You Owe Me Forever

Chapter 10 You're Blind-But I'm the One Who Can't See

　　Harper's face turned an ugly shade of green, but she still forced a smile. "Mrs. Johnson, I think you've misunderstood me."

　　"But that's okay. Given time, I'm sure you'll get to know me better."

　　"I guess it's because Ethan celebrated my birthday yesterday, and that made you feel upset. I totally get it!" Harper added smugly, clearly trying to rub it in-it's the only thing she's got to hurt Scarlett right now.

　　Scarlett didn't respond, just quietly picked up her chopsticks and started eating. Harper, still putting on the friendly act, kept trying to serve her food. Scarlett ignored her completely, calmly helping herself to the dish right in front of her.

　　"Ma'am, here's the freshly made soup. Watch out, it's hot," Marry said, placing the pot down before turning to leave.

　　Just then, Harper called out, "Marry, can you run to the store nearby and grab me some tampons? We're out, and just get the brand I normally use, okay?"

　　As soon as Marry stepped out, a flash of malice crossed Harper's eyes. She casually picked up a bowl of steaming soup and, without warning, poured it straight over Scarlett's hand while she was reaching for food.

　　"Ah!" Scarlett screamed in pain, knocking over the utensils in front of her in the panic.

　　Harper immediately jumped into "oops" mode, acting like she freaked out and saying she accidentally lost grip, all while grabbing Scarlett's hand and pretending to help-only to press it hard against the hot soup.

　　Scarlett tried to jerk her hand back, but Harper had an iron grip. In desperation, she grabbed a porcelain bowl and hurled it in the direction opposite her, not knowing exactly where she was aiming.

　　Harper saw someone entering from the corner of her eye-it was Ethan. She quickly let go of Scarlett, froze in place, and braced for impact. Just as Ethan stepped inside, the bowl hit Harper squarely on the head.

　　"Stop! What the hell are you doing?!" Ethan shouted, storming over and shoving Scarlett aside, then scooped Harper up in his arms as she nearly collapsed.

　　"Harper, are you okay? Let's get you to the hospital."

　　"I'm fine... really... not worth going to the hospital for. I don't think it's bleeding... just need to put some ice on it," Harper said, her eyes watery and her face the picture of fragility.

　　Ethan glared down at the woman he had just shoved to the ground, fury burning in his eyes. "Scarlett, you've really outdone yourself!" he spat, every word laced with venom.

　　"Looks like even going blind isn't punishment enough. You're still out here hurting others. You honestly don't deserve to live."

　　"Didn't you see what she did to me?" Scarlett said, raising her burned, blistered hand, voice shaking. "I can't see, but what about you? Are you blind too?"

　　"Why don't you ask me how this happened to my hand?!"

　　Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he saw her burned, blistered hand - red and raw. But instead, he sneered.

　　"Hmph. Playing the victim again? Isn't that your favorite trick?"

　　"Did you really think a little burn would get me to feel sorry for you?"

　　"Mr. Johnson, please, don't blame her. It's my fault," Harper chimed in pitifully.

　　"I was just about to serve the hot soup, but then she suddenly started explaining what a ‘fake sweetheart' and a ‘two-faced b***h' meant.I think she might've misunderstood me... I got nervous, my hand shook a little, and I accidentally spilled it on her."

　　"I swear I didn't mean to hurt her. I just thought since she can't see well, I'd help her out more, but I messed everything up instead. It's my fault-I'm just so clueless," she said through teary eyes, looking like pure innocence.

　　"She told you what that means?" Ethan growled, jaw clenched.