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Fourteen: a fiancée
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
A Thousand Lies Fifteen: Safety in the hospital
Alec It's been hours and she still isn't awake. The only thing that's keeping me still is the fact that we got answers from her doctors. She was taken here last night. Not brought into the hospital, she was left in the parking lot. A nurse that was about to clock into her shift found Temperance. She was more dead than alive when that nurse found her. They had to shove a tube down her throat almost immediately, and a lot of other stuff I've already forgotten. They said it was a miracle it worked. She has signs of physical abuse written all over her body. Old and new. When they asked her about them, she said she had a few bullies, which is the excuse she always uses. Bullies. The only person I've seen be rude to her is Sabrina. But even then I would doubt that Sabrina would be the cause of this. Words are different than punches. Then she went into surgery to fix her internal bleeding. The pills she was taking weren't even pills for the bleeding. That fake doctor gave her vitamin pi
A Thousand Lies Sixteen: rain
Temperance The booming sound of thunder crashes loudly, causing my mind to force me awake. Annoyed, I turn over, bending my arm to go back under my pillow. I open my eyes, feeling a strange pain come from myInner arm. I straighten my arm out, thinning my lips at the drip that is placed back into my arms. My ears twitch at the sound of the monitor they've plugged back in. I lazily bring myself to a sitting position with a delicate sigh escaping my chapped lips. I gaze outside and watch the dark clouds pour over us. They stretch into the distance as if it's never-ending. Rain slides down my window, the droplets racing against each other for which one can go faster. Lightning strikes and the crackling sound of thunder follows. I can hear a few patients scream, but other than that, it's a silent morning in the hospital. I've always liked the rain. When my mom was alive she would put me in a red raincoat and we'd go outside. She would watch as I splash around in the puddles, my legs
A Thousand Lies Seventeen: wound
Temperance I stand in the middle of the living room. Both my father and the bitch circle me like hawks. Anger is visible on their faces. I and my father have been like this before. I would stand helplessly as he would walk around me in circles to taunt me. One abuser turns into two. One punch turns into two. I slouch in shame and look at the ground. My face is swollen from the hits along with my discolored body. My hair is a mess and blood drips around my eye from a gash on my forehead. "Why the fuck were there people outside your hospital room?!" My father yells, shoving me backward into his girlfriend. I can smell the alcohol in his breath. And the smoke on her clothes. They had only returned a few minutes ago. They yanked me out of bed after ten minutes of being in a deep sleep They are mistreating me the day of getting out of the hospital. How stupid can you get? You would think they would be careful with how much pain to inflict on me. They seem to share one brain cell,
A Thousand Lies Eighteen: deserve
Temperance My eyes are slow to open, and pain jolts through my body as I grow more familiar with my surroundings. My mind spins in circles, trying to reveal the lost pieces of memories. "Up the morphine intake." An unfamiliar voice states. I fully open my eyes, realizing I'm in Alec's house again. I glance down at the bandage wrapped around my torso and the memories come flooding back. Erin had shot me, trying to kill me. But if she wanted to kill me... why didn't she shoot me in the head? As seconds pass I feel the pain in my body subsid. Morphine is a wonderful antidote for pain. "I'm glad you're up!" Alec speaks in a calm voice, sitting on the edge of the bed. I try my best to sit up, my arms too shaky to lift me. He wraps his arm around my back, helping me to a sitting position. He's barely touching me, taking his hands away as I'm positioned comfortably. It seems like he's afraid I might break. "How long have I been here..?" I ask in a raspy voice. My throat stings with
A Thousand Lies Nineteen: heart aching anxiety
Temperance I sigh and begin. "My mom died in a wreck when I was little. Since I was in the car, I was always blamed. The emotional abuse turned physical. I was always in the hospital because of this. There's nowhere for me to run, I have no family I can trust. Not only are my father's eyes watching me, but Erin's too. It wasn't so out of the blue for them to suddenly want to get rid of me." As I was speaking, tears fell down my cheeks. I haven't been able to speak freely about anything. I avoid the heady eye contact from my friends, keeping my hand wrapped around Alec's. "That's why you're staying here," Alec speaks after a few minutes of silence. I lay my head on his shoulder after he squeezes my hand to reassure me. "We need to go to the police about it," Emaline pushes a strand of her hair behind her ear. "No, we can't!" I almost stand to my feet as I plead with her, looking straight into her empty eyes. "We have to. They need to be put into jail." She doesn't dare look at m
A Thousand Lies Twenty: He's just Connor
Alec I park in the driveway and jump out of the car. I don't know what's gotten into me. I only go back to the mansion for emergencies. Temperance needing me shouldn't be an emergency. If only I could help it when it comes to her. I wouldn't be running away from my duties to tend to her. This girl, she just sets a fire off in me. When I'm around her I get nervous and my heart beats faster. I have this deep urge to protect her. If my father heard about me abandoning my duties tonight, he would be furious. I would no doubt be screamed at for hours. He isn't abusive or purposely mean to me, he just has a reputation to hold. Growing up me and my siblings were under extremely strict rules. We couldn't do anything to disgrace our family name. Ace and I had to be the best of the best to inherit the gang. My father never had any intentions of Arella maintaining his work so she didn't get the harsh rules. Once Vanessa came into Ace's life he decided he didn't want to be the next leader. T
A Thousand Lies Twenty-one: One day to forget
Temperance I look at my reflection in the mirror. My grey shirt is almost too big for me, covering the black leggings that cling to my legs. I tie my dark hair into a messy ponytail. My body is littered with fading bruises and healing cuts. There's is going to be a fine scar where I was bashed on my forehead. I turn my head, gazing at the door as I hear a light knock. I open the door, looking up at Alec. I give him a small smile, stepping out of the room. "Ready to go?" I ask. I'm excited to go on this adventure. I've never been to a trampoline park. The only concern I have is the wounds on my stomach. I'll have to take it easy today. "We've been ready. You take forever." I shoot him a glare as he laughs. Why does my heart hurt when I look at him? We stop in front of the car, standing with all the guys. "We have a problem. There's not enough room in the car." Damien sighed, "Someone will have to sit on a lap." I know what they think when they all look at me. They want me
A Thousand Lies Twenty-two: happiness before the fall
Temperance I sit in the living room with pillows and blankets littering the floor below me. We are all cuddled up on the couch, shoulder to shoulder. A movie plays on the flat screen tv in front of us. We all have pajamas on, including Connor who doesn't live here. I have no idea where he acquired them from. Emaline and I cuddle with our backs against the couch behind us. "Go get Ella to turn down the temperature," Emaline demands Zander. He nods and stands up, patting her leg. I don't miss the blush that forms on Emaline's face. "Do you guys do this often?" I ask them, grabbing a handful of kettle popcorn and piling it into my mouth. "No. This is the first time." Alec replies. I expected that—kind of. I lay my head back and smile. I've never had a fun day like this. Not ever since my mom died. God, I miss her. So much. "It always feels like something bad is happening. One thing after another." Ethan blurts. "Well, for Temperance at least," Connor adds, his voice low. It see
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A Thousand Lies Seventy-three: the lies
Alec"You think this isn't hard for me?" Chris runs his fingers through his hair."I didn't say that." I grit my teeth, my ears ring with annoyance.I slam my hands on the table, snapping everyone's attention back to me. "Even if she's happier gone, did you guys forget that she was almost taken a few weeks ago?"I can almost see her small body fighting off her attempted kidnapper. If he would've overtaken her I swear I would've shot him right then and there."So you think she's in danger?" Chris grits his teeth."I'm saying I don't know what kind of trouble she's in!" I want to yell at everyone, telling them to search until the bottoms of their feet are rubbing off."I have something you need to see!" Bee and Rea bust through the door. I watch as Rea slightly glances at Connor before pushing her long hair out of her face.I stand to my feet, glancing at everyone at the table before leaving with the two girls. My heart races in my chest as we enter the security room."So... you're not
A Thousand Lies Seventy-two: I'm happy to be here
I stand completely still, my hands behind my back as my posture tightens."Is this fun for you?" My father asks me, shoving his pointer finger at me. My head gets knocked back and my body follows before catching myself with a stumble."I-is what fun?" The corners of my lips threaten to turn downwards."Watching me take care of you while you stay completely selfish. Do you not understand that I'm suffering because of you?" He squats down, bringing his hands to his face.Tears fall down his cheeks and onto the floor. Light sobs fill the room and I can't help but copy his crying.My hands come up to my face to wipe my tears away.I don't know why I'm crying because of him. Maybe it's this love I still have for him that makes me upset when he cries."I-I'm sorry." I hiccup, watching him lift his head. He crawls towards me, bringing himself upwards and wrapping his arms around me.He places his chin on my shoulders and softly cries.Maybe this is a turning point? Maybe he will finally real
A Thousand Lies Seventy-one: She's dead
TemperanceMy legs threaten to give out as I continue to pump them, trying to find my destination. In some sick way this reminds me of the times growing up that I was forced to run away from my father. Through my life with him, the familiar pain I would feel in my bones would cause me to sob as my legs continued to sprint.After years of the abuse I suffer with complex ptsd. I have a slight limp in my left leg where my knee is. Every-time I run like this I feel fire ignite in my knee. Not only that but my eyesight has also faltered through the abuse. From constantly pouring alcohol into my eyes as a form of punishment I was forced to get eye surgery two months ago. Even with the surgery I will eventually need glasses since my eyesight is still poor. My body is littered with scars from that monster. I got out alive but with the cost of my leg, my eyesight, and my skin."S-she's dead Temperance!" Danny yells at me, dragging me out of my thoughts.Her breathing is rigid as she slows down
A Thousand Lies Seventy: Lack of understanding
AlecI thin my lips out, wanting to crush the note she's left me in my hands. I've read it over and over.I love Temperance with everything in me but the notes she always leaves when she runs away are starting to get annoying.I've never understood her reasonings for running away aside from right now. In the past, she knew I could protect her. She knew she didn't have to go back but she still did.Now, she thought I was replacing her. I almost did replace her."Dear Alec, I don't know why I bother with these notes anymore. They seem like such a childish thing. How else would you know I left on my own will Vs if I was kidnapped?Anyways, I can't stay here while someone else is in my place by your side. I can't watch you be happy with another woman while I'm simply cast aside. I know you say this is for me but I never asked you to do this. I love you dearly and I want a future with you so bad but now I know that I can't have one with you. As soon as you picked a stranger over me is when
A Thousand Lies Sixty-nine: Strength
TemperanceTossing and turning through the night.My sleep has always been weary. The only time I ever got a full night of sleep was whenever my father would knock me unconscious.Being by Alec would help me. All I would do is put my hand on his chest. His chest moving up and down would help lull me to sleep.I turn towards the wall on the stained twin sized mattress. I look at the door, staring through the fist sized hole.Alec isn't here anymore. It's just me.My sheets and pillow smell like my room. Our room. They smell like Alec.I inhale the scent, letting a tear slip down my scarred cheek.I feel disgusted letting my wonderful sheets touch this disgusting mattress. It's the only thing blocking my skin from touching the stains but it still makes me cringe.People have no doubt had sex on this mattress. This is a whore house after all. My only question is how long will I be able to stay here?I have to pay up someday and they will make me do it with my body.I don't want that.I'v
A Thousand Lies Sixty-eight: Another note
Alec I sit uncomfortably in a seat in an empty meeting room. My heart aches in my chest. I feel physically fatigued from the pain I feel mentally. Who knew a breakup could hurt like this? I can't help but want to cry as I replay the events from hours ago. I can't forget the pain in her eyes as she screamed. There was so much emotion built up. Her eyes showed so much pain... so much anger. I was almost afraid she would punch me. I never would've imagine she would throw things at me. Arellas words play in my head over and over again. "You took her in and killed her father. The day you took her in is the day you signed a contract to protect her. That girl is more of your responsibility than I am." I've always thought of Arella as my responsibility. Temperance too... but not in the way Arella has put it. I have taken everything Temperance has never known away from her. I've stolen her old life and basically forced her to live with me. "Alec, what the hell are you doing?" I feel a
A Thousand Lies Sixty-seven: Gracelyn Sinclair
Temperance"He might not even go through with the marriage." Connor states, leaning on my dresser beside me as we stare at the wall opposite to us.I shake my head no, giving a sad smile, "The fact t-that he's e-even going is enough d-disrespect to me. I'm... I'm not-not staying here." I try to twist my ring around only to get a stab in the heart when I find nothing there.Connor turns towards me, "You're leaving. What about us? You'll be leaving everyone. Me, Zander, Ethan, Damien, Rea, Bee, and Ella. Can you really handle that?"I have made amazing friends while being here... but I can't just walk around this mansion like it's mine whenever Alec will take a wife soon."I c-can see you... and Z-Zander-no not him. Chris, I can see him. No o-one else." I love them all but I know I'll only be able to keep a tight circle if it means leaving. I know Alec will look for me when I leave and I'm not planning to let him find me.He tries to speak, trying to get me in my right mind before I beg
A Thousand Lies Sixty-six: Temperance
AlecI watch in shock as the woman I love throws things at me, glass cutting my face as she screams.She looks insane as she screams. In her eyes there's an emptiness. Like she's not all there. Somethings different about her.Connor has watched this whole thing play out, I can tell he's clearly on Temperances side. He watches with a hint of interest as she screams at me. Like he's studying the human emotion on someone who is severely angry.Ella turns the water off, pulling Connor back as Temp makes her way to me.Temperance isn't after Connor. She wouldn't hurt Connor. She's after me.She doesn't understand my reasons. I'm doing this for her. I love her so much that I would marry another woman just to keep her safe.Her safety is my main priority.There's multiple eyes from our friends on her. I feel almost embarrassed to be screamed at by her in this manner.Zander stands in front of the crowd. Rea clings onto his arm. Damien and Ethan stare dumbfounded, not knowing what to do.I ca
A Thousand Lies Sixty-five: Just like you
TemperanceI thought everyone is supposed to have character growth. Not just in books but in real life. Yet it's been a year and a half and I'm still stuck on what happened during my adolescence.I stare in the mirror I stand in front of. Things are definitely different from back then. My looks included.Back then my hair was long and thin. Now it's thick and short, down to my shoulders. My eyes used to be dull and lifeless but now they are bright. My thin and honey body is now healthy and I'm never starving.To think I almost killed myself.If I would have I wouldn't be where I am now. Both of my parents are dead, anyone who's wronged me is gone, I'm surrounded by a loving husband and amazing friends.Several times my mind has gone back to the one person that escaped my grasp. The one person that slipped through my fingers.Emaline.My best friend.I see her every time I closed my eyes. Her face is morphed now, it's blurry. Her face has faded from my mind. I haven't forgotten her, ju
