Chapter 9
I was unaware of what he was planning, so I merely nodded in agreement. Sometimes, one could feel inexplicably inferior in a relationship. I was accustomed to following Ashton’s requests, constantly obeying his orders even though I despised them.
As the vehicle approached the city, I assumed he would drop me off at the villa. To my utter surprise, he headed straight toward the hospital instead.
The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air, clinging to every surface and seeping into my senses. I disliked it, but I followed Ashton quietly to Rebecca’s ward.
Rebecca lay in bed, hooked up to an IV drip. Her pale face made her look even more fragile and delicate. When she saw me enter with Ashton, her expression darkened. She remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “I don’t want to see her, Ashton.”
The loss of her child had stripped away any warmth in her demeanor. She had grown colder, resentment brewing within her.
Ashton stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her forehead in an attempt to comfort her. His voice was gentle yet firm. “She’s here to take care of you. It’s only right for her to do that.”
Their intimacy was like a blade, cutting through me with relentless precision. I stood there, an outsider, as if I had no say in my own life.
Rebecca hesitated as if contemplating something, but in the end, she simply smiled at Ashton. “Okay, I’ll let you call the shots.”
They discussed me as though I weren’t even present. I wasn’t given a choice. I was merely expected to comply.
Ashton was a busy man. He had missed George’s funeral, and his responsibilities at Fuller Corporation demanded his attention. That left only me to look after Rebecca during her stay at the hospital.
At two in the morning, Rebecca remained awake, having slept too much during the day. There were no extra beds in the hospital, so I sat on the chair beside her.
Noticing that I was still awake, she turned her gaze toward me. “Scarlett, you’re pathetic.”
I said nothing, my fingers absentmindedly twisting the ring on my finger. After a long silence, I finally responded, “Isn’t love supposed to be like this?”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding my words. Then, she smiled. “Aren’t you tired of it?”
I shook my head. Life itself was exhausting. All I had done was fall in love with a man.
She suddenly sat up and glanced at me. “Can you pour me a glass of water?”
I nodded and got up to fetch it for her.
“Don’t add any cold water. I want it piping hot,” she instructed coolly.
Once the water was ready, I handed the glass to her. But instead of taking it, she studied me with an unsettling intensity. “I pity you. You’re truly pathetic. I don’t blame you for the miscarriage, but I can’t help but vent my hatred on you.”
I frowned slightly, unsure of what she was trying to get at. I extended the glass toward her again. “Be careful. It’s hot.”
She took the glass but suddenly grasped my wrist, her grip surprisingly strong. I instinctively tried to pull away, but she held firm, her eyes gleaming with a cruel glint. “Let’s make a bet,” she murmured. “Will he be concerned for you?”
Before I could react, I sensed another presence. I glanced up and saw Ashton standing in the doorway, watching us.
Rebecca smirked at me. “Do you want to bet on it?”
I said nothing. My silence was my answer.
She tilted the glass and let the scalding water spill over my hand. A sharp, searing pain shot through me, but I bit my lip and endured it.
Rebecca set the empty glass down and feigned innocence. “Oh no, I’m so sorry. It was too hot—I lost my grip. Are you okay?”
Her performance was flawless.
Suppressing the burning pain, I withdrew my hand and shook my head. “I’m fine.”