Ch. Finished 2 Finished 2

Chapter 2 

When I woke again, two days had passed. 

Outside the hospital room, I heard Mom talking with Kenneth. 

“Kenneth, Linda’s already in such bad shape. We’ve delayed her treatment 

for two days. Do you really want to give her the hospital’s new 

experimental psychiatric med? 

“The doctor said it’s not fully tested yet. Side effects might include 

seizures… loss of bladder and bowel control.” 

There was a pause, then Kenneth’s voice came, firm and cold. 

“That’s exactly the side effect I want. Today is Carrie’s celebration party- plenty of big–name mentors will be there. Linda’s already a wreck; a little more humiliation won’t matter. Only if she loses every shred of dignity will she stop competing with Carrie. After tomorrow, I’ll announce our wedding. That’ll be my way of ‘making it up‘ to her.” 

Then he added, “Keep those specialists waiting outside the villa. As soon as the party’s over, we’ll treat her.” 

Mom agreed without hesitation. 

I stared at the ceiling, tears spilling silently. 

They stung the raw wounds on my face, but that pain was nothing compared to the one in my chest. 

These two people–my closest blood and the man I’d loved–knew I’d been sickly since childhood and knew how much I’d suffered to become a 

model. 

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Chapter 2 

Yet with a single, casual decision, they destroyed 

my life’s dream. 

If I’d known it would end like this, I’d rather have died in the fire. 

28 V 

The door opened. Kenneth stepped in, all tender smiles, holding out two pills. “Honey, I just asked the doctor. This is a new painkiller. No side effects. It’ll make things easier for you.” 

H 

I lowered my gaze to the bright red capsules, the taste of rust in my throat. 

My voice was hoarse. “Kenny, it’s too bitter. I don’t want it.” 

He hesitated only two seconds before smiling and squeezing my hand. “It hurts me to see you in pain. Do you really want me to feel bad? Be a good wife. Take it for me.” 

Before I could refuse, he pressed the pills against my lips. 

“Good girl. Let me feed you.” 

The capsules slid into my mouth, bitter and sticky, and the room began to spin. 

He gripped my hand. “Honey, today’s Carrie’s celebration party. Her biggest wish is your approval. If you don’t show, people will say you’re petty and jealous of your own foster sister…” 

“I’ll go. Get me something to wear.” 

I knew he’d already planned everything. There was no refusing. 

So why bother trying? 

Mom walked in just in time to hear me. Her face lit up. 

“Good girl. I knew you’d understand. 

“Once Carrie’s party is over, I’ll personally host your wedding with 

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Chapter 2 

Kenneth.” 

I pulled my hand away, numb. My heart felt like ashes. 

2AB chers 

09.1657 

Chapter 3