Chapter 1
297 Words
I turned to leave, yet Beckett seized my arm in one sharp grip. "Let me finish what I have to say!"
I tugged to break free, but his hold clamped around me like an iron vice.
"Sloane is innocent."
I stared straight into his eyes. "So?"
"She's an unmarried woman. If everyone finds out she was assaulted… She might not be able to carry on living."
He could not bear for Sloane to endure even a shred of gossip, yet he bore to watch me endure public humiliation.
And for that reason, I had been branded as a promiscuous woman for the whole hospital to see.
"Do you think I can keep living like this?"
He froze for a moment before hurriedly trying to justify himself.
"It's only temporary. You just have to bear the blame for now. You have a family and a husband. Even if people gossip, it's nothing but idle talk. I have no intention of divorcing you. What's wrong with enduring a little hardship for a while?"
"Beckett, do you have any idea how people looked at me when I walked here?
"Even that notorious troublemaker who always harasses the staff in the lobby whistled at me and shouted in front of everyone, 'Hey, gorgeous. I heard you've got quite the appetite. Can I book an appointment with you tonight?'"
The words sliced into my heart like a blade.
Beckett hesitated, yet his reply remained rigid.
"It's all only temporary. Once the heat dies down, I can get all those men to clear your name for sure."
"What makes you think they will obey you?" I held his gaze firmly.
He turned his head away, unable to meet my eyes.
"They… one of them assaulted Sloane. They're all afraid of going to prison."
- Writer
