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Chapter 17
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Locked in Silence Chapter 18
Harvey was an excellent psychologist. He quickly noticed that I could barely eat anything.With his help, my body gradually recovered, and my speech became much clearer.On the day of our farewell, I smiled and told him, "This time, I'm going to take back everything that belongs to me!"Harvey smiled gently and waved goodbye.…A few months later, I had settled in a new city and sent Harvey a gift. In return, I received a message from him.Phoebe had stabbed Stephen, and during the struggle, Stephen had also injured Phoebe.The Linnells and Dovers, two powerful and influential families, were at odds, causing quite a stir.I hadn’t kept up with the news, so I was unaware of the situation. I tapped on my phone and replied to Harvey.Raelynn: [Bro, since when did you become so nosy about other people's drama?]Harvey responded with a knowing emoji and followed up with a message.Harvey: [So, what do you think about me opening a clinic in your city?]I enthusiastically typed ou
Locked in Silence Chapter 1
Phoebe Dover, Stephen Linnell's beloved, lay in a coma.As for me, a mute, I hadn't even been given the chance to defend myself before Stephen locked me away in his basement.Fear and hunger consumed me, my spirit shattered. Over time, I developed amnesia. Each day, more of my memories slipped away, little by little.Stephen sneered at me, accusing me of faking it, but I could barely remember who he was anymore.…The door to the basement creaked open, letting in a sliver of light.I instinctively raised my hand to shield my eyes from the brightness that stung after so long in darkness."Well, Raelynn Swales, are you still refusing to admit your fault?" Stephen asked.He stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the light behind him. His smirk was derisive, as though certain he wouldn't get the answer he wanted.As my eyes adjusted, I slowly lowered my hand.I opened my mouth, but it was useless—I was mute.Stephen couldn't see my sign language in the dark, and I had no way
Locked in Silence Chapter 2
Phoebe had been in a coma for nearly a month. Before her accident, she had asked to meet me.I had already been unnerved by her manipulative behavior in the past and wanted to refuse, but under Stephen's disdainful gaze, I found myself unable to protest. Instead, I lowered my head and silently acquiesced.This was always how it went. Years of ingrained self-doubt followed me like a shadow, especially when Stephen was involved.No matter how much I tried to stand tall, I felt like a balloon—fragile and ready to burst. The closer I got to Stephen, the sharper his edges became, always puncturing my resolve.…Phoebe arrived wearing a white dress, her gaze gentle, her voice as soft as her appearance."Raelynn," she said, her tone calm and understanding. "I know you once saved Stephen, and I'm grateful for that. But he's my boyfriend. Please, stop interfering with our relationship, okay?"I clenched my fists, my palms slick with sweat. I had no idea what Phoebe's real intentions were
Locked in Silence Chapter 3
The basement was cold, damp, and oppressive.Stephen brought me only one meal a day.At first, I was utterly terrified, so frightened that I forced my eyes open wide in the darkness, straining to see anything.When a rat scurried by, my heart pounded uncontrollably. As a mute, however, no matter how terrified I was, I couldn't make a sound.All I could do was curl up against the wall, clutching myself tightly and trembling as fear consumed me.I couldn't understand why Phoebe would go to such lengths to frame me.She already had everything she wanted.Compared to her, I was nothing more than the mud at the bottom of a pond, looking up longingly at the lotus in full bloom above the water.People used to say that if it weren't for Stephen, I would never have lived such a comfortable life.I forced a bitter smile at the thought.Why did no one believe me, no matter what I said?Everyone assumed I had ulterior motives toward Stephen, that I was greedy for the wealth and status o
Locked in Silence Chapter 4
Stephen was the Linnells' only son and heir to their immense fortune and doting affection. His life had been smooth and glittering in every way—except for that one day, ten years ago.That day, Stephen and Phoebe had their first major fight at school.Out of spite, Stephen decided to shake off his ever-present bodyguards and maids, determined to rely on himself to find his angry childhood sweetheart.Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.The moment Stephen stepped out of the school gates, he was abducted by a group of men who had been lying in wait.It wasn't random. These men had a vendetta against the Linnells and had been watching for the perfect opportunity.That day, they finally got their chance.Stephen was silently whisked away to a run-down neighborhood—a place he would never have ventured into otherwise.It just so happened to be where I lived.The neighborhood was slated for demolition, with most of its residents long gone. The only ones left were me, a homele
Locked in Silence Chapter 5
Life with the Linnells was as wonderful as I had dreamed. I had my own room, learned sign language, and even attended the same school as Stephen.Despite that, years of poverty and fear had left scars. I was completely reliant on him.He told me he would always be my brother and protect me—and I believed him.At school, Stephen was a star, and every girl seemed infatuated with him. But he only spent time with Phoebe and, later on, me.Phoebe treated me well—at least in front of Stephen.She would gently brush my brittle hair, fastening it with delicate hairpins.The moment Stephen wasn't looking, though, her warmth vanished. She'd rip the hairpins out, her expression cold and disdainful.At first, I thought I had done something wrong. Phoebe was known for being kind and gentle.Yet, she taught me, over and over, what it felt like to fall from heaven into inferno.Eventually, I began to fear her kindness.Stephen didn't understand. He thought I was being stubborn and often enc
Locked in Silence Chapter 6
When the incident of me pushing Phoebe into the water spread through the school, Stephen stopped shielding me as he had before. For the first time, I truly felt the unfiltered malice of my peers.Previously, out of respect for Stephen, my classmates had refrained from openly mentioning my disability. Now, I wasn't even referred to by my name—everyone simply called me "the mute."I gestured frantically, trying to convey that I had a name—Raelynn.All it did, though, was provoke a wave of laughter."Mute, huh? What good could her name do? She couldn't even pronounce it. How ironic!""Exactly! Bet she pushed Phoebe because she's jealous and wants Stephen all to herself. Talk about a bumpkin coveting what wasn't theirs."I wanted to scream, "No, it wasn't like that!"My parents gave me this name. To me, it was the most beautiful name in the world.I wasn't always mute. I used to speak—until my parents passed away in a car accident when I was three. After that, my voice disappeare
Locked in Silence Chapter 7
The sound of scurrying came from the dark corner of the basement—probably a rat.I shifted to the opposite side, fumbling around until I found the food container.Slowly, I chewed the cold, unappetizing meal in the pitch-black room. Unable to see my food, I inevitably made a mess.Pain gnawed at my stomach—a combination of irregular meals and overwhelming fear.It didn't matter anymore. So many things had already faded from my memory. These agonies, too, would eventually be forgotten.Half-conscious, my mind drifted to a bright, sunny smile.I clutched a scrap of paper tightly.A name was written on it: Harvey Joslin."Wait for him. He'll come to save you," I told myself.I clung to that glimmer of hope for what felt like forever, though I wasn't even sure I had the strength to keep waiting.It was just that every time I looked at that name, a warmth welled up in my heart.On that scrap of paper were the memories of how we met—the image of Harvey's warm and confident presenc
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Locked in Silence Chapter 18
Harvey was an excellent psychologist. He quickly noticed that I could barely eat anything.With his help, my body gradually recovered, and my speech became much clearer.On the day of our farewell, I smiled and told him, "This time, I'm going to take back everything that belongs to me!"Harvey smiled gently and waved goodbye.…A few months later, I had settled in a new city and sent Harvey a gift. In return, I received a message from him.Phoebe had stabbed Stephen, and during the struggle, Stephen had also injured Phoebe.The Linnells and Dovers, two powerful and influential families, were at odds, causing quite a stir.I hadn’t kept up with the news, so I was unaware of the situation. I tapped on my phone and replied to Harvey.Raelynn: [Bro, since when did you become so nosy about other people's drama?]Harvey responded with a knowing emoji and followed up with a message.Harvey: [So, what do you think about me opening a clinic in your city?]I enthusiastically typed ou
Locked in Silence Chapter 17
I asked Harvey why Phoebe hated me so much. She had everything, while I was just mute."It's exactly because she has everything that she's so sensitive to losing even the smallest thing," he explained. "In her eyes, you're here to steal Stephen from her."I shrugged, signaling that I had no such intentions."But how did you know Phoebe was faking it?" I asked.Harvey flicked my forehead playfully. "Come on, we just had to check the hospital's surveillance footage. I don't believe any normal person can stay in bed without moving at all."I fell silent, recalling what I'd written on the paper.Maybe Stephen didn't care about the truth. Perhaps he was just looking for an excuse to justify his abuse.Harvey gently took my hand and urged, "Raelynn, promise me—you'll stay away from jerks and live your best life."I nodded earnestly.…In the days that followed, my hospital room was filled with flowers and luxury gifts.Harvey would coldly toss them all into the trash without a sec
Locked in Silence Chapter 16
Harvey pressed the call button by my bed, signaling to the nurse that my IV was almost empty."Raelynn, get well soon. Once you're better, I'll take you out for a feast!" he promised.For some reason, the mention of food made my stomach churn uncomfortably. A deep sense of aversion washed over me.Not wanting Harvey to notice, I forced a cheerful nod.With Harvey by my side, I felt at ease and soon drifted into a light sleep.…Sometime later, I was roused by a commotion outside the room."I told you, go apologize to Raelynn yourself, or I'll never forgive you!" Stephen yelled.Harvey stood protectively in front of me, his expression icy as he looked at the newcomers.Stephen entered, his face a storm of rage, dragging a frail woman dressed in hospital clothes. Her pale, tear-streaked face gave her a pitiful appearance.Harvey glanced at me and mouthed, "That's Phoebe."I stared at the pair in front of me, unsure of how I had felt about them before losing my memory. Now, all
Locked in Silence Chapter 15
The muffled voices outside the room faded, and I quietly peeked my head out the door. Just then, my eyes met Harvey's as he returned."Did your friend leave?" I asked, attempting a wry smile. "I was about to ask if this was a novel I wrote or something."Harvey sat down at my bedside and gently took the stack of papers from my hands."Raelynn, do you remember how we met?" he asked.His question startled me, and I blurted, "Of course I remember!"The stiff smile on my face, reflected in Harvey's deep, dark eyes, told him everything. He sighed softly. "Raelynn, you don't remember, do you?"I froze, my breath catching.He was right—I didn't remember.Truthfully, aside from knowing his name was Harvey and that he was my closest friend, I couldn't recall anything else."So..." I hesitated, glancing at the papers again. "Is everything written here true?"Harvey's expression grew serious. He nodded solemnly."Raelynn, I'm sorry. Stephen faked records to make it look like you had le
Locked in Silence Chapter 14
I slowly opened my eyes and saw Harvey rushing toward me."Raelynn, are you okay?" he asked. "Y-You spoke! You can talk!"I opened my mouth and tried to say, "I'm fine."My voice was unsteady, its pitch a little strange, but I had spoken. I could talk!In the room stood another man, pale and bruised. He had been leaving but froze when he heard my voice. Almost in a daze, he stumbled to my bedside."Raelynn..." he called out.I gave him an apologetic smile and asked, "Sorry, are you Harvey's friend?"The color drained further from the man's face. His lips trembled as he whispered, "Raelynn... it's me, Stephen. Don't you remember me?"I smiled politely to mask my discomfort and looked to Harvey for help, hoping he would intervene.Harvey tugged Stephen by the arm, his face cold. "Step outside with me. Raelynn just woke up, and I don't want her upset."Stephen seemed reluctant but eventually handed me the stack of papers he'd been holding."Raelynn, you wrote these yourself," h
Locked in Silence Chapter 13
I felt as though my soul was floating above it all, granting me an unprecedented clarity.Stephen's lips pressed into a thin line as he carefully read through the papers in his hands."T-This can't be possible," he murmured.Harvey grabbed Stephen by the collar, veins bulging in his forehead. "What can't be possible?" he demanded. "That Phoebe couldn't have possibly framed Raelynn? Or that Raelynn never liked you in the first place?"Harvey's words hit Stephen like a thunderclap, leaving him visibly shaken.But Harvey wasn't done. "Stephen, you're nothing but a cowardly jerk. You're too afraid to admit your feelings for Raelynn because you think falling in love with a mute person would make you a laughingstock."So instead, you tear her down again and again, making it seem like she's the one chasing after you for wealth and status. It's pathetic—just a way to protect your fragile ego!" he barked.He paused, letting the words sink in. "But here's the truth: she's never loved
Locked in Silence Chapter 12
Gradually, my awareness returned.I could clearly see a frantic Harvey, a pale Stephen with bruises on his face, and... my lifeless body in Harvey's arms.Was I... dead? I wasn't sure.All I saw was Harvey rushing me to the hospital while Stephen followed closely behind, clutching sheets of paper covered in my handwriting.The doctor explained that I wasn't dead. I had simply fallen into a temporary coma due to extreme fear and malnutrition. I would wake up in time.Upon hearing that I'd recover, Harvey slumped against the side of the hospital bed, utterly drained.Meanwhile, Stephen's trembling hands unfolded the papers and carefully read through every word.I gave a bitter laugh. I couldn't even remember what I had written. Whatever it was, Stephen wouldn't believe it anyway. He never believed me—whether it was then or now.Just like how, years later, he stubbornly insisted I had orchestrated our "coincidental” reunion, pretending to be a janitor to gain his sympathy.In rea
Locked in Silence Chapter 11
As expected, Stephen didn't come home that night.His mother, wearing her usual gentle smile, called me into the study."Raelynn, you're such a wonderful child. Stephen's father and I have always been grateful to you for saving him," she said. "But as you've seen over the years, a lot of things have happened that shouldn't have, and much of it is because of you."I nodded silently, offering my apology without words.She gave me an approving nod and continued in the same calm tone. "So, we want to discuss a solution with you. I'm sure we can find the best path forward together, right?"I understood her meaning.Taking out a pen and paper, I wrote: "Mrs. Linnell, thank you for taking care of me all these years. I know I've caused trouble, and I'm deeply sorry. I've thought about it for a long time, and I'd like to go back to my own home, if that's okay."Her smile deepened, relief flickering in her expression. She replied, "Of course, Raelynn. We will always respect your wishes. Y
Locked in Silence Chapter 10
The Joslins weren't an ordinary family, either. If they had been, Harvey wouldn't have ended up at this school.Harvey and Stephen's parents were called to the school, and under the administration's guidance, the tension between the parents quickly eased.However, Stephen and Harvey remained stubborn, refusing to apologize to each other.Phoebe took me into the office and gave a detailed account of what had happened.The conclusion was clear—their fight had been because of me.I raised my hands, intending to sign something, but eventually let them drop.What was there to argue? It wasn't exactly wrong.Harvey frowned and began to speak, but his father silenced him with a stern glare.Stephen's mother crouched in front of me, her tone warm and kind. "Raelynn, you're a good girl. I know that. Why don't we go home tonight and have a little chat, okay?"I nodded silently.The afternoon classes proceeded as usual.Harvey, determined to cheer me up, kept cracking jokes and talking
