Chapter 159

Chapter 159

“I’m not made of stone, you know. It’s not like I can just stand there and take that kind of public humiliation without giving a damn. You saw me at Devin’s birthday party, didn’t you?”

Leanne clenched her fists, fighting the pain that was resurrecting within her, spreading through her veins like invasive vines.

Great, her broken heart had been ripped open once again by him.

Curtis inhaled deeply, but the heavy feeling in his chest wouldn’t abate.

He braced his hands on the table, his throat as though filled with a thousand thorns, making even speaking a challenge.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally exhaled a bitter breath, his voice tinged with either self-mockery or regret, “I thought you were green with envy, wishing you were the one marrying Phillip.”

“Yes, you’re right,” Leanne retorted, “I’m dying of envy. How wonderful it would’ve been if I had married Phillip. He wouldn’t have tormented me like you do.”

“It’s my fault,” Curtis’ voice was rough as he wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his forehead against her shoulder, his breath quivering with each exhale, “I’m a real son of

a bitch.”

Leanne stayed silent, turning her face away, her gaze fixed on some distant point, unwilling to look at him.

She couldn’t tell if Curtis’ remorse was genuine or just for show, and frankly, she didn’t want to know, “Are you done? If so, just leave. And don’t bother me again.”

“Anne, that day…” Curtis tried to explain, but Leanne erupted without warning, “Don’t call

me that!”

Her voice was cold, sharp, her muscles tensed in resistance.

That nickname, once whispered in tender moments, now felt like a cruel branding on her very soul, something she never wished to hear again.

“Alright, I won’t,” Curtis said, his warm palm cupping her face, trying to soothe her, “Your don’t like it, I’ll never say it again.”

Leanne put her arms between them, pushing against him as if facing a ferocious flood.

“Don’t touch me!”

Curtis held her struggling form, “Just hear me out.”

“What else is there to say? Haven’t you said enough?”

1/2

11:29

Chapter 159

“Leanne.” Suddenly, a knock at the door, and Jeremy’s voice filtered through.

Like a drowning person clutching at a lifeline, Leanne’s eyes darted to the door, almost pleading, “Jeremy!”

That look pierced Curtis deeply.

He turned her face back to him, “Leanne, look at me. Don’t look at anyone else. Trust me. There’s nothing between Suzan and me.”

Leanne found it laughable. Even now, he was trying to tell her there was nothing between him and Suzan?

Did he really think she was that dumb, or that the past three years of deceit weren’t enough?

“Japan says their radioactive water is drinkable, would you trust them?”

“I’m serious.” Curtis desperately wanted to explain, but the issues between him and Leanne were like tangled balls of yarn, knotted and impossible to unravel.

Jeremy seemed to sense something was amiss, “Leanne? Are you alright?”

With sudden strength from who knows where, Leanne managed to push Curtis

She jumped to her feet, rushed to the door, and flung it open.

away

Jeremy stood there, surprise etched on his face, “You…”

Then his gaze shifted past her to the shadowy figure in the dimly lit room.

As the outside light and air flooded in, Leanne felt like she had finally reached the shore.

“I’m okay,” her body relaxed a bit, her emotions settling, “Did you just get here?”

Jeremy, taking in her disheveled hair and reddened eyes, showed no reaction, “Selinal mentioned you guys wanted to hike up the mountain to catch the sunrise tomorrow. I brought some gear, trekking poles, flashlights… stuff you’ll need.”

“Thanks,” Leanne said, stepping out, “I’ll go find Joy and Selina.”

She couldn’t stand to be there any longer.

Curtis always managed to tear open her wounds, or perhaps, he was the wound itself.

Underneath her scab, the skin was still raw and hadn’t healed yet.

Curtis strode after her, his eyes deep and turbulent, reaching for her hand, “Leanne…”

Leanne dodged.

For the first time, Jeremy stepped in front of her.

2/2