Chapter 12 I'd Rather Die Than Leave Him Behind
667 Words
Ethan stormed in, jaw clenched, eyes blazing with fury as he grabbed Scarlett's chin roughly. "Scarlett, I seriously underestimated you. You actually hired someone to kill? You really think I wouldn't lay a hand on you?"
His voice was low and threatening. "I'm warning you-if you dare touch Harper again, I'll ruin that pretty face of yours."
Scarlett stared at him, confused and in pain, completely lost on what he was talking about. "What are you saying? I don't get it. Hire someone? Kill who?"
"Still playing dumb?" Ethan sneered, tightening his grip. "Your acting's getting better-wanna audition for a drama?"
"I really have no clue what's going on!" she said, voice hoarse, knowing full well he wouldn't believe her no matter what she said.
"You can love whoever you want, just don't fall for Harper. She's not the saint you think she is," Scarlett pleaded, her voice trembling. Maybe this could be her last chance to warn him. That woman wouldn't bring him happiness.
"Oh, please," Ethan's voice was thick with sarcasm. "Like you're any better? You ‘good people' got my dad killed and kidn*pped Harper. Sure, you're a real gem."
"Believe what you want. I didn't do any of it," she whispered.
"Deny it all you want. When I get proof, we'll see what smart excuse you come up with. Pray I never find it."
Ethan left again - just like he always does, in and out like a gust of wind. This time, it's been two weeks and he still hasn't come home.
Scarlett felt it in her bones-time wasn't on her side anymore. Lately, she'd been fainting more often. She just wanted to be around him for whatever time she had left.
But every time she called, her phone would play the same line: "The number you dialed is switched off."
Forget it. He absolutely hated her guts. If even seeing her made him sick, what was the point? Maybe dying alone in peace wouldn't be the worst thing.
Still, even though she told herself that, she couldn't help but hope-calling again and again, only to have her heart shatter each time.
Knock knock knock!
"Who is it?"
"Ma'am, a Mr. Grant is here. He says he's got something important to discuss with you."
"Mr. Grant? Let him in."
Scarlett walked into the living room, unsure of where William was standing, so she addressed the air. "Please, have a seat. What brings you here today?"
"I've got good news for you, it's about your-"
"Marry, can you bring us some tea?" Scarlett cut him off.
"We'll talk in a minute."
When Marry brought the tea in, Scarlett quickly came up with another excuse to send her shopping. She had learned this trick from Harper.
"Alright, Mr. Grant, please go ahead. I know it's about my condition. I just didn't want anyone to overhear."
William nodded in understanding, then leaned forward, grabbing her hand, eyes bright with excitement. "I was introduced to an experienced traditional medicine doctor. He's successfully treated many cancer patients, but the process is pretty tough - it involves drinking herbal medicine every day, along with acupuncture, cupping therapy, and other treatments-but honestly, if it works, the pain's worth it. You might consider heading to Southridge. There could be a miracle."
She gently pulled her hand back, face calm. "What are the chances of him actually curing someone?"
"Fifty-fifty. It's a coin flip, really."
"Can you bring him here instead?"
"I've tried. He refuses to leave Southridge, no matter what. Money's not the issue-he just won't budge."
"So... if I wanted treatment, I'd have to go to Southridge, stay there possibly for a year or more, and maybe even... not make it back?"
William's face froze. Her words hit him like a ton of bricks. He finally got what she wasn't saying out loud-she'd rather risk not getting better than leave Ethan behind.
She didn't want to lose even the tiniest sliver of time she could still have with him.
- Writer
