In the bustling hospital, Nichs stood out effortlessly. Tall and strikingly handsome, his presencemanded attention even as bloodstains marked his attire. Keeping a low profile. was out of the question.


    I had always believed Nichs treated me with aspect. His manners were impable, especially in public. But now, I could sense his seething anger for him to push me aside like. that. Those curious gazes fixed upon me left me feeling utterly exposed as if I had been stripped bare. I feltpletely. vulnerable.


    Even though I understood life wasn''t always ck and white, I''d always held a strong sense of morality. Yet, Nichs'' misunderstanding was ringly evident to me and cut the deepest amidst everyone else''s misconceptions of me. I stared into his eyes, clutched his sleeve, and emphasized each word as I exined, hoping he''d feel the sincerity in my words. "Nichs, this isn''t my fault. It was an ident. I never expected such a sudden attack. Regardless, I had to wait until udia was safely out of surgery. At the very least, I needed to straighten things out with. Daniel and Frances.


    I continued, "Let me go back. I can exin everything to Frances and Daniel. You were there too. You know exactly what happened."


    His tone remained t, devoid of any emotion. "Be sensible.


    Mom and Dad aren''t up for dealing with you."


    He sounded remarkably cold-hearted. Feeling wounded, ! replied, "I won''t bother you guys.


    Nichs burst intoughter, moving nearer until I could hear his suppressed breaths. "Do I need to spell it out for you?"


    "What?" I was at a loss for words.


    "You escaped without a scratch. How did you react so fast to avoid it if this wasn''t aimed at you?" Nichs asked.


    I was dumbfounded, and my mind momentarily went nk. With anger boiling inside, I faced him squarely. "Nichs, are you saying I should be the one injured?"


    "Yes!" His answer was sharp. "It was all to settle the score for that p on your cheek, wasn''t it?"N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    His hand tightened around my neck, his eyes locked onto my profile, and his fingertip traced the outline where the mark had faded.


    Nichs'' fingers had always been graceful. I used to quietly hold his index finger after he fell asleep, finding sce in that simple gesture to ease myself into slumber. But now, his finger made me shiver as though it possessed the ability to ruin me. "Or are you mad because I made you the middle person? Ariana, take it up with me if you''re upset. Don''t direct it at udia. You''re being vicious!" With that, Nichs shoved me aside with sudden force.


    I stumbled, trying desperately to regain my bnce, but ended


    up copsing onto the ground. My hand grazed the floor, the sharp sting pale against the ache in my chest.


    "What do you mean? Do you think I orchestrated an attack on udia? Nichs, you need proof to back up such


    usations."


    "Proof? When udia hurt her finger, you injured, our finger deliberately. When udia needed help applying ointment, you conveniently fell down the stairs at home. When self- injury failed to attract attention, you turned to hurting others. Aren''t these incidents enough proof? What more do I need?"


    Nichs looked down at me with a chilling smile. "You''re responsible for all of this!"


    wasn''t me!" I shouted.


    Feeling unfairly used, defeated, and furious nearly pushed me over the edge. I wanted to ask him why he never trusted me, but I held back. Deep down, I knew nothing I said would change his judgment. Nichs didn''t look at me again, but his face contorted with scorn. "My family used to sing your praises for both your


    character and academic achievements. Even my friends spoke highly of you.


    "But marrying you was a mistake. I shouldn''t have given your that chance. You''ve deceived us all."