Chapter 7
384words
Anna set down the medical supplies but remained standing there expectantly.
I glanced up, accidentally meeting her gaze.
Behind her concerned facade, her eyes gleamed with smug triumph.
"Bella," she began sweetly, "while your intentions were good, don't you think your approach was rather unladylike? Those men were wrong, certainly, but we should use kindness to change hearts, not crude language. Shouldn't a proper young woman mind her manners?"
Though I was already familiar with Anna's holier-than-thou act, her sermon still managed to astonish me with its sheer hypocrisy.
Anna turned to Ethan, her voice softening to honey.
"Ethan, Bella was rather excessive, but it's understandable given her... background. Don't be too harsh with her. I think—"
Before she could finish, Ethan's expression darkened dangerously.
He stood abruptly, uncapped the iodine bottle, and poured the purple liquid directly over Anna's head. It cascaded down her face, transforming her from pristine princess to dripping, stained mess in seconds.
Ethan's eyes were arctic.
"Who the hell do you think you are to judge her? Didn't I warn you about speaking ill of Bella? Get out of my sight!"
Anna stood frozen in shock, eyes wide, jaw trembling, staring at Ethan as if he'd grown a second head.
Fat tears welled in her eyes, her expression morphing to wounded innocence.
But Ethan had already dismissed her, turning back to kneel beside me and gently examining my leg.
There was a small cut on my calf—a souvenir from the restaurant scuffle.
Ethan took the remaining supplies and tenderly cleaned and bandaged the minor wound.
Witnessing this complete rejection of her heroine's script, Anna finally broke, sobbing into her hands as she fled.
I watched Ethan's concentrated expression as he gently blew on my insignificant scratch, my emotions a tangled mess.
The plot had completely, utterly derailed.
His warm breath against my skin sent an unexpected shiver up my spine.
I cleared my throat awkwardly.
"You really didn't need to do that..."
"This won't happen again. Bella, I promise I'll make you happy." Ethan looked up, his dark eyes intense with emotion and solemn promise.
Our gazes locked, and something unfamiliar fluttered in my chest. I nodded silently.
