Chapter 29
The rain continued to pour, as if the violent storm threatened to destroy the worn–down building. The glass windows strained against the walls, emitting a harsh rreaking sound in the howling wind. Each screech pried at Elizabeth’s composure.
Her throat was dry, her chin pained to numbness, and the dark circles under her eyes spoke of her fatigue. Her haggard face evoked extreme pity, with only a faint reflection of Franklin in her teary eyes. He stood there, cold and desolate, his gaze demanding answers.
As his grip tightened, Elizabeth summoned her weakest voice. “Franklin, I’m in pain.”
Franklin’s thoughts snapped back into focus. He blinked and loosened his grip instantly. Despite the awkwardness on his face, his breath remained heated.
This trick doesn’t work anymore, Franklin said.
Elizabeth gripped the sheets, a touch of red fuzz on the tip of her nose adding to her innocent look. She asked, “So, why are you here!”
“Why am I here!” Franklin kept a faint smile on his face. “Elizabeth, you think you’re slick at changing the subject?”
She was s
was still pretending as she asked, “Are you coming to celebrate Mom’s birthday! But it’s already over.”
With a light chuckle, Franklin prodded, “Who’s Wendell Playing dumb”
As soon as Franklin mentioned that name, he saw Elizabeth’s pupils shrink noticeably, but she regained her composure soon. Glancing down at the pale, flowery sheets, she mumbled, “I don’t know. Who’s Wendell) I don’t know that guy.”
Franklin knew how good she was at acting clueless. When others labeled her as an illegitimate child, she played dumb. When they spilled the tea on her mom’s shady past, she played dumb. Even when they gossiped about what shifty methods she used to marry Franklin, she merely remained silent and smiled
“So, you want me to tell your Franklin said.
Elizabeth heard her own steady heartbeat, saying calmly, “What are you even talking about? I don’t understand. Her eyelids drooped, capturing the shadow that crept into her view.
Franklin questioned, every pushover?”
word deliberate, “After toying with me for three years, now you’re looking to bail out scot–free. Did you think I’m a
“How could you say I was toying with you?” Elizabeth retorted.
“You mutter another man’s name in your sleep while putting on a show like you’re head over heels in love with me outside. Elizabeth, you’re so good at acting.” Franklin said.
Elizabeth’s expression remained indifferent. That was just her way, neither too intense when sad nor overly joyful. Her demeanor seemed sincere, as if the one making mistakes was the other person.
“I truly love you to bits. Otherwise, why would I have married you and even donated blood to your sister? Elizabeth said.
“Is there a single word of truth coming out of your mouth?” Franklin seethed, wishing he could peer into her heart to see what she was thinking
In Elizabeth’s view, love was the cheapest and most worthless thing, something she could use for her benefit and easily get rid of. It was a survival rule she learned from being an illegitimate child since childhood.
She knew that only if her position was secure could she avoid being driven out by the Taylor family, Franklin was just the one easiest to deceive she picked out from the thousands of men in Yaville.
He felt that he was foolish. Then he asked, “Is Wendell your first choice?”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she looked at Franklin in disbelief. With irritation surging within her, she grabbed an object from the bedside table and hurled it at him. He didn’t dodge. The cup precisely hit him, shattering on the floor.
“Franklin, I did owe you, but I’ve cleared my debts from these past three years, Elizabeth shouted.
The commation from the shattered cup alerted others outside. Martha rushed in finding them already in a heated argument. Helen stood at the doorway, and her expression darkened as she sternly ordered, “Both of you, come out!”
The Taylor family’s house was truly old and run–down. On rainy days, it gave off a faint musty smell, with a so
a sour air lingering all around.
The wound of low–heeled high heels echoed on the floor and stopped as Helen halted in the center of the living room. Without warning. Helen abrigaly turned around and slapped Elizabeth across the face, causing a buzzing in her ear,
Elizabeth couldn’t even keep track of how many times she’d been slapped,
RN FM
Chapter 29
“Apologize!” Helen shouted.
The disheveled hair covered Elizabeth’s eyes. She brushed it away and turned to face Franklin with tears in her eyes, adeptly saying, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have argued with you, let alone hit you.”
Elizabeth was obedient in front of anyone within the Taylor family. She could challenge Franklin but never defy Helen. No matter the truth, she was always the one to bow and apologize, to her brother, and now to Franklin.
Helen disapproved of her actions. She turned to face Franklin and said, “Franklin, I apologize for pampering her. We all witnessed what just happened. Since you’ve come to this point, why don’t you peacefully part ways? It won’t be too embarrassing for either family.”
The slap
ap wasn’t just f for Elizabeth; it was a message for Franklin.
He gripped Elizabeth’s hand, not letting her struggle. “My grandpa likes Elizabeth. He wouldn’t agree to our divorce.”
Helen started to calm down. “But she hit you just now. It only hit your body this time. What if it lands on your head next time? How do I face your family then?”
“I was partly to blame,” Franklin said.
Elizabeth stopped struggling. Her fingers rested quiedy in Franklin’s hand, feeling its warmth. His tone was sincere, indicating that he genuinely wanted to salvage their barren marriage.
Helen turned to Elizabeth. “Betty, what do you say?”
Franklin’s hand squeezed Elizabeth’s gently, his voice barely a whisper, “Wendell. His words were for Elizabeth’s ears only, a veiled threat that hung in the air. That made Elizabeth hate him more.
Given the way things were unfolding, Elizabeth found herself with limited options. “I think I’ll just hang at home for a bit.
Helen’s tone, rare in its gentle shift, conveyed respect for her wishes. “You’re gonna consider it?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied.
“What do yo
do you think, Franklin? Helen asked.
Franklin’s fingers intertwined with hers, his tone gentle. I respect Elizabeth’s wishes. I’ve been wrong. Let’s give each other some space. I’ll visit often while she’s here with you.”
‘So hypocritical, Elizabeth thought as she tried to withdraw her hand
Every subtle gesture did not escape Helen’s watchful eye. She understood that this matter wouldn’t be resolved in the blink of an
in eye.
The rain poured heavily. It was cold outside. Walking in the rain was difficult. Out of courtesy and a sense of obligation, she called Martha. “Go prepare a room for Franklin. The rain’s too heavy. It’s not safe to leave right now.”
Martha appeared to look rather cheerful as she nodded. “Sure, I’ll go right now.”
“No need.” Franklin grabbed Elizabeth’s hand again. Til share Elizabeth’s room. Don’t bother, Martha. We wouldn’t want to disturb the others at this hour”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to object, but Franklin’s quick mention of “Wendell” stalled her words. She swallowed her protest and instead said, “Alright, he can sleep in my room.”
