4 Chapter 4
Gerald’s expression shifted from shock to anger at my reply. His face hardened as he clenched his fists and snarled, “Eleanor, are you looking for trouble?”
Before I could answer, Joanne’s weeping filled the space. She lightly touched my shoulder, pretending to be humble, “Eleanor, I really don’t need the protection.”
As she spoke, she grabbed the necklace I wore and yanked it forcefully.
Simultaneously, she shed tears and whimpered, “You and Gerald have been through so much. Please don’t quarrel over me.”
The necklace snapped and dropped to the floor. As I hurried to grab it, I tumbled off the hospital bed. Agony surged through my back as the stitches on my injury ripped open again, feeling as if my skin was being stripped away.
Despite my efforts, I was too slow. The ruby necklace lay in countless pieces on the ground, beyond repair.
My mother had passed away giving birth to me, and this necklace was my brother’s way of wishing for my wellbeing.
Alma had once mentioned that in his final moments, my brother’s greatest desire was for me to live peacefully after marrying Gerald and to safely deliver my baby.
To fulfill this wish, my brother had asked her to purchase the necklace and give it to me for protection. This necklace had
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4 Chapter 4
survived two car crashes, but now Joanne had destroyed it.
Tears flowed down my face and my heart filled with anguish. Before I could express my anger, Joanne leaned in and whispered menacingly, “Eleanor, you’re quite resilient, aren’t you? Even car accidents can’t end you.”
you
“Unlike your brother, who died from just a small push. Did know he was still coughing blood at the end? And even then, he kept mentioning the chicken soup he made for you.” Her words sent shivers through my body.
Memories of my brother’s kind smile and voice flooded my mind, “Eleanor, the chicken soup is ready. I’ve stored it in the fridge, make sure to eat it after work.”
“Your health isn’t the best, you need proper nutrition. Don’t worry. about gaining weight, my sister Eleanor looks cutest with a little “extra.”
“Oh, and about your spicy food cravings, store–bought ones aren’t sanitary, so I made a large batch of homemade ones. They’re in the lower–right cabinet by the dining table. Don’t feel guilty about eating them, okay? Just let me know when you’re running low, I’ll make more for you.”
The pain seared through me as if I’d been drenched in acid, consuming every part of me that still allowed me to breathe.
Filled with fury, I attempted to slap Joanne, “You’re a killer, Joanne!” But before I could make contact, she theatrically fell to the ground, holding her face and looking up at me with teary, shocked eyes, “Eleanor, I was only being honest. Why did you try to hit me?”
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She began coughing weakly, her voice shaking as she said, “Gerald… my chest hurts so much… Is it because of the car accident? Cough… cough…
Gerald rushed to embrace Joanne and stepped back as if I were a crazed beast, “Eleanor, have you lost your mind? Why did you try
to hit Joanne?”
“You crashed into her car, used up public resources and now you’re even accusing her of being a killer! How did you become so heartless and malicious?”
I stared at Gerald in disbelief. After eight years together, was this truly how he perceived me?
The view of the snow–covered world outside suddenly reminded me of a New Year’s Eve during my third year of college. That night, Gerald had tirelessly searched half the city just to buy me a white dog–shaped hat I’d admired.
When he placed it on my head, he was still out of breath from running. I had lightly hit his chest, teary–eyed, “Silly, was it really worth all that effort in this cold weather?”
He had stroked my hair, kissed my forehead and warmed my hands, in his while softly replying, “It’s worth it, Eleanor. Can’t you see how perfectly it suits you?”
Then came the sound of fireworks exploding in the night sky. The brilliant lights lit up the frost–covered trees, bathing them in vibrant, colorful shades.
