Filed to story: Shattered Vows (Venessa Windsor) Book PDF Free
“No need. I don’t want to be in your debt.”
“What’s all this about a debt? If we’re talking in those terms, then I owe you even more…”
“Then let it be a debt forever. I won’t let your conscience off so easily.”
“Ms. Pierce, I understand you’re upset, but please don’t reject the amends I’m trying to make,” he pleaded.
“Enough with the nonsense. What you’re saying right now holds no significance to me.”
“All right, I won’t say any more. Let’s get you to the hospital to see Old Mrs. Pierce first.”
Venessa nodded, and only then did she get into the car.
The car sped along the road.
The scenery flashed by outside the window, yet inside the car, it was so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
Before, whenever she wanted to ride in Cole’s car, he was always reluctant. But now, he was going out of his way to get her to ride in his car.
Regrettably, things had changed. She was no longer the innocent eldest daughter of the Pierce family who used to love Cole wholeheartedly.
The overly calm ambiance left Cole somewhat disoriented and anxious.
He humbled himself and said, “Why aren’t you speaking? You can hit me or scold me, as long as it makes you feel better.”
Upon hearing this, Venessa let out a self-deprecating chuckle.
“Mr. Lockwood, you’re being too serious. How could I dare to hit or scold you? I would only do that if I had a death wish.”
“Don’t call me Mr. Lockwood. If you don’t want to address me as Caz like before, you can just call me Cole.” There was a hint of irritation in Cole’s tone.
Venessa could sense his intention to reconcile, but she didn’t respond to him.
What was the point of extending an olive branch after pushing her into the abyss of humiliation?
She had exhausted all her strength and luck to make it out of the prison, a place akin to the gates of hell.
Even though her spirit and body were already marred by countless wounds, she wouldn’t easily forgive those who caused this harm to befall her in the first place.
That was not just self-degrading; it was downright disrespectful toward herself!
Finding his humility met with no response, irritation surged within Cole. He clenched his fists and stepped on the accelerator, speeding forward.
He even went over the speed limit.
Venessa showed not a trace of fear. Her eyes remained unwavering as they took in the rapidly changing scenery outside the window.
By then, it was already dusk. The evening glow streamed in, seemingly forming a painting within the car.
And Venessa was none other than the main character of that oil painting.
She was entranced as she gazed outside, her eyes vacant and distant. It was as though the world had forsaken her and her soul had flown elsewhere, leaving behind nothing but an empty shell.
As he gazed upon this sight, the inexplicable restlessness that had consumed Cole completely dissipated, replaced instead by a profound sense of heartache.
Had she spent the past four years in the same manner? Sitting before the iron bars, gazing at the free world outside, yet feeling despondent due to the heavy shackles she couldn’t shake off?
Back then, she must have felt so helpless, so desperate…
Cole slowed down the car, allowing the silence to linger for a moment longer before he finally spoke.
“The day after tomorrow is my birthday. Will you come?”
Venessa furrowed her brows, simply listening as Cole continued to speak.
“You’ve been absent for four years now. You used to be there for my birthday every year. Promise me you won’t miss it this year, okay?”
Venessa responded noncommittedly, “I’ll go if I have the time.”
“Great! Thank you, Vena.”
Cole was so elated that even the way he addressed Venessa became more affectionate. A smile was unmistakably tugging at the corners of his mouth.
How could Venessa miss his evident joy?
It just felt incredibly ironic.
In the past, every year on Cole’s birthday, she treated it as a major event, dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to craft the gifts she would present to him.
Yet, he failed to appreciate it. Every time, he would merely glance at the gift before tossing it into the pile of presents.
Was he fantasizing that, even after enduring four years of prison, she would still treat him with such sincerity?
It was utterly ridiculous.
Cole was still enthusiastically describing the preparations for his birthday party.
“I’ve arranged for Moonhaze Band to perform. The lead singer, Lilith Fallon, is your favorite singer, right? I’ve also set up a photo opportunity for you two. Are you excited?”
Venessa remained silent.
Excited? Now that was a preposterous notion.
After enduring four years of torment, the joy and beauty she once found in people and things no longer held any interest for her.
Half an hour later.
The car arrived at the hospital’s inpatient building.
When Venessa got out of the car, Cole parked it and accompanied her upstairs.
“I’ll just visit Old Mrs. Pierce briefly before leaving.”
Venessa didn’t object, and the two of them entered the hospital room, one after the other.
At that time, Vera was as frantic as a cat on a hot tin roof because she couldn’t get in touch with Venessa.
No matter how much the caregivers and nurses tried to coax her, it simply didn’t work.
