The Betrayal Misread, The Years Lost

I tried to pull my hand back instinctively, but Samson's grip was too strong, and I couldn't break free.

His gaze burned into my skin, making it sting even more.

Suddenly, Judy, still lying on the floor, cried loudly.

"Samson, my stomach hurts!"

Samson's expression changed instantly. He rushed to Judy's side, checked on her, and then scooped her up and ran out in a panic.

I tried to stand and ignore the pain in my knees, but I just couldn't manage it. Someone noticed the blood on the floor and called an ambulance in shock. I was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The doctor used tweezers to pick out the shards of glass from my knee one by one. I grimaced with pain, just as voices from the next room drifted over.

"Thank goodness you and the baby are all right, sweetheart. I was so scared," I heard Samson say.

"It's okay, Samson. Don't be too hard on Helen. She just really likes jewelry, that's all..." Judy replied sweetly.

Samson sat by her side, gently feeding her the bowl of cereal in milk using a spoon. The two of them laughed and whispered together, their intimacy like a knife stabbing into my heart.

I did my best to block out their voices and focused on the doctor as he wrapped my knee in gauze, patiently explaining how to take care of it.

By the time I got home, it was already late at night. When I opened the door, I found Samson waiting for me on the living room couch.

He barely glanced up when I walked in, his tone tinged with accusation. "What took you so long?"

"My knee was injured. I went to the hospital to get it bandaged."

He paused at that, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes as he glanced at my knee. But just as quickly, he became cold again.

"I lost my temper when I hit you today. I fixed the doll you liked for you," he said as he placed the old doll on the coffee table.

The stitches were crooked and uneven, and they really stood out against the worn fabric.

I knew that it could never go back to the way it was, no matter what, just like our relationship. Once broken, it could never be made whole again.

Samson's tone turned accusatory again. "If you wanted jewelry, you could've just told me. Why pin it on Judy? She's pregnant. Can't you control that awful temper of yours?"

I bit my lip, trying to defend myself. "What if I told you I didn't push her?"

Samson's frown deepened. "If you didn't, then who did? Are you saying she fell on purpose?"

"There were security cameras at the auction. Why don't you check them?" I asked.

"There's no need. Judy treasures her baby. She would never lie about something like that!" Samson raised his voice, making my head and heart pound.

In the end, I just gave up in silence. I didn't want to make any pointless arguments.

Samson used to treat me like I was the most precious thing in his world. If I ever scraped my knee or bumped into anything, he would be the first to comfort me. He would never have raised a hand against me.

But that was a long time ago. Now, he only believed whatever Judy said without condition. He stared at me for a long time, his expression complicated, as if he wanted to see right through me.

"If you want to explain, I'll give you one chance. But you have to tell me everything. Why did you leave me five years ago? And what about that scar on your hand? How did you get it?"

My chest tightened painfully.

I had thought about telling Samson the truth.

But after five years, did it still matter to bring up the past?

He wasn't the man who loved only me anymore. He had been with countless women, and now, he made Judy pregnant. Even if I told him everything, it would only bring us more pain. Not to mention, I was leaving soon anyway.

In the end, I just shook my head.

"It's nothing. It's just something minor when I was abroad. As for why I left, you already know the answer, don't you? After everything that happened, how could I ever believe you would still be able to protect me?"

My words seemed to sting Samson. He snatched the doll from the table and hurled it at me, yelling furiously, "Get out!"

The doll hit me hard. I let out a muffled cry, then turned and walked away with the doll in my hand.

Behind me, I heard him grinding his teeth.

"Helen, I really regret ever loving you."

I didn't look back.

I didn't stop.

I simply closed the door behind me.