Chapter 67 BEFORE SHE STRIKES

Chapter 67 BEFORE SHE STRIKES
CHAPTER 67

GRACE'S POV
BEFORE SHE STRIKES

Insults and humiliation have always been a part of my life. So I wasn't surprised when I experienced it in the hands of Lana.

“Grace, silence is cowardice.” Lily rants angrily.

“I'm sorry, I'm just tired.” I said weakly and my phone rang again today.

Looking at the screen it's, Mrs Harley calling. “Grace, dear, how're you doing?” she asked me.

“I'm doing okay.” I said after clearing my throat.

“Did anyone come visit you today?” she asked me.

I look at an angry Lily surprised. “Yes, Lana.”

“She asked about you. And I gave her your home address, because she said you both were friends.”

“Yea, she's gone now.” I told her without raising suspicion.

The call ended and Lily walked to her room, still muttering something under her breath. Jeremy still called but I ignored his call, I wasn't ready to face him yet. Besides he's going to marry Lana, I didn't want to ruin my image with this.

I should've known when I heard the door, without anyone visiting me that it was Ryan.

His heavy steps on the floor radiated fear, but it set me off. Because I was barely recovering from what he did to me and he's back for more. Lily came down and stood in front of me, spreading her arms out like she could stop his attacks with sheer stubbornness.

“Get out, you bastard.” she snapped.

He gave a cold laugh which had an ugly sound. “Move aside, Lily. This is a family matter.”

“No, asshole,” she said in a steady voice. “You don't get to hurt her again.”

He slapped her and the sound echoed in the hallway. She flew across to the dining room, and she didn't get up. Something inside me just snapped in half.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” I screamed.

Ryan, turned around as my hand clasped around the knife I've been using earlier. I didn't blink, I didn't think about it.

I stabbed him, he roared, his face twisting in rage. And he hit me across the face, I stood and smiled at him. Blood dropped from his arm as he stumbled to the door.

“This isn't over.” he spat, and limped out.

I crawled to Lily. She grinned and winced while sitting up. “Grace, you finally did it.”

I spent another week at home, wrapped in my blanket and listened to Lily's lame jokes. When I finally returned to the library, Mrs Harley hugged me until I couldn't breathe.

That afternoon Richard sent me flowers with a note. Glad you're back, Grace.

The library was awfully quiet, too knowing. Everyone kept looking at me, just waiting for me to burst into tears.

Then Lily came through the door, like her bum was on fire.

Her bun was messy, her breathing was rapid and she had her phone in her hand.

“Oh Grace,” she grabbed my shoulder. “Don't shout or panic, just breathe.” she whispered.

“What is it?” I asked her.

She didn't say anything to me. But she just brought her phone screen to my face. It was a sex tape, it was grainy but I could make out a face.

Disgust twisted my face, and my heart fell to my stomach.

“Oh my God.” I breathed.

“Oh no,” Lily said. “And someone's rushing over here, like a reality TV diva scorned.”

A shout erupted from the door. “WHERE'S THAT EVIL SLIMY BITCH.”

It was Lana Morrison, in her designer shoes, Chanel dress and a deadly rage.

She matched into the library, like she was on the runway and she owned everything.

“There you are, freak.” she spat.

Before she could get any close, Lily stepped in front of me like my body guard.

“Oh what a surprise,” she says loudly. “The designer actress.”

Everyone gasped all at once.

“Excuse you?” Lana blinked.

“No, no, don't be shy,” Lily said sweetly. “We've seen your performance, oh it was good, chef's kiss. It was very classy, but awfully budget friendly.”

“Women,” someone whispered.

“Are you mocking me?” Lana asked.

“Mocking you?” Lily gasped dramatically. “Me? Mock the town's fashionable sex tape influencer? No. Darling you're in the league of your own.”

Gasps exploded around us. Lana looked at everyone and went back to Lily.

I tugged at Lily's arm whispering to her. “That's enough please.”

“No,” Lily says. “I've been waiting a long time for this.”

Lana turned and glared hard at me. “It was you, Grace. You leaked that tape, it came from your phone. You ruined my life.”

“That's a lie,” Lily laughed. “Grace can barely send a video, without calling the IT for support. You think she did this, you're dumber than you look.”

“Lana I..didn't do this.” I said.

“Oh, save it,” she snapped. “You jealous whore.”

Lily's brows arched. “Whore?” she laughed. “Who has a tape out there? A sex tape in a shabby closet.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Lana was red with anger.

“You, filthy little….” Lana spat on Lily.

“Oh dear,” Lily said, getting closer. “Don't embarrass yourself any further.”

“You're a bitch, a fucking bitch.” Lana snapped.

“I agree,” Lily says. “But you're a bitch with a tape.”

“Grace, you did this. And I'll make you suffer for it.” Lana threatened.

“She was framed, Barbie.” Lily said with a frown. “If your brain isn't filled with designer items, you'll know that she isn't responsible for that.”

“Lily, please stop.” I said in a trembling voice.

Her face softened, but she turned and looked hard at Lana.

“You should blame yourself, and your no good ex boyfriend.” Lily said with renewed violence.

“Don't talk about him.” Lana snapped.

“Everyone knows he's a red flag.” Lily adds smiling.

Lana got closer to Lily, and Lily wasn't backing down.

“Get out of my face.” Lana snarled.

“Why?” Lily asks sweetly. “Afraid, I'll catch whatever std your boyfriend gave you. No thanks girl.”

Lana darted between me and Lily, with tears of rage filing her eyes. “I'm going to ruin both of you.”

Lily arched her brows in amusement. “Barbie, your reputation is already in tatters. Grace didn't need to post a single thing.”

“You think this is funny, right?” Lana asked her.

“Yes,it is. It's karma wearing designers.” Lily said, almost evoking laughter from me.

Lana turned and fixed her eyes on me. She started marching menacingly towards me. Steps sharp and her eyes very red and murderous.

Lily moved to block me, but Lana shoved her aside. It was so hard that she stumbled.

“I'm not going to talk anymore, Grace. My actions will speak for me.” she said, raising up her hands to strike me.

Someone grabs Lana's arm from behind.