Chapter 9 – Bell Interruption
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I stared at Xavier, my heart pounding.
Had he just spoken?
“Xavier?” I whispered, leaning closer. “What did you say?”
But just as quickly as it happened, he giggled and babbled incoherently, splashing the water with his hands.
His eyes were unfocused again, his expression blank, almost as if nothing had happened.
I let out a deep sigh. I was expecting too much.
Maybe his brain was too damaged. Maybe the sound I heard was just gibberish.
“Forget it,” I muttered, shaking my head.
He splashed more water at me, laughing as he smeared bubbles on his cheeks.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re making a mess.”
Xavier only grinned, reaching out to grab my wrist, his fingers trailing over the fading scar from my arrow wound. His touch was surprisingly warm.
For a brief second, his brows furrowed, his eyes flickering with something… something I couldn’t name.
Then, just as quickly, the moment passed.
He giggled again and went back to playing with the water.
I imagined it.
I shook off the strange feeling and turned away. “Let’s get you dressed.”
I took a quick shower, washing away the ink stains and tension in my shoulders.
After drying off, I pulled on a fresh set of clothes and helped Xavier out of the bathtub.
His body was limp as I dressed him, but he let me do everything without resistance.
Once he was clothed, I wheeled him out of the bathroom and into the hallway.
The butler was standing there, looking anxious.
I frowned. “Is something wrong?”
He quickly shook his head. “No, Madam. I was just… concerned if you were able to handle
Master Xavier.”
I glanced at Xavier, who was busy playing with the buttons on his shirt. “We did fine.”
The butler looked relieved, but his eyes lingered on Xavier for a moment too long.
Something about his expression unsettled me.
I brushed my hair back and sighed. “Take him outside to the garden for a while. I’ll make us something to eat.”
The butler hesitated. “Madam, we have maids to handle the cooking-”
He Broke Me First, Now I’m The Queen of His Ruins
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The outer hesitated. Madam, we have maids to handle we cooking-
“I want to do it myself,” I said firmly.
He bowed slightly. “As you wish,”
The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of the knife against the cutting board.
I focused on chopping vegetables, letting the rhythmic motion calm my thoughts. One slice. Two slices. Three slices.
It felt… normal.
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For the first time since I was forced to accept this marriage, I had a moment to breathe. But then my phone vibrated.
I wiped my hands on a towel and picked it up.
A Facebook message.
My stomach twisted when I saw the sender.
Susan.
I hesitated before tapping on it.
Immediately, pictures filled my screen–Michael and Susan’s engagement party.
Michael stood tall, looking as handsome as ever in a tailored suit, his arm wrapped around Susan’s waist. She wore an elegant dress, beaming at the camera. A perfect couple. A perfect celebration.
A message followed.
Susan: How does it feel to know you were with Michael for eight years and he refused to marry you, but barely a week after you left, he’s gotten engaged to me?
I gritted my teeth.
Of course she’d rub it in.
I should have ignored it. Blocked her.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I typed a quick reply.
Rachel: Congratulations.
Then, without another word, I muted her messages.
I wasn’t going to block her. No. That would be too easy.
I wanted her to see every success, every happiness I posted. I wanted her to choke on her own jealousy.
I placed my phone aside and exhaled. Focus.
I finished cooking, dished the food, and stepped outside to call Xavier and the butler.
That’s when I heard it.
Low voices.
I froze, straining to listen.
Chapter 9 – Bell Interruption
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00:42 Sat, 22 Mar
- AA.
50%
I wanted her to see every success, every happiness tposted. I wanted her to choke on her own jealousy.
I placed my phone aside and exhaled. Focus.
I finished cooking, dished the food, and stepped outside to call Xavier and the butler.
That’s when I heard it.
Low voices.
I froze, straining to listen.
I took a slow step forward.
The butler’s deep voice was the first I recognized.
I edged closer, pressing myself against the wall.
“…can’t keep delaying this,” the butler whispered.
I took another step, trying to peek through the gaps in the hedge. Just as I was about to take another step forward, the doorbell rang.
The sudden sound made me jump.
The voices in the garden cut off immediately.
I turned toward the entrance, my pulse quickening.
I cast one last glance at the hedge, but I didn’t see anyone.
Something didn’t feel right.
00:42 Sat, 22 Mar
