She Said It to My Face
She Said It to My Face
“I will if you don’t back the fuck away from my man,” Katy hissed.
Susan laughed — a dry, sharp sound. Her gaze swept over Katy from head to toe. “You’re delusional. Joseph isn’t your man. He told me everything — how you tried to force yourself on him at the international summit.” Her tone cut like a blade. “But listen to me carefully, if you ever try that shit you did with me again, you’ll regret it. I promise.”
Katy tilted her head, sneering. “You ain’t gonna do shit.”
Susan’s voice dropped lower, calmer. “I’ve said what I came to say.” She turned, walking away toward her room.
Katy’s mocking laugh followed her. “Yeah, loser, walk away! The landlord told me you’re planning to move out — is it because I whooped your ass?”
Her words echoed in the hallway, cruel and sharp.
Susan froze for a brief second, her jaw tightening, every muscle in her back tense — but she didn’t turn around. She kept walking, step by step, back toward her room.
Katy’s laughter rang louder, but Susan didn’t respond. She didn’t have to. She had said what she needed to say.
What she wanted to tell Katy — she already had.
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'BACK TO A YEAR LATER— THE PRESENT'
Susan’s eyelids fluttered open slowly. Her vision was hazy, the soft glow of the chandelier above making her blink a few times. Her body felt weak. The first thing she noticed was that she was lying on a soft, comfy sofa — and her head rested gently on Joseph’s lap.
His face was the next thing she saw — stern, disgust written all over it as he stared down at her.
“What am I going to do with you, huh?” Joseph muttered, shaking his head slightly. His voice was low, filled with restrained anger. “You’re always trying to kill yourself.”
Susan blinked, her eyes heavy. “What... happened?” Her voice came out frail, barely above a whisper.
“How would I know?” Joseph snapped back, his tone sharp. His face softened for a moment into confusion. “I should be the one asking you that. I found you passed out on the floor.”
“Really?” Susan coughed weakly and tried to sit up. Joseph sighed, sliding a steadying hand behind her back to help her.
“You won’t kill yourself on my watch,” he said, his jaw tight. “Not in my house. Not with my child inside you — you hear me?”
His anger burned through his words. “First it was your legs. We still don’t know who was behind that. Now this — finding you passed out on the floor, your wheelchair halfway down the corridor from you!” His voice rose, frustration clear.
Susan placed a trembling hand against her forehead, her face tight with confusion. “I’m not trying to kill myself, Joseph. I’m not suicidal, even if you wish that on me.”
Joseph’s eyes narrowed. “Me? Wish death on you? With my child inside you?” He scoffed, rubbing his forehead. “Your level of humor never fails to amaze me.”
He leaned forward, his voice calmer but stern. “What happened, Susan? Why were you passed out on the corridor floor? And don’t feed me any bullshit.”
Susan drew in a shaky breath. “I’m honestly trying to remember,” she said quietly, her frustration mixing with pain. “But that’s not what you should be asking me right now. I need medical attention.”
“You already had medical attention, stupid,” Joseph cut in, his voice sharp again. “The doctors came while you were asleep. They treated your bruises and gave you painkillers.”
He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. “Now answer me — what happened?”
Susan shut her eyes for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. “The last thing I remember,” she said slowly, “was one of the maids tending to my hair.”
Joseph nodded slightly, his focus on her unwavering. “Uh-huh,” he murmured, flicking his fingers as if urging her to continue.
“And then your mother came in,” Susan said, still trying to piece the memory together.
“And then what?” Joseph asked quickly, leaning forward.
Susan’s brows furrowed. “And then…”
“And then what, Susan?” Joseph pressed again, impatient now.
Her eyes suddenly widened. The memory hit her all at once — like a jolt of lightning. “Your mom hired the people who broke my legs.”
Joseph froze, confusion flashing across his face. “What?!”
“She did, Joseph,” Susan said, her words tumbling out faster now. “Your mom hired those who attacked me in the woods while I was jogging.” Her heart raced as the truth spilled out.
Joseph’s face hardened, disbelief etched into his features. “And how exactly did you come to that conclusion?” he asked, his hand rising to rest against his chin.
“Because she confessed,” Susan said, her voice trembling but firm. “She said it to my face.”