Scarlett inhaled sharply, startled by the chaos. Conner dashed over to steady me.
"Emilia, what's gotten into you? You've scared Kayla!"
His concern remained fixed on Kayla, as usual.
Emphasizing the scene, Kayla dropped her water glass, which shattered on the ground, dredging up painful memories of glass cutting into my feet when I fled.
Trembling, I struggled out of Conner's grasp.
"Please, let me go! I need to go home, I need to find Conner!"
I screamed, retreating to a corner, my hands fluttering wildly, trying to banish the haunting images.
Scarlett was at wit's end. "Conner, what is happening? Wasn't the kidnapping just Emilia’s charade? But now I truly believe she was abducted and harmed... Conner, look at her, why is there so much blood?"
I lowered my head and saw that blood and pus had seeped through my clothes.
Conner's expression was a mix of confusion and reluctant sympathy. He approached me cautiously.
"Emilia, you're back at the Peterson estate now. No one will harm you here."
That gentle tone was one I had only heard him use with Kayla.
Gradually, I calmed, stretching a trembling hand toward Conner. He embraced me warmly.
Suddenly, Kayla cried out in distress.
"Conner, I'm hurt!"
She had stepped on glass, leaving a small cut on her foot.
Immediately, Conner released me and dashed to Kayla's side.
I fell heavily, my wounds reopening painfully.
Agony took hold as I lay curled up, watching Conner lift Kayla up, anxiously checking if she was okay.
Kayla, seemingly remorseful, said, "I’m the one who was careless. I’m fine, go help Emilia."
Yet, a triumphant smirk lingered on her lips.
I peered up at Kayla nestled in Conner's arms and suddenly began to laugh.
No one understood better than Kayla.
That while I was held captive, Conner had never forsaken her to rescue me.
Now, as I sat defeated on the Peterson's floor, why would Conner abandon her to tend to me?
My laughter became increasingly bitter.
Conner’s expression darkened. "Emilia, do you really take pleasure in scaring Kayla?"
I wanted to tell him I was merely laughing at my past arrogance and self-deception.
But as soon as I opened my mouth, blood poured out.
Kayla's scream shattered the air.
I glanced at the floor, stained crimson.
Suddenly, darkness descended, and I lost consciousness.
