Chapter 2
There are fifteen days left until the end of the cooling–off period, during which Robert did not come back even once.
In the evening, I came to the church bored and idle, but unexpectedly, Emily was praying in front of the priest. She was still wearing that faded nun’s habit, piously and sincerely gazing at the deity before her.
Suddenly, she seemed to sense something and slightly turned her head, spotting me in the crowd. Her eyes lit up as she jogged over.
She took my hands and gently traced words on my palm: “Sarah, my boyfriend came to see me that day. I’m truly sor- ry. If possible, I’d like to treat you to dinner to make amends.”
In my past life, Robert claimed she differed from us bloodthirsty types–his heart was pure and sacred, an earthly an- gel. Back then I scoffed, yet now I see it’s true.
“The thanks should be mine. Come, let me treat you.” I led her to a nearby restaurant. When the waiter served our meal, her eyes reddened. “What’s wrong?”
She wiped her tears, pulling out pen and paper to write: “Sarah, I broke the rules for him. Why has he avoided me since I got pregnant?”
So they slept together. Though unexpected, my heart still wrenched at the news.
“Does he have a family?”
The question sent a chill down my spine, fear replacing that stabbing pain.
“Impossible. You’re the Father’s favorite. If I were your boyfriend, I’d spoil you rotten–why would I run?”
If she discovered Robert was married, she’d break it off. Then he’d surely blame me for sabotaging their relationship and come after my parents. I couldn’t gamble on that demon’s humanity.
I excused myself to the bathroom and called Mom. Only after triple–checking they’d safely reached the New Zealand vineyard did I finally exhale.
Mom sensed the tension in my voice and asked softly, “Sarah, is there trouble between you and Robert?”
My eyes reddened; I desperately wanted to tell her everything, yet after choking for ages, not a word came out.
In my past life, after my parents died, Robert imprisoned me. He forged my death certificate, then married Emily.
I hated him! Hated Emily! Hated everyone who’d ever hurt me. I tried every prison escape method, but his men shot me dead right after the first checkpoint.
“Sarah, whatever you do, Mom loves and supports you unconditionally. At worst, we restart. Mom and Dad just want you happy.”
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Chapter 2
288 Vouchers
“Thanks, Mom. I know what to do.”
When I stepped out of the bathroom, Emily was cornered by drunks. Their leader–a fat man in a suit sporting a Rolex Submariner–looked every inch the upstart with his bald head.
“Playing dress–up? How much for a night? Have some fun with us!” As he spoke, he reached out to grab Emily.
Terrified, Emily dodged, but this only seemed to provoke the men further. “Mute too! Come on, guys! Let’s teach you a lesson today!”
Seeing them lunge at Emily, I snatched a bronze kettle from the restaurant display and smashed it onto the nouveau riche’s head.
Thud!
“Get off!” I roared at them.
Blood gushed from the fat man’s head where it had been smashed open. He stumbled backward several steps until his lackeys caught him, barely preventing him from hitting the floor.
Snapping back to reality, he glared at me with bulging eyes. “Dare hit me? Get this bitch!”
His henchmen lunged at me like hyenas at his command. Outnumbered, I was dragged before the fat man within sec- onds.
“You motherfucker! Daring to hit my head!” He swung the copper kettle I’d struck him with toward my skull. “I’ll smash your head open today!”
Bang!
My head rang as crimson blood streamed down my forehead.
Patrons scattered throughout the restaurant while the gentle background music abruptly ceased.
The fat man tossed the kettle aside and tore open his shirt, stalking toward Emily.
“D–don’t… touch her…” I mustered every ounce of strength to shield Emily, but his crony kicked me to the ground.
“She’s not bad looking either. You guys take this one, I’ll have fun with that mute!”
Emily’s eyes widened. She tried to come to my rescue, but was shoved to the ground by the burly man. As he moved to strike, Emily instinctively squeezed her eyes shut.
Just then, a sudden gunshot shattered the air.
Bang!
Instantly, everyone froze.
