Out
1104 Words
~ingrid~
My racing heart mirrored every single step she took toward me. I couldn’t seem to calm myself.
Because deep down… I knew I didn’t belong here.
And she could see it.
She stopped barely a foot away. Her gaze dropped to my hand—to the ring I had tried to hide.
“This is what you bring into our family.” The disgust in her voice was unmistakable.
Sebastian didn’t respond. He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it like none of this mattered.
“What exactly do you think you are doing?” she continued, her gaze snapping to him. “I asked you a question.”
Sebastian stepped forward. “She’s my wife.” He exhaled a cloud of smoke. “Did Lana tell you?”
A soft, humorless laugh left her lips. “She didn’t need to,” she said. "A club stripper, Sebastian? Really? . Hearing those words felt like a slap a reminder of how unworthy I was to be here.
Her expression hardened. "Are you trying to ruin yourself?"
Sebastian didn't respond. He didn't react. Is he really not bothered by this?. I wondered.
"Is this your way of rebelling again?" she pressed. "Because if that is the case, it's a very poor choice."
My fingers curled slightly at my side. I knew she was right, but I wasn't here only for my benefit.
Seeing that Sebastian wasn't going to give her the reaction she wanted, her gaze snapped back to me. She looked me up and down.
"How much?" she asked, her voice dropping.
I blinked, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"
"Don't play dumb with me, girl. How much did he pay you?" She took another step closer. "Because whatever it is, I will double it. I will write you a check right now. You sign the annulment papers, you walk out that door, and you never see my son again."
Double it. The words echoed in my head. A week ago, I would have dropped to my knees and taken that deal in a heartbeat. It would have paid off the loan sharks, and I wouldn't be separated from Alex.
But I looked at Sebastian. He was already watching me through the haze of his cigarette smoke. His expression was completely blank, but there was a heavy, waiting silence in the room.
If I take the money, what happens to him? I held his steady gaze for one last second, grounding myself, before turning back to his mother.
"I want Sebastian, not your money," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm not going anywhere."
Sebastian’s hand paused mid-air.
His mother's face twisted. "You stupid, arrogant little—"
"That’s enough."
Sebastian’s voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to stop his mother.
"This is my house, and you will not come in here throwing tantrums like a child," he said. His gaze on his mother was completely indifferent as he casually crushed out his cigarette.
"She's a nobody, a harlot" his mother continued, her voice rising. "What would the public think, the boards wouldn't accept this You know how your grandfather gets! Why would you marry such a woman?"
Harlot. Do I deserve to hear this words, I could feel tears forming as I tried to compose myself.
"You should leave," Sebastian said, his tone flat.
"Get her out of this household," she spat, already turning toward the door. "A woman with such a worthless background shouldn't hold the Hale family name. This isn't just a warning, Sebastian. Sort out this mess."
She stormed out, the front doors slamming shut behind her with a deafening bang.
The silence that rushed back into the living room was suffocating. I stood frozen, my chest tight, fighting the tears burning in my eyes.
I waited for Sebastian to say something, or to do anything. But he didn't.
I turned to look at him. He was leaning against the liquor cabinet, his knuckles white as he gripped the marble edge. He closed his eyes, his breathing shallow and uneven. He looked exhausted and drained.
"Sebastian?" I whispered, my voice thick with unshed tears.
He didn't open his eyes. "Go to your room, Ingrid," he rasped. His voice was faint, completely stripped of its usual weight.
I didn't argue. I couldn't. I turned and walked towards the stairs my legs feeling heavy. A nobody. A harlot, the words repeated in my mind. I had tried so hard to be brave downstairs, but as I went up to my room, I just felt cheap and alone.
Hours passed. By evening, the silence became too much. I needed water, but deep down, I knew I was just looking for an excuse to check on him.
I walked quietly down the hallway toward his bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of pale light spilling out onto the hardwood floor.
I pushed it open just a little. "Sebastian?"
My heart stopped.
He was slumped against the side of his bed, sitting on the floor. His head was tilted back against the mattress, his eyes closed. But it was the wet stain on his shirt that scared me.
Blood. It was dripping from his nose, running down his chin, and soaking into his collar.
I rushed into the room, dropping to my knees beside him on the floor. "Sebastian! Oh my god, you're bleeding—"
I reached out, grabbing a handkerchief from the nearby nightstand, and pressed it toward his face to stop the flow.
His eyes snapped open. For a second, they were completely unfocused.
Sebastian.. I reached for him and he flinched like the contact caught his off guard.
He jerked away from my touch, his arm flying up to forcefully push my hand away.
"Don't touch me," he rasped.
"You're bleeding! You need a doctor—" my hands trembling as I reached for him again.
"I said get out!" His voice cracked with a fierce, defensive anger. He pressed the back of his own hand to his mouth, smearing the blood across his skin. It only made it worse. His breathing was uneven now
"Get out, Ingrid" his voice was low, almost like a plea.
I backed away my heart pounding violently He was rejecting me I swallowed hard against the sudden tightness in my chest. Shouldn't I help you? I wanted to ask. This might be a contract, but I am still your wife.
I didn't say another word. I pulled myself up and ran out of the room, pulling the door shut behind me, leaving him alone in the dark.
- Writer
