Chapter 5

The doctor said I was lucky; no tendons or bones were damaged, just flesh wounds. After a few hours of observation, I insisted on being discharged.

On the way home, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Ethan.

"Why aren't you home yet? Where are you?"

"I told you, I'm out. Do you really need to run away from home over something this small?"

"Come back. I brought you a gift."

The last message included a photo of a scarf—in fluorescent pink, the color I hated most.

Out of curiosity, I checked Hannah's page again. Sure enough, the *real* gift belonged to her. She had posted a photo of a high-quality cashmere shawl, captioning it with thanks to her "thoughtful knights." The fluorescent pink scarf was likely just a free gift-with-purchase from the mall.

When I returned to the apartment building with Toby, I found Ethan pacing anxiously in the hallway. The moment he saw me, impatience flooded his face, and he stormed over.

"Where the hell have you been? And why is this kid following you?"

"We just got back from the hospital. Auntie Sarah lost a lot of blood," Toby interjected urgently, standing in front of me like a little soldier.

Ethan frowned, crouching down to look at Toby with a condescending air. "Listen, kid, lying isn't a good habit. Did she teach you to say that? Tell Uncle the truth."

"I'm not lying! My dad went crazy, and Auntie Sarah saved me!" Toby shouted, his little face turning red with agitation.

I gently patted Toby's shoulder. "It's okay, Toby. Go back to your grandma quickly; don't let them worry."

After sending Toby home, I went into my own apartment. Lucas was sitting on the sofa playing on his phone, not even bothering to look up.

In the past, seeing him up this late, I would have already gone to warm up some milk. But now? I couldn't care less. Let his "Auntie Hannah" worry about him.

Ethan followed me into the room, dangling the cheap shopping bag. "Here, bought this especially for you. See if you like the color."

"Keep it to shine your shoes."

"What is that supposed to mean? I picked this out specifically for you!" Ethan argued defensively.

I ignored him, walked straight into the bedroom, and dragged my suitcase out of the closet.

"What are you doing? Why are you packing?"

"I accepted a job at Mr. Wright's new company. It's far away, so I'll be staying in an apartment near the office. I'm not coming back."

Ethan paused, then let out a scoff of disbelief. "Are you serious? You've been a housewife for so many years; do you really think anyone will hire you? What are you going to do there—work the front desk?"

"I don't mind. At least the front desk has dignity."

My calm answer made his face darken further.

"So that's it? I've done so much for you, and this is how you repay me? Sarah, have I ever mistreated you? What have I not given you? What more do you want?"

Ethan blocked the closet door, trying to stop me from packing.

"What have you given me? A pink scarf I hate? or that children's drawing board you bought me years ago when I asked for professional drafting tools? Oh, thank you so much for that. But don't worry, I don't need anything from you ever again."

I zipped up the suitcase, yanked it upright, and walked toward the door.

"Where are you going in the middle of the night?" Ethan demanded sharply.

"I don't have to answer you."

I opened the bedroom door without looking back.

But before I could step out, Lucas suddenly exploded. He rushed over and grabbed my arm in a death grip, screaming, "Mom! How long are you going to keep this up? Stop acting crazy! Go make dinner!"

His violent pull tore directly at the wound on my shoulder. The agonizing pain of splitting stitches shot through my entire body.

"Ah!" I couldn't help but cry out, stumbling forward as fresh, bright red blood instantly soaked through my shirt, dripping onto the floor, drop by relentless drop.