48
ID
The sudden drop in temperature caught me off guard. Instinctively, I pulled my clothes tighter around me.”
Across the room, Gale struggled to hide the smirk playing on her lips, but the glee and contempt in her eyes were impossible to miss.” “Rusty, don’t blame Shannon, okay? It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have gotten sick after drinking the soup,” she said sweetly, like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
With every word out of her mouth, Rusty’s anger only intensified. He turned to me, demanding that I apologize.
But years of experience had taught me that arguing would only make pretend to give in, then console myself in private.
As such, I lowered my head in silence, and that seemed to satisfy Gale.”
things worse. The safest thing to do was to stay quiet, nod, and
But the truth? She wasn’t even sick. Making me miserable was just her way of entertaining herself.”
As they walked off looking smug and victorious, I slowly forced myself up. But to my surprise, my head was now pounding, and I was burning up.
I took a fever medicine, barely keeping it down, and drifted off again. But sleep didn’t bring peace. All night, I was plagued by nightmares. Then, just after sunrise, Rusty woke me. But seeing me grumpy, his brows knitted.
“Gale told me not to be mad at you last night, so I’m letting it go,” he said, trying to sound generous. “Also, I canceled all my meetings today just to take you to the amusement park. I even went out early to get you breakfast. And now you’re upset with me?“}
The way he twisted everything made me want to scream. I wanted to be biind again just so I wouldn’t have to see that fake concern on his face.
But I played my role, forcing a smile and saying a few half–hearted words to smooth things over.
With that, our conversation didn’t last, and he helped me out of the room like nothing had happened.
The moment we stepped into the dining room, I froze.
Gale was already seated in my seat, wearing the maternity dress I used to wear.
When she saw Rusty holding my arm, her face instantly soured.
When their eyes met, guilt immediately washed over his face, and he let go of me. He then glanced at Gale with the same puppy–dog expression he always wore around her as if saying, “I already let go. See? Don’t be mad, baby.“}
Still, I stayed silent, pretending not to notice their little exchange. I fumbled for the nearest chair and sat down.
That was when Rusty suddenly sprang into action.
“Shannon, here. I already warmed it up. Drink it before it cools.“>
He placed the glass in my hand like he was the most thoughtful husband in the world.”
Meanwhile, Gale, watching it all, looked like she was about to explode.}
She then snatched the milk out of my hands and downed it in one go, glaring at me like she’d won some kind of twisted contest.
I had seen the whole thing. But of course, I acted as though I hadn’t.”
“Rusty? Why’d you take the milk away?” I asked softly.”
He hesitated, glancing back at Gale, clearly afraid to upset her more.}
“It was getting a little cold. Don’t drink it. Just have something else.“}
Without waiting for a response, he shoved a sandwich into my hand and walked straight to Gale.
My fingers tightened around the sandwich until the bread squished in my grip.
He didn’t even bother making his excuses sound believable.
And then came the part that really turned my stomach.
Thinking I couldn’t see, Rusty leaned down and tilted Gale’s chin toward him. Without a moment’s hesitation, he kissed her right there in front of me. Not a quick peck, but a deep, drawn–out kiss that lasted five long minutes.
When they finally pulled apart, Gale was gasping for air, her cheeks flushed with obvious satisfaction.
“Tonight, same place. I’ll make it up to you,” Rusty murmured to her. “And don’t pout now, baby. You know I only do those things with you. You’re the only one who gets me going.”
He thought I couldn’t hear.
But since I lost my sight, my hearing had sharpened. Every word cut straight through me.
10:32 AM
Shannon’s POVE
