Chapter 3
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Eugene’s interruption carried a whisper of tease beneath its authority.
A slight tremor in his usually steady voice betrayed him. “Victoria’s blindness is temporary.”
Claire adjusted her performance seamlessly, her head settling against my shoulder with practiced innocence.
“Oh, silly me,” she cooed. “Maybe tomorrow Victoria’s sight will return, and she’ll be the most radiant bride Eastbrook has ever seen. I’m just so thrilled for you, dear sister.”
That’s how she’d always fooled me with her perfect performance of wide–eyed innocence.
After the assistant delivered my wedding gown, Claire orchestrated our solitude with expert precision.
The air in the room changed, growing heavy with malice.
“Victoria, this dress you designed – it’s exquisite. It’s stunning.” A pause, followed by the sound of fabric rustled between her fingers. “Though it’s rather large on me…”
The sound of ripping silk shattered the hospital room’s sterile quiet.
“A blind bride in couture?” She laughed softly. “The hospital gown suits your new… status better.”
Tears splashed, and suddenly my eyes erupted in white–hot agony.
I tried to scream but no sound emerged. My trembling hands reached up instinctively to wipe away, but Claire’s grip locked around my wrists.
Her lips brushed my ear, warm breath carrying words cold as ice. “Poor, sweet Victoria. Did you really think it was the accident that
stole your sight?”
“One casual comment from me, and Eugene harvested your corneas for my benefit. The irony? I didn’t even need them. Even a stray
wouldn’t want them.”
Her grip tightened painfully. If you’re truly as clever as everyone claims, you’ll vanish quietly. After all…”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“Imagine what Eugene might do if I mentioned that you’ve become a… liability.”
The tears burning my eyes was nothing compared to the inferno consuming my heart.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, Claire roughly wiped away the evidence from my face. She grabbed my hand, forcing it high
in the air.
“Crack!” The sound of palm meeting cheek ricocheted off sterile walls. My palm stung from the self–inflicted slap she’d orchestrated.
Before I could process what was happening, a violent force slammed me backward. My head cracked against the wall, leaving my ears ringing with a high–pitched whine.
“Victoria!” Eugene’s voice exploded with fury. “Have you lost your mind along with your sight? How dare you assault Claire in her
delicate condition!”
05:42
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You StO
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Clanger 3
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Just as he expected, I lowered my head in false contrition, though the caustic tears still burning my eyes made every movement
wgory/
My voice quavered – not from remorse, bet from pain and carefully contained rage.
“I’m sorry, Claire.”
Eugene’s footsteps retreated toward the door. “Someone will collect you at eight tomorrow morning.”
What he didn’t know was that tomorrow’s wedding wouldn’t be a celebration – it would be my escape.
The day I would finally disappear from his life.
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