Chapter 4

"Joelle, why are you crying?" Michael squeezed my hand with concern.

I wiped my tears, realizing my face was already soaked.

I shook my head, claiming it was just a bad dream.

But hatred fueled a blazing fire of revenge in my heart. Through my feigned blindness, I gazed at him, pretending to be affectionate.

At my request, Michael took me to a hospital I had contacted.

Leading me through the long hospital corridors, he eagerly described how impressive the facility was, with a good medical environment and even a small garden in the middle.

I smiled and nodded, carefully playing the part of a blind person.

As he talked, he mentioned that the hospital was his family's business.

My heart sank. I hadn't known that.

I had bribed the doctor, but I didn't realize Michael's family owned the hospital. If he found out I was faking my blindness, I couldn't imagine the consequences.

Unable to hold back, I gripped his hand tightly.

He thought I was scared of the hospital and helped me sit down, offering me water.

He comforted me, saying, "Joelle, don't worry. The doctors here are excellent. Your eyes will get better."

He gently kissed my forehead.

After a series of tests, I clutched the results, sitting dazed on a hospital bench.

Thankfully, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed medication for now.

I wasn't exposed.

But as we walked out, I caught Michael's reflection in the hallway glass. His expression was odd, staring intently at me.

I didn't dare reveal I could see, so I kept my gaze unfocused, looking elsewhere.

Back home, he carefully settled me in.

Then he approached with a fruit bowl.

He crouched in front of me, looking at me intently. "Joelle, look at me."

"Huh?" I let out a small, questioning sound.

"Joelle, did you know we have security cameras at home?"

He caressed my hand tenderly, as if I were the most precious thing in the world, but his words sent a chill through my entire body.