Esther flashed a mocking smile and said casually, “Oh, sounds interesting. I could give it a try.”
Upon hearing that, Bradley slammed his fist against the crystal coffin. He warned Esther fiercely, “Esther, if you
even think about taking your own life, I’ll bring Felix back and make him witness your decaying body day and night.
He’ll watch your corpse rot, fester, and turn into bones!”
Esther maintained her composure and replied helplessly, “You don’t have to wait. You can do it right now. You have
the power over all of us—me, Felix, everyone. You can do as you please.
“I won’t feel sorry for Felix. He’s stuck with a father like you.
“Being mute doesn’t change a thing. He’s still alive, and you can torment him as much as you want. If it pleases
you, Mr. Bradley Warner.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEsther’s words weren’t meant as irony. She had accepted her fate and saw no point in further discussion. She
closed her eyes, awaiting Bradley’s outburst.
But to her surprise, the expected rage didn’t come. Instead, Bradley picked up a glass from the table and, rather
forcefully, poured lemon water into her mouth.
Esther choked and coughed violently.
Bradley remained indifferent. “I’ll arrange for food to be brought to you.”
With that, he left the room, leaving Esther alone in the secret chamber. She stared at the room’s light, closing her
eyes once more.
Her life had become a painful and senseless ordeal since crossing paths with Bradley. What was even more
disheartening was her past belief that it was love. If love meant confinement, abuse, and torment, she wished such
a love didn’t exist.
Before long, Bradley returned with food, having taken precautions after Esther’s allergic reaction. He viewed
Jasper’s message as a subtle declaration of war from another man.
“Open your mouth,” Bradley commanded, feeding Esther as though she were a child.
Given her fragile state, he dared not place anything that could potentially harm her in front of her.
“Drink.”
Bradley lacked finesse in taking care of others, and his actions were rough and forceful. Esther’s mouth was stuffed
with food.
He gazed closely at her enchanting face and taunted, “So what if Jasper understands you, cares for you, and pities
you?
“He’s still useless. If he weren’t, he would’ve taken a gun or a knife to rescue you.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“But he didn’t. He knows you are suffering, yet he does nothing.”
Esther couldn’t grasp Bradley’s intentions in saying all that. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke softly.
“Jasper is different from you. He’s a gentleman who respects others and would never force anyone…”
Bradley locked eyes with Esther, his tone icy as he questioned, “Are you praising him?”
“Why? Can’t you handle me admiring another man? Does it hurt your self-esteem?
“But what can I do? Jasper is truly a remarkable man.
“When everyone thought I was frivolous, he believed in me.
“When everyone believed I was malicious, he saw a different side of me.
“When you sent me to prison, Jasper still found a way to protect me.
“Even when I was released and subjected to your torture, Jasper continued to be my shield.
“Bradley, tell me, why can’t I praise such an incredible man? Why can’t I be moved by him?”