All Chapters of Locked in Silence: Chapter 11 - Chapter 18

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

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

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

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