Chapter 4

"It was all because of Yvette." Govind stood and looked down at me. "After you got sent away, Yvette felt guilty."

He looked at her. "So I went to the children's home for her. I treated you well on purpose. Made you completely obsessed with me. I wanted you following me around like a dog your whole life, begging for scraps, just to prove everything was your fault. People like you are born trash. You belong under someone's shoe."

My mind went blank.

So those fifteen years of salvation, the warm milk at night, the flashlight over my books—

None of it was love.

It was a fifteen-year game for Yvette's amusement.

"Take her back to the hospital. Don't let her ruin Yvette's mood before the SAT."

Before I could react, Govind wrapped an arm around Yvette and walked off.

Two bodyguards grabbed me and hauled me up.

I didn't fight back. I didn't have the strength.

They dragged me back to the hospital and dumped me onto the bed.

When the nurse changed my bandages and saw the glass in my back, she froze. "How did this happen?"

I didn't answer.

I stared at the ceiling, my eyes burned dry from crying.

After a while, the door opened again.

"Jovie!"

My mom.

I turned and saw my parents standing in the doorway.

Mom rushed over and slapped me. "You evil little thing! Did you hurt yourself on purpose to frame Yvette? You want people thinking she's cruel?"

I looked at her twisted expression and finally snapped. "Yvette pushed me back then! And now she had Govind break my leg!"

"Liar!"

She lifted her hand again, but my dad stopped her.

He looked at me like I was disgusting. "Yvette's your sister. Why would she hurt you? Govind said you're unstable. I believe him."

The last bit of strength drained out of me.

Just like fifteen years ago, nobody believed me.

And they never would.

"Call the nurse and give her a shot."

Govind's voice came from the doorway.

He leaned against the frame, expression cold. "She's unstable. She needs rest."

When I woke up, it was past midnight.

I was alone.

My phone sat on the nightstand.

I reached for it and dialed three numbers.

"Hello, I want to report a crime."

My voice came out low. "Govind Swinton attempted murder. He arranged the car that hit me. My leg's broken. I can't take the SAT."

The police showed up fast and started asking questions.

I was only halfway through when Govind walked in, calm as ever.

"Officer, I'm sorry. She was traumatized by the accident and developed paranoia."

He handed over a folder. "Here's the drunk driver's confession and compensation agreement. He already admitted fault. And these are her psychiatric records. She's been in therapy for years. Lately she hasn't been doing well."

The officers flipped through the papers, then looked at me.

I watched their expressions change.

"Ms. Jevan, get some rest. Don't think too much."

"He's lying! Please, believe me!"

I tried to go after them, but I could barely stand. I probably looked completely insane.

After they left, the door locked behind them.

Govind pulled out a metal chain and locked it around my leg, the other end hooked to the bed.

Something flickered in his eyes as he brushed my hair back. "Since you won't behave, stay here until Yvette finishes the SAT."

The door shut.

I looked down at the chain around my leg.

Then slowly reached under the pillow.

A shard of glass was hidden there.