Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Farren’s POV
“Here is it, Miss Farren. If you go inside, you will see a box on the table. Sir James placed all of your mother’s belongings inside the box,” the maid instructed.
I nodded
my
head. “Okay. You can leave me now. I can find myself out of here later.”
The maid walked away, and I was left alone in front of the I arrived in the attic.
I’ve been asking my father to give me back my mother’s belongings. But he kept it by himself and hid them.
“I didn’t know what drug he took tonight. But I was glad that he would finally give my mother’s things.”
I inhaled deeply before turning the doorknob and pushing it open. As I entered, the musty smell hit my nose, making it difficult to breathe.
“Ugh, I coughed, covering my nose with one hand while feeling around for the light switch on the wall.
Once the area was bathed in light, I could see just how thick the dust was inside. There were also cobwebs that I had to clear away as I made my way through.
“He didn’t even have time to clean it,” I muttered, standing next to the box.
Standing before the box, a wave of sadness washed over me. Slowly, I raised my hand and carefully opened the box.
Inside, I found my mother’s belongings. Her favorite mug, her dress, her music box that she used to play when she put me to sleep, and more.
Among all the items, what intrigued me the most was the picture frame. I took it out of the box and gazed at the last photo of me and my mother.
My eyes filled with tears as I clutched the frame tightly against my chest, silently weeping.
“I miss you so much, Mom,” I cried. At that moment, I felt incredibly alone.
I was in a house where no one would welcome me, reminiscing about the cherished memories of those I held dear in my heart.
It took some time before I could finally calm down. “I need to go back. Alaric is waiting
for me.”
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I wiped my eyes and cheeks, standing up. As I was about to grab the box and take it with me, a strange sensation washed over me.
“What…”
Confused, I furrowed my brow and looked at my hands, which were covered in a white powder from the box.
“What on earth is this?” I muttered under my breath.
A peculiar sensation surged within me like sirens blaring in the depths of my thoughts.
Something felt off.
Something was definitely amiss.
“I have to…” I trailed off, trying to push away the unsettling feeling. “I have to leave immediately.”
Yet, my b*dy began to sway.
Please don’t tell me…
Did my father sl*p something into my mother’s belongings?
“Haha,” I chuckled bitterly. “Not only did he abandon his own child and spouse, but he also drugged me?”
It was like a bucket of ice water being poured over me, realizing that my father was capable of such a thing. I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending nightmare, my thoughts becoming hazy.
The truth was harsh, and it seemed like there was no end to the troubles I faced.
“What on earth did he include in this?” I whispered, feeling the weight of it all, even in my tongue, as if I was made of lead. My limbs refused to cooperate.
Then, a burning sensation started to build inside me. It was so uncomfortable that I knew I had to address it as soon as possible.
Fear filled my widened eyes.
I can’t believe what just popped into my head. I’ve never tried this kind of drug before, but I have a hunch about what it might be.
If my guess is correct, I need to get to the hospital as soon as possible.
In the depths of my mind, I could hear the music fading in and out from the main
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Chapter 23
party hall. It made me pause, and I started to regain my movement.
Summoning all my strength, I stomped my foot with all my might, digging my heel. into the ground with intense pressure.
24%
Somehow, in my attempt to escape from here, I lost my shoes, and now I’m standing barefoot in the hallway, swaying back and forth.
I frantically scanned my surroundings, my heart racing as I heard voices echoing in the distance. Desperately, I pressed my hand against my mouth, trying to stifle any strange. noises that might give me away.
“This is not good, not good at all,” I muttered under my breath, my legs giving out as I collapsed onto the ground.
Before coming here, I had noticed men stationed around, guarding the house. If I were to encounter one of them and this insane drug compelled me to do something foolish, I would be utterly doomed.
It felt as though my father had purposely placed those men there and given me this bizarre substance.
“Dam n it,” I cursed, feeling utterly helpless.
All I could do was unleash a string of curses, one after another, as I struggled to regain control.
Just as I was teetering on the edge of losing my sanity and surrendering to the influence
of the drug, a cool and sweet scent wafted into my nostrils.
“I love that smell.”
I summoned every ounce of strength left in me and pushed myself up onto my feet. My instincts urged me to follow the enticing aroma, so I obediently followed my nose, hoping it would guide me to some much-needed solace.
I burst forward, plowing through any obstacles in my path like a bulldozer.
The atmosphere grew thin, and I could sense the shallowness of
my breath.
And then, like a breath of fresh air, I spotted a man leisurely leaning against the wall, casually puffing on a cigarette as the smoke enveloped him.
He noticed me, and his face showed a clear shock,
As my vision cleared, I realized who it was.
But he was the one who called out my name first.
8.24% *
Chapter 23
“Farren?” Max asked, his voice trembling.
Tears streamed down my face as I cried against him.
I rushed towards him, holding onto him tightly for dear life.
Max, my friend’s brother, wrapped his arms around me protectively and gently smoothed out my messy hair.
Finally, I looked up and let go.
Π
“Max, why are you here?” I managed to say, holding back the tears that threatened to fall once again.
“That doesn’t matter!” he exclaimed. “What happened to you?”
“I… ahh…” I couldn’t even finish explaining because my b*dy was shaking uncontrollably. I desperately needed some relief, or else I felt like I was going to die!
“Please,” I pleaded, wrapping my arms around him because my legs were about to give out. “I feel so hot.”
Max looked at me intently. He must have sensed that something was off.
Suddenly, he gently cupped my face in his hands, wiping away the tears as I struggled to catch my breath.
“Did your dad do this?” he inquired.
I frowned, unsure of how to respond.
doubts abo
From the start, I had my Max’s true identity. He’s my friend’s brother, but it seemed like he knew way too much about me. He even knew about my brother and correctly guessed that my father had done something to me. And now, he’s been invited to this party.
But I don’t have time to dwell on that right now.
“What do you need, Farren?” Max asked me. “Just tell me, and I’ll help you.”
What do I need?
I need the comfort of a man’s presence.
I need someone to help me ease this pain!
“M-Max,” I stammered. “At this moment, I am…”
“Let go of her.” A cold voice interrupted.
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Chapter 23
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Feeling lightheaded, I looked up and saw my husband gripping Max’s arm. “I said, let go. of her.”
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