The Cost 4

Chapter 4 

Terrified, Sarah covered her mouth and tugged on Peter’s sleeve. “Peter, maybe that’s enough. I think Felicia’s legs are broken!” 

He sneered. “Good. It takes a long time to heal from broken legs. That means she won’t be running anywhere or bul- lying you girls anytime soon.” 

I said inwardly, “Yes, it does take a long time, but you missed one thing in all your careful planning. I only have one day left.” 

That night, for the first time, Peter stayed by my bedside. He had me do a full–body check–up and confirmed with the family doctor that it was just a fracture. As long as the bone was reset and I rested for three months, I’d be fine. 

Just as I was about to tell him to go, a sharp cough forced a mouthful of blood out of me. 

Peter laughed. “Keep acting. Go on. 

“Why didn’t you spit blood when the doctor was here? Scared he’d catch you faking it? 

“Felicia, you know why I like Sarah? Because she plays the innocent act just like you. The difference is–she’s got nothing. She has no choice but to cling to me. But you? You used to have the Durand family. You were so proud, so arrogant. And even now, after your fall, you still won’t bow your head. That’s what I hate most about 

you. 

it the act. Go learn from Sarah how to play weak. That look on your face right now–it disgusts me.” 

ood up with an angry look on his face and shouted at the driver, “I’m sleeping at the office tonight. I don’t want ar from anyone.” 

The women outside, for once, had nothing to gloat about. They gathered at my door, their stares like daggers. 

I coughed again, and there was more blood. 

Sarah snorted. “Oh please, Felicia. Peter’s gone. You don’t need to keep pretending in front of us.” 

I didn’t have the strength to answer. My breaths came deep and hard, the taste of blood thick in my throat. 

Only I knew that the whip and bat had shifted the shards in my heart. 

My heart had likely been cut several times over by now. The shards must’ve cut into my trachea, and that was why I couldn’t stop coughing up blood. 

I was dying. 

Suddenly, I really wanted a slice of pecan pie. 

I sat up slowly, forcing myself to keep the poise of the Durand family’s eldest daughter. 

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08:15 

Chapter 4 

“Bring me some pecan pie.” 

Sarah rolled her eyes. “Why should I? Am I your maid?” 

She turned to leave, but Miranda grabbed her arm. 

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The two exchanged a look, and I heard Miranda whisper, “I saw her medical report. She’s allergic to pecans. Why not go along with it…‘ 

Sarah’s eyes widened in shock. “Doesn’t that mean she’s deliberately setting us up?” 

Miranda tilted her chin toward the hallway. “We’ll get another person to act. Don’t be stupid.” 

In the end, a young woman came in while carefully carrying a box of pecan pie. She was wearing my favorite dress- the one I wore the day Peter proposed to me. 

What a smart woman. Even her hairstyle was an exact copy of mine. 

Her eyes burned with ambition and defiance as she pressed the pie against my lips without waiting. 

“Felicia, I’ll feed you. You have to finish it, okay?” 

I took one bite at a time. Soon, my skin broke out in rashes, and my throat and fingers started to swell. Then, the pie somehow went down the wrong pipe and into my airway. My heart seized violently before I saw all color drained from the world. 

When Peter came back with dark circles under his eyes, he headed straight to my room. 

“Are you gonna admit to your wrongdoings yet?” 

nswer, his expression darkened. “Silent again? Fine. I’ve got all the time in the world. I’ll lock you up 

1. o. You will learn how to obey! 

you love dancing? You’re coming with me to a ball tomorrow. I’ll make sure everyone sees how the Durand family heiress, who used to mesmerize half of New York with a single dance, now crawls be- 

What, cat got your tongue? Even dogs can bark! 

“Or do you miss being beaten? Want another round, don’t you?” 

No matter what Peter said, I wasn’t responding. 

He spotted the box of pecan pie on the table, picked it up, and took a sniff. The next second, he exploded. 

“Who gave her this? Don’t you know she’s allergic to pecans? You bitches, get over here! Who gave her the pie? Are you tired of living?! 

“Call the doctor! Now!” 

He scooped me up like a madman, flipping me over and slapping my back hard, trying to force the pie out. 

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08:15 

Chapter 4 

But I was already lifeless. I was limp in his arms. 

Maybe he shook me too hard, but suddenly, everything felt light. My vision cleared. 

I touched my chest. The pain was gone. 

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Strangely, I felt relieved. It was a good thing I died. If I were still alive, I would’ve been tortured to death by Peter’s manhandling. 

Just then, Peter started crying. He grabbed my hair, forcing me to face him. “Felicia, what are you faking now? Wake up! You don’t get to die without my permission! You haven’t seen me become the prince of New York yet. You haven’t knelt and apologized. How dare you die?!” 

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