Chapter 4
The harsh lights in the operating room stung my eyes, so I shut them tightly.
In a daze, I heard voices.
“Mr. Schmidt, let someone else draw the blood. If you keep going like this, you’ll collapse!”
Theodore’s voice shook as he snapped back, “Stop talking! I just wanted to punish her because of Rachel.
“But I never wanted her to die.”
I smiled faintly and mockingly.
If he ever learned that I stayed by his side for seven years because of Rachel’s last wish, would he even feel a hint of regret?
My tears had already dried up in the ward earlier.
So when I saw Theodore sitting by my bed, looking after me day and night, I felt nothing at all.
Three days before I returned to New York, he gave me an awkward smile.
“Do you want something to eat?” he asked.
I frowned. My voice came out rough and unpleasant.
“What’s your latest trick to make me suffer?”
Looking embarrassed, Theodore rubbed his hands together and said with guilt, “While you were unconscious, I looked into everything.
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“I don’t understand what Rachel was thinking. She bought the drug herself and let those men touch her…”
His gaze dropped like he couldn’t fully face it.
After a moment of silence, he passed me the phone, something else flickering in his eyes.
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“Let’s drop the topic. Someone texted saying your package is here. What
is it?”
Į kept my eyes low and answered in a raspy voice, “Clothes.”
I was planning to wear them when I left for New York.
Theodore looked distracted for a second, then stepped toward the bed and back again. He smiled like he was doing me a favor. “You don’t have to rush. Focus on getting better. I’ll arrange for you.”
He must have thought I was getting ready for our anniversary.
Before, I always went along with it, dressed up, and let him humiliate me. But I wasn’t going to do that anymore.
Even if he went with another woman for a pregnancy check or simply left me behind, it was time for me to take Rachel home.
***
I checked myself out of the hospital without telling Theodore.
I had no idea what he was doing. He didn’t show up the entire day.
When I got back, only Amelia and the maid, Zelda Coleman, were home.
Noticing how pale I looked, Zelda quickly rushed to support me.
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Chapter 4
“Mrs. Schmidt, what happened to you? Are you hungry? I’ll make something healthy for you.”
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I simply shook my head, refusing her offer. Just then, Amelia came over, holding a pregnancy–maintaining drink and gently touching her belly.
“Hannah, now that you’re out of the hospital, pack up your stuff,” she said.
“I’m moving into the main bedroom. Toss out all the junk you used to keep in there. I don’t want any of it.”
I nodded without a word. My quiet agreement made her so upset, that she didn’t even know how to respond.
Honestly, I hadn’t left much of myself behind in Theodore’s home anyway.
Even our wedding photos had my face replaced by Rachel’s.
It was like a constant reminder that I was never supposed to be in her place.
He never once asked me if I wanted that role.
Everything I owned fit into a single travel bag just the clothes I brought from New York, some toiletries, and Rachel’s suicide note.
I carried my luggage downstairs and spoke slowly to Amelia, “Anything left in the main bedroom is yours.
“I’ve already gotten rid of the stuff I used. The unopened clothes and bags are still in the closet.”
I handed Zelda the note and said goodbye. Just as I stepped outside, Amelia called after me again.
“Hold on, Hannah. Pick up a few boxes of condoms on your way out.
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Chapter 4
“Make sure they’re the kind Mr. Schmidt and I usually use. I get uncomfortable with other types. He’s got a strong appetite. Even if I’m pregnant, I probably won’t be able to stop him from wanting me.
I nodded. “Is there anything else you need?”
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She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You’re not actually running away, are you?
“That tiny bag isn’t convincing. If you want to act like you’re leaving, at least do it properly.”
I chuckled and looked at her flatly. “That’s none of your concern.
She stormed off, clearly irritated.
Later, when Theodore’s usual black coupe pulled up outside, I was
already out of sight, wearing sandals and a robe I changed into behind the
cameras.
From now on, I’d be nothing more than a corpse bearer. I’d never meet Theodore again.
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