My Way (shredded by love)

Episode 6

Chloe, still in James' arms, affectionately opens up about her worries.

James I know you must be confused, even annoyed at this point.

James gently pats her head and responds

I am. But me being annoyed is understandable, but confused? I really don't understand. But what I think at this point doesn't really matter. What's more important at this point is you, your feelings about everything and, most importantly, you believe the reason that made you take such action is worth the sacrifice, else the snake you let go today might come back to bite you tomorrow.

Chloe listens to James carefully as she pauses a little to consider whether her actions were really worth the sacrifice before she responds…

I understand what you are trying to say, but what I mean about you being confused is that the reason for all these lies in the promise I made with my Dad when he was at death's door and I at least could fulfill it while I still have the chance. At first I thought it would last longer, but opportunity only comes to the wise, so I had to take it. I initially wanted to fulfill it til the day I met my creator, but the creator decided to open my eyes because it was covered with contacts in the first place.

James immediately adds,

What exactly is this promise? I believe this is the second time I've heard you mention it.

Well, I promised my Dad that I would take care of the family and all the goodies that comes with it.

What!!!

That's nuts. You still have your own life to live. I really don't want to say anything about the promise, but I think you got the short end of the stick, if I may say, but still it still shows how filial you are to your Dad and that's very commendable.

He tries to continue speaking. Suddenly, the door opens as their attention shifts to know who just entered. Surprised, Chloe spoke up while James couldn't recognize who had just walked in. But seeing this person brought back a flood of memories, the day they first met, the day her world came crashing down on her.

Grandpa Grant, what brings you here?

She gestures for him to take a seat. Her gaze still on him as she folds back to her memories at the bar scene where she eavesdropped on Dave and his friends.

Dave I really don't know how you can still tolerate such a girl. You've already won the bet, so just break up with her. Let's play another game.

Dave laughs as he replies,

Well, I'm not ready to let her go just yet. Let me have my fill and enjoy the experience. You know she was a really hard catch in the first place, so will I suffer all that and just break up with her? Boys, that's not how we do things here. Her best friend is already cozying up to me at this point. It looks like once I am done with her, I will just set my sights on the friend. What do you guys think?

Immediately, Dave was done speaking and his group of friends gave him a standing ovation, praising how good he is. Chloe, outside the room, drops her bag and runs off as tears roll down her cheeks like a waterfall without stopping as she tries to cross the road and almost gets hit by a moving car. That's where she first met Grandpa Grant, the person who owns the car that almost ran her over. He helps her up and tries to keep her calm.

Miss, are you okay? Let me take you to the hospital.

No, sir. I'm fine I just want to get home right now.

I insist Chloe let me take you to the hospital.

What! How do you know my name? Because I don't even know who you are.

I know your name because you are my granddaughter-in-law.

You say granddaughter-in-law. Well, that makes you Dave's grandfather. I mean no disrespect, correct me if I am wrong . You are here for your lovely grandson, right.

Grandpa Grant could clearly see the pain written all over Chloe's face as he asked her.

What is that boy doing right now?

He did nothing, Sir. I just want to go home, but it is really laughable that you call me your chosen granddaughter-in-law while your grandson says I am nothing but a bet.

Don't worry, I won't disturb your grandson from now on. I just found out I am really not fit for the rich class family, the scheming is a lot and I really can't handle it.

She turns and leaves as Grandpa Grant's gaze still fixed on her, clearly showing concern like an elder would as her shadow slowly vanishes from sight.

Immediately, Chloe resurfaced from the memories, but her gaze hadn't left Grandpa Grant waiting for him to say why he came to visit. As Grandpa Grant speaks up.

I heard you were severely injured, so I came to see you personally. It pains me, my child , that I wasn't there when Dad passed. That's why I came to see how you are doing now. My grandson has totally disgraced the family, and I’m left to clean up his mess. I admit it is partly my fault.

Grandpa Grant, sorry I really didn't mean to cut you off, but I don't understand what you mean that it is partly your fault. From what I know, you aren't at fault at all. What kind of man is he that, even at this stage, his action gets pinned on others? That's so unfair from my own point of view. I had to learn the hard way when I started to love without depending on anyone.

As she tries to continue, a nurse suddenly steps in and interrupts their conversation.

Excuse me, the patient's bandage needs to be changed if you don't mind.

Grandpa Grant and everyone else in the room responded…

Please do that.

As they slowly leave the room for the nurse to do her work.

She moves towards Chloe's bed and brings out the new bandages as she tries to remove Chloe’s bandage. She deliberately presses down on Chloe's wound as she screams out in pain and alerts everyone outside. They all look through the window on the door and, as the nurse turns and waves as if everything is normal.

Then the nurse bends down as she wants to locate the source of her pain and help her out. James and others, having already sensed that something was wrong after the first scream, burst in to check as the nurse stood up with a knife.

Easy in her hand to stab Chloe as Chloe screams as if her lungs would burst.