Semua Bab BENEATH THE LIES : Bab 41 - Bab 45

041I stared at him, wondering why he was suddenly asking about my past. My heart raced, my palms damp with sweat. There’s no way I could mention Ryan to him. I couldn’t. Just the thought alone made my chest tighten with anxiety. I shifted a little from him on the bed, acting like I was scared of telling him anything. Maybe he’d back off if I looked uneasy.“My past… it’s…” I began, my voice faltering. “Drake, it’s not something I like talking about. It’s really painful. I can’t.”“Hey, hey, it’s okay. It’s okay,” he said gently, moving closer. “You can trust me.”His voice was low, soft, comforting. It made my heart ache. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes full of understanding. “Tell me your past, Ash. We’ve all gone through painful things in life, but you can share them with me. I mean, I’m your boyfriend.”I stared at him, tense, my body rigid. I didn’t know what to do at this point. I couldn’t risk the truth. Not now. I let out a deep breath and gulped, forc

043 I glared at her. I didn't have time for nonsense now. The court letter crumpled in my fist, veins pulsing in my neck. My chest rose and fell rapidly with each breath I took. Without saying another word to her, I bolted out of the hallway, feet pounding against the marble tiles as I raced toward the Door. “Drake! Please wait!” I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation, once I arrived at the door. But he didn’t. He didn't even turn his head. He slammed his door shut, and the engine roared to life. My heart sank as the tires screeched against the pavement, leaving me there in regret. I froze, then slowly placed a trembling hand on my forehead. My eyes blinked back the tears that stung. The ache in my chest spread like wildfire, scorching every corner of my body. “You’re in a mess, Ash,” I whispered bitterly to myself. Dragging my feet back into the house, I closed the door behind me and sank into my bed. The silence was deafening, but my thoughts were louder. How did it a

045Turning my attention back to the beautiful scene unfolding before me, I smiled faintly. Let me put up an act, at least, so I don't look like a bad sister.I took a deep breath and walked toward them, letting my performance begin.“Doctor, what are you saying?!” I cried out suddenly, my voice cracking. “Tell me this isn’t true!”At this point, my eyes were red and glassy, shimmering with tears that hadn’t fully fallen. I turned to Mr. Collins like a frightened child.“Dad, what is he saying? Nothing is going to happen to my sister, right?”Mr. Collins pulled me into a tight embrace, his hand rubbing circles on my back.“Everything will be fine, honey,” he whispered. “Everything is going to be okay.”I clung to him, letting the hug linger just a second longer to make it feel real, burying my face in his chest. But then, without warning, my head jerked backward as fingers tangled into my hair and yanked me away from him.“What the—!”I turned quickly—only to see her. My stepmother. H