Chapter 8
I was spacing out when Richard walked over, took off my work apron, and waved a hand in front of me.
“Lost in thought? I’m hungry, let’s go get something to eat.”
I snapped out of it and nodded at him.
But in my head, I thought, “No. I’ve never felt any kindness from him, so I have no reason to go back.”
The witch was quiet for a few seconds, then laughed. “Okay, I get it.”
Richard took me to eat by the sea. We had a barbecue while enjoying the sea breeze.
The beach was still bustling at 8 p.m., with some students singing sad songs nearby. I listened for a while and hummed along.
“Do you like that song?”
“Nah, just singing.
“I thought it was the one you sang after breaking up with your ex. You’re so good at it.”
Richard set the barbecue down, speaking lightheartedly, but his hands were visibly shaking.
I just smiled. “I don’t have an ex–boyfriend.”
“Really?” Richard looked genuinely surprised. “Then, can I-”
“Selly!”
Hearing that familiar voice, I began to tremble uncontrollably.
Before I could even find where it came from, a large hand grabbed my
arm.
“I knew you weren’t dead! Come back with me!”
I looked at Jack, who had lost almost half his weight, in horror. “How could you-”
“Who are you? Let go of Sara!”
Richard pushed him away, pulling me behind him.
I suddenly felt as if I’d woken from a long dream.
“That’s right, I’m not Selly Tallis, I’m Sara Wildridge now,” I thought to myself.
“Richard, I don’t know him. Let’s go.”
“Okay, I’ll take you home.”
Richard took my wrist, but just as we started to walk, Jack’s fist swung, hitting Richard on the forehead.
“How dare you touch my wife!”
Richard immediately punched back.
“Are you insane? Sara just said she doesn’t know you!”
“What Sara? That’s my wife! She’s Selly!”
“I said her name is Sara, are you deaf?”
Before I knew it, Richard had Jack pinned to the ground, completely
overpowered.
“Richard, don’t kill him.”
Richard hummed in acknowledgment, but still wouldn’t let go.
“Then take him to the police. Charge him with harassment.”
I bent down. “Let me talk to him for a minute. Wait over there.”
Richard looked like he wanted to argue, but seeing my firm attitude, he reluctantly let go.
The moment he left, Jack grabbed the hem of my pants.
“It’s my fault, I’m sorry! Please come back with me. I swear I’ll treat you right this time. I will retire, I won’t let you get hurt ever again!”
Jack spoke so fast like he was afraid I’d slip away before he finished.
I stared into his eyes, no longer cold, just confused. “You don’t love me. You hate me. You wished I were dead. So why do you want me back?
“Is your Tina in danger again, and you need me to take the bullet for her?”
