After My Fiancé Let Thugs Brand Me, I Vanished

Less than two hours after Lucas informed the organization of my decision to return, I received confirmation. In three days, a helicopter would come to extract me. I wanted nothing more to do with Ryland Palmer. Gritting my teeth, I managed to pull on my jeans and stumbled out of the hospital, searching for a place to hide out for the next few days.

But it felt like every passerby was dissecting me with their eyes. I kept my head down until a man blocked my path.

"Hey there, beautiful. Remember me? You were quite the party the other night. Ready for round two?"

He slung an arm around my shoulder and started making sleazy comments, his eyes shamelessly roving over me. Memories of two nights ago flooded my mind. I shoved him away as hard as I could, but he only became more aggressive. The people around us started whispering, alternating between watching me and glancing at their phones.

"Is she really pulling a stunt right here on the street? Quite the show," someone remarked.

Another person even joked with the thug, "When you’re done, maybe I could get a chance?"

Panicking, I pleaded for help from those around me, but no one stepped in. The thug kicked me to the ground. Lying there in despair, I grabbed at the hem of the only other woman’s skirt, hoping for her help. She pushed me away with disdain, as if I were diseased.

Curled up on the sidewalk, I closed my eyes. Clutching a stone, I was ready to defend myself if necessary. Then I heard Lilly’s voice.

"Ryland, you're devious. With this ‘damsel in distress’ stunt, she'll be forced to go along with your plan."

"Don’t overdo it," Ryland’s voice replied, "She’s going to be your sister-in-law eventually."

The voices faded as the thug attacked again. At the last moment, Ryland kicked him away, scooping me up from the ground.

"Your injuries aren’t even healed. Why are you out here?" Ryland scolded, holding me close.

"The photos are already online. I’m doing my best to contain them. No matter what happens, I’ll have your back, okay?"

Ryland sighed as he looked at me. Seeing my reluctance to return to the hospital, he brought me home.

The shrill ring of a phone shattered the silence between us. Ryland stepped away to answer in the living room. When he returned, he handed me a Victorian-style dress from the closet.

"Lilly means well. She found a top therapist from abroad for you. Let’s go see him."

A chill ran down my spine. Calmly, I pushed Ryland back. "I’m fine. I don’t need therapy."

He frowned, clearly displeased. "Penelope, be reasonable! We’re all trying to help."

Despite my protests, Ryland insisted on taking me to the car. His driving was reckless, and even lying flat in the passenger seat, every bump pulled painfully at my wounds, bringing back memories from two nights ago.

With a sudden stop, the car came to a halt, and Ryland opened my door, pulling me out. Onlookers glared maliciously, whispering vile comments. I could only cover my ears in shame, feeling like I belonged in the shadows.

Head down, I let Ryland lead me. As soon as we entered the consultation room, Lilly rushed to greet us.

"Penelope, I’ve found a psychologist from overseas. He’ll help heal the damage caused by that thug."

The therapist’s gaze unsettled me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Ryland positioned me at the center of the room, the bright lights making me uncomfortable.

"Relax," the therapist said soothingly. "I know sitting's uncomfortable right now, so I’ve arranged a bed for you. Lie down however you’re most comfortable."

I fixed my eyes on the clock, counting the seconds. One... two... three...