Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

“If it wasn’t for Melody’s kindness, you’d be behind bars right now!” Dexter’s voice was icy with reproach.

Standing numbly. I refused to kneel down no matter what those around me said. Nor would I utter an apology.

“No apology? Fine, let her hang with us tonight. We’ll make sure she has a ‘good time‘,” a few heirs jeered with laughter.

Rooted to the spot, I faced Dexter, “I’ve explained it wasn’t me who pushed her. Why can’t you believe me?”

Dexter’s brow furrowed, his patience wearing thin.

“You’re a pathological liar…” he said.

“Enough…” I cut him off, unable to bear more hurt. “I’m sorry.” I turned to Melody with a forced

smile. “You win.”

Melody glanced at Dexter, “Forget it, her apology isn’t genuine.”

“Phoebe!” Dexter warned me.

I took a step back and placed the bouquet carefully on the ground.

I longed to receive a gift from Dexter before, even if it was just a bouquet of flowers. But there

wasn’t any.

My legs were shaking as I dropped to my knees.

Dexter looked away and said nothing.

“Phoebe, just get up. Now I know you didn’t mean it.” Melody was playing nice.

I didn’t say anything and I didn’t mean to get up. “Dexter, I owe you my life from that time you desperately saved me, and now I’ve returned you favor,”

As for the money I owed him, I would find a way.

Dexter clenched his fists, “If she wants to kneel, let her kneel here!”

The hospital room echoed with mockery and laughter.

They had their fun and spilled their vile words.

And I knelt on the cold floor from the late afternoon until seven at night. Until my legs went numb and I collapsed into unconsciousness.

“Phoebe! Get up, stop faking!”

13:14

Chartri 16

When I woke up again, I was alone in the hospital bed, hooked up to an IV.

I pulled out the needle and, Ignoring the pain in my feet, hobbled out of the hospital.

After days of rain, it was finally sunny. Nevertheless, the chill still lingered.

Autumn in Sea City was lifeless and disheartening just like that.

“Stop him! Catch the thieff” The cry went up as I walked down an alley and someone bumped

into me.

The desperate figure halted when he saw me. We stared into each other’s eyes.

He was tall; his face was hidden under a cap and a mask, revealing only eyes that were clear and pleading.

He pulled me behind a dumpster and covered my mouth; his breath and heartbeat were close

and fast.

Once the pursuers passed, he released me and turned to flee.

“Why steal?” I asked quietly..

He stayed silent. He had his back on me, bowing his head and refusing to speak.

I could tell he was young. “I still have some money here, and this bracelet might be worth some cash. I’ll give it all to you.”

From my pocket, I pulled out some bills and removed the bracelet from my wrist, placing them on the dumpster before limping away.

He said nothing, nor did he follow up.

That bracelet, a gift from Dexter on my first birthday after my parents passed, was precious to me. It was also the only present I got from him.

I used to put that on a pedestal, but now, all I wanted was to escape. I wanted to stay away from anything related to him since they disgusted me.

I wandered aimlessly through the streets and by nightfall returned to the Fitzgerald residence. My phone was dead, not that anyone would call.

“Phoebe! Where have you been!” Dexter’s anger flared at the sight of me. “I’ve been calling you. why didn’t you answer?”

He rushed over and grabbed my shoulders as if he really cared about me at that moment.

I shrugged him off, indifferent.

“Dead battery.” I said.

He was frustrated, “Is it so hard to apologize for your mistakes? What do you have to be upset about?”

I remained silent.

Angry at my reticence, he seized my wrist with a glumn look.

“Where’s the bracelet?” he asked.

Surprised, I looked back at him. He actually noticed its absence. I thought my death wouldn’t even concern him.

“I lost it.” I said nonchalantly.

“Phoebe. Do you realize that bracelet was something I…” He trailed off, hesitating.