Chapter 5
Although Allison wasn’t hurt, she became the queen of the family after coming back from the hospital.
Everyone treated her with extra care, especially Jerome. Whatever she wanted, he would go out of his way to get it for her. If she woke up in the middle of the night craving a strawberry milkshake, he would rush out to get it for her.
“Crystal, don’t you get it? The only reason I’m treating Allison like this. is because of you!” Jerome always had excuses ready to justify himself. He went on, “I’m trying to make up for your mess.
“Marcel died saving me, so we already owed Allison a life. Then you go and hit her with your car, almost making her lose the baby… We owe her too much.
“That day, I didn’t defend you because I didn’t want the whole family to hate you. So please, stop stirring things up. I’m doing everything I can to fix this for you. Can’t you just leave Allison alone?”
The irony made her laugh. Then she nodded and replied coolly, “Don’t worry. I won’t cause trouble again.”
What she didn’t say was, “And I won’t shed another tear for you.”
“Really?” Jerome’s face lit up, and he pulled her into a hug, sounding relieved. “That’s great. I knew you’d come around. There’s nothing between me and Allison. I’m just looking after her for Marcel.
“If I ever lied to you about that, you would hate me, and Marcel would
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probably haunt my dreams.”
Men often failed to realize that true heartbreak wasn’t about shouting or dramatic fights. The heartbroken just walked away in silence.
The arguing and tears came from love, from trying to hold on, from wanting to fix what was broken.
So when she stopped fighting, that was when it was over.
Crystal stayed silent while everyone else was busy keeping Allison happy. She prepared her papers to leave, telling no one.
In a few days, she would be gone. All she wanted was to keep things. calm and avoid any drama.
But Allison walked up with a smug smile.
“Crystal, you’ve figured it out by now, haven’t you? Jerome’s the father.
“Be smart. Divorce him and let him go. If you do, I’ll let you off the hook.”
Crystal fought back a laugh and asked, “Allison, are you sure that he’ll marry you after divorce?
“You’re his brother’s wife. If he marries you, that’s incest.”
Allison got furious and grabbed Crystal by the collar. “Do you think you’re better than me just because you have a husband?
“Why are you so smug? You’ve always been second to me in everything. And do you really believe Jerome loves you?
“Please. Since I got pregnant, he’s been sneaking into my room every
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Chapter 5
few nights… He says I’m fun and passionate in bed, unlike you–boring and lifeless.”
Unfazed, Crystal said, “Whores are passionate in bed too, but I’ve never seen any man marry one.”
Her words hit Allison like a slap in the face.
Furious, Allison raised her hand to strike but stopped just before it landed.
“Crystal, do you remember that game we used to play as kids?” Allison said with a twisted, cruel smile.
Crystal froze as the words sank in. She reached out to stop Allison.
But it was too late.
With that chilling smile, Allison leaned back and tumbled down the stairs.
