Chapter 9

Anthea went to the police station alone. She handed the recording to the police and gave her statement calmly, accusing Beatrice of urging a man to take advantage of her. The police looked at her with pity when they saw her messy hair and bruised arm. "We'll follow the law and take care of it," said the police officer. "Thank you," replied Anthea. After she got home, she poured herself some water and swallowed two painkillers. The notifications kept popping up on her phone, and it was all about the news of Harlan rushing into the hospital with Beatrice in his arms. In the photo, he looked so anxious, and he carried her so tightly as if she were a treasure that could break easily. Anthea turned off her phone and went into the bathroom to wash off all the blood and mess on her body. She would no longer be hurt because of him. … At the break of dawn the next day, Anthea packed her last luggage and was ready to head to the airport when the door suddenly opened. Harlan's jacket was draped over his arm. His tie was loosened as he walked through the door. As he had stayed awake overnight, he looked exhausted. Anthea was taken aback. Why would he be back? Should he not be keeping Beatrice company at the hospital? "Thea, did you make a police report for what happened yesterday?" he asked in a hoarse voice. Everything became clear to Anthea. It turned out that he was only home for Beatrice's sake. Nodding, Anthea opined, "If I weren't quick on my feet, that man would have assaulted me. A person should reap what they sow, shouldn't they?" Harlan frowned a little and fell silent before he said, "I understand, but she jumped into the sea last night, so her body is still weak—" "So what?" She cut him off softly. "Are you saying that I should let her off the hook just because she jumped into the sea?" Staring into his eyes, she asked, "Didn't you say you hate her? Then, you should be even more hopeful that she would be punished. Harlan was taken aback as a hint of complicated emotions gleamed in his eyes. His voice was a little husky when he replied, "Yes, I do, but…" "But you love her even more?" Anthea thought, completing his sentence in her mind. Taking a deep breath, he changed his tone as he continued, "Drop the case, would you? Didn't you say you wanted to get married?" As he looked at her, he suggested gently, "Drop the case, and we'll get married, alright?" Anthea felt an urge to cry. He wanted to break up with her, but talked about marrying her for Beatrice's sake. Just as Anthea was about to spill the beans that she was marrying someone else, Harlan's phone rang. The nurse on the other end of the call began anxiously, "Mr. Jefferson, Ms. Wilkin is awake. She didn't see you, so she started throwing tantrums again. She's very emotionally unstable." Harlan frowned and hung up the call immediately. He grabbed his jacket and was ready to leave. "How about this? I have some things to take care of for the next few days," he suggested without looking back. "We'll discuss the wedding once I'm back." At that, he left without taking another glance at her at all. Anthea stood in place and watched his figure disappear behind the door. How was he so sure that she loved him so much that she would drop the case as soon as he mentioned marriage? Was he so sure that she would forever wait for him? Anthea looked around slowly at the home that once carried all her hopes and dreams. Then, her gaze landed on the coffee table. The cup that Harlan gave her was still on it. The words "For Thea" were carved into the bottom of it. She walked over and threw the cup in the trash can. Then, she took out a piece of sticky note from her purse and wrote, "Harlan, you have your wish. Let's break up. You're free now." She paused before she added another line, "May you and Beatrice live happily ever after." Upon writing that, she pasted the note on the refrigerator and left with her suitcase without looking back at all. … Her phone rang while she was on her way to the airport. It was from the police. "Ms. Murphy, Mr. Jefferson called us earlier to inform us that you have the intention to drop the case. Is that true?" the police officer asked. Anthea looked at the scenery quickly flying by outside the window. Then, she answered softly, "No, I'm not dropping the case." She hung up the call and turned off her phone. The moment her plane took off, she finally closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief. "Harlan, I'm really done with you this time," she thought.