Chapter 17

Giselle, her face still swollen from Rebecca's slaps and her illness lingering, endured a night outdoors by Stephan's villa, never gaining entry. That sharp fall breeze somewhat diminished her seething anger, but by the following morning, her fever had returned. She wept uncontrollably, sending Stephan a stream of piteous messages, only to receive no response from the latter. It wasn't until the following midday that the formidable gates of the villa gave way. Giselle jolted awake from her fitful slumber at the creaking sound of them opening. She groggily opened her eyes and caught sight of Stephan getting into the car. She hurriedly got to her feet before rushing forward to grab his hand. Her eyes, always so adept at eliciting sympathy, brimmed with tears again. Her voice trembled with profound sorrow, bemoaning, "Please look at my face, Stephan! It's all Rebecca's doing! And she even threatened to teach me another lesson if I dared to tell you…" Stephan merely glared at Giselle. H