Chapter 110 Janet Decision
JANET
The sharp ache in my side dragged me from a restless sleep. My body protested as I sat up, every movement feeling like a battle. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, soft but unrelenting, highlighting the faint dust motes floating in the air. I groaned, my voice raspy and weak, catching sight of David slouched in a chair beside my bed, his head tilted at an awkward angle. Bella was curled up in another chair, her knees tucked to her chest, her face soft in sleep.
They must have stayed with me all night. Babysitters. My lips curled in a bitter smile as I shifted my weight, the rustling of the sheets loud in the still room.
David stirred first, rubbing the back of his neck before his eyes snapped to mine. Relief flooded his face as he rose and approached. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice low but steady.
“Barely,” I muttered, forcing a weak grin.
“Are you okay?” he asked, crouching beside me, his eyes scanning my face.
I nodded but winced as pain flared through my ribs. “I’m fine.”
Bella sat up now, stretching before noticing I was awake. Her brows furrowed, concern flashing in her eyes. “You don’t look fine. Should we call the doctor?”
“No need,” I said quickly, waving off her suggestion.
“Janet…” David started, but I cut him off.
“Where are they?” I asked, my voice cold and clipped.
He didn’t need to ask who I meant. His jaw tightened. “In the basement.”
“Good.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed, testing my strength. Pain screamed through my muscles, but I clenched my teeth and pushed through it.
“You’re not ready for this,” David said, placing a hand on my shoulder to steady me.
“I don’t care,” I said, my voice sharper now. “They need to understand what they’ve done. And I need to see it.”
David hesitated, his hand tightening slightly. “At least think this through—”
“I’ve thought enough,” I snapped, meeting his gaze. “It’s time for action.”
He exhaled deeply, a flicker of resignation crossing his face. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
He helped me to my feet, his arm steadying me as we made our way to the basement. My steps were slow but deliberate, each one fueled by the rage simmering beneath my skin.
The basement was cold and dimly lit, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood. As we descended the last step, my eyes locked onto them. Vivian and Denise were slumped against the wall, their faces barely recognizable beneath the swelling and bruises. Their once-pristine appearances were now a shadow of their former selves, reduced to trembling shells of fear and pain.
Vivian’s head snapped up when she saw me, her eyes wide with terror. “Janet! Please, we’re friends. Remember? We grew up together!”
I let out a low laugh, the sound devoid of humor. “Friends? Did you think about that when you forced me to abort my child? When you made sure I’d never have a family of my own?” My voice cracked, but I didn’t care. The wounds she had inflicted on me ran too deep.
Her lips trembled. “I… I didn’t mean for it to go this far. I just… I wanted what you had. You had everything attention, love, gifts and I had nothing!”
I stepped closer, towering over her as she cowered. “I gave you everything I could. Half my gifts, matching clothes, friendship. But you? You repaid me with betrayal. Now, it’s your turn to lose everything.”
Vivian’s fear morphed into desperation. “You don’t understand! I was supposed to be the one born into the Copperfield family, not you. I deserve this life!”
I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “Deserve? You don’t even deserve the love your mother gave you, let alone the life you tried to steal from me.”
Vivian opened her mouth to respond, but I had already turned away. My eyes landed on the smoldering coal fire in the corner, and a dark thought took root. Without a word, I grabbed a knife and held it over the flames. The metal glowed red-hot, casting an eerie light over the room.
Vivian’s eyes widened as I approached her, the knife in hand. “No! Janet, please! You can’t do this!” she screamed, thrashing against her bonds.
I crouched in front of her, meeting her wild gaze with calm resolve. “You didn’t hesitate to destroy me, Vivian. Consider this… justice.”
The blade met her cheek, and her scream pierced the air. The acrid smell of burnt flesh filled my nostrils, but I didn’t flinch. This was her reckoning.
I turned to Denise, who was pale and shaking, a dark stain spreading across his pants. “Well, well,” I said, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Where’s all that bravado now? You were so strong when you were ruining my life. What happened?”
“I’m sorry, Janet. Please… I’m sorry,” he stammered, his voice shaking.
“Sorry?” I stepped closer, watching as he recoiled. “If you were sorry, you wouldn’t have come back. You wouldn’t have allied yourself with her again. You wouldn’t have ruined my life.”
I signaled to the guards, who grabbed him and began dragging him outside. He screamed, struggling against their grip.
“Where are you taking me?” he cried.
I leaned in, my voice low and venomous. “To the psychiatric hospital. I’ve registered you as a patient. You’ll stay there indefinitely. And no one will release you without my permission.”
“No! You can’t do this to me!” he shouted, his voice fading as the guards dragged him away.
David watched silently as I turned back to Vivian, who lay on the ground, sobbing. “And her?” he asked, his voice cautious.
“She’s going to prison,” I said coldly. “Let her rot there.”