Ninety-Nine Times, Then No More

r that I was still alive. Through the thin wall of my hospital

the press won't leave me alone. They'

use. I strained to

ne," he finally said, h

!" she sobbed. "I've suffered so much. All those years I was away

d. The question hung in the air, cold and sharp. It

f I didn't leave, they would ruin me. They would ruin you! I did it to protect y

ly from her lips. She w

said, his voice hard. "She was a sub

e hurt. But they did

. "I should go. I'm just causing you trouble. I'l

c, and I could picture it perfectly. Him pulling her into his arm

une whispered, her voice laced with false sympath

tate. A slight i

voice was raspy, weak, but

ter, my own door opened. Chase and June st

eyes wide with fake concern. "Elena! You're awake! O

changed. Her eyes filled with tears. She dropped to h

fault. I'll leave. I'll disappear again. Please, don't let me

was the noble, self-sacrificing vict

ook at her, Elena. She's on her knees, begging you. And you

feet. "Let's go, Jun

e door behind him. June gave me one last look ove

er. She had always told me to be strong, to be kind. But she had also told me not to be a fool.

's number. He was living in Europe for his

ng. Is everyt

oice breaking. "I'm

I held my breath, waiting for t

as never good enough for you. The business means nothing. You

. Tears of relief, of grati

you, p

you to

ore thing. Did you or Mom ever threaten June? Did

r mother she won a scholarship to study music abroad. She packed her bags and left a than

y foundation of Chas

ore. I was done digging into th

o travel. As I was packing my sma

eet before you go. There's something I need to tell

I knew she was lying. But the mention o

asked, my v

fe. I knew it was a mistake, bu

ing radiant. She didn't look like someone wh

g well," I sai

flashing a diamond bracelet on her wrist. "He feels so g

ry gift, every tender moment. I listened witho

say?" I finally as

w, cruel smile. "

red a

loved you more. The perfect daughter. But it doesn't matter who she loved, does it? Because in t

umphant whisper. "You really are a

the cafe. A man burst in, his face contorted with rage. He w

ou ruined my life! Now I'm going