
“Leave? Go where?”
“To a place without you.”
“Why?” he asked.
“I can give you everything you want. I can hold you in the palm of my hand and let you live a life of luxury.
“Or have you fallen for Jimmy?”
I looked at him coldly. “What’s the difference? You’re both scum.
“Don’t make me choose between chocolate that tastes like shit and shit that tastes like chocolate, okay?”
He seemed hurt by my words, silent for a long time. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse.
“Michelle, I actually want to marry you properly.
“That day, I already warned Jimmy not to listen to Shania or say anything to you. Let you marry in peace. I won’t let him near you again.”
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Chapter 9
I sneered. “You were pretty generous when you sent me to his bed.”
His face turned pale. “I never meant that. I never let him touch you–that was our rule. I didn’t know he’d do that.
“I know you’re hurting and feel wronged now.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get you better doctors and nurses. You won’t suffer losing this child.
“I won’t let Shania bully you anymore–I’ve ruined her family.
“I’ll use everything I have to make it up to you.
“Let’s pretend nothing happened. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.”
Suddenly, I raised my hand and slapped him hard.
“In your dreams.
“Do you think I’ll just forget? No way.”
Samuel slowly turned his face to the side.
He wiped the blood at his lip and said, “Feel better? If not, keep going.”
I said coldly, “Get lost.”
He was silent a long time, then slowly stood up. “I’ll come again tomorrow.”
That night, in my dream, I curled up under the covers, crying alone on my dorm bed.
I never told anyone–actually, the night I broke up with Samuel in college, I cried quietly.
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Chapter 9
But I’d grown used to hiding my scars–used to crying in silence.
Did I love Samuel?
I must have.
Otherwise, why did my heart hurt so much that night?
Why did I feel so miserable?
Why did I spend the whole night blaming myself for asking him for gifts, knowing he didn’t really like me?
In the dream, I felt someone gently cover my eyes.
He said, “Baby… don’t cry anymore. Don’t cry.”
