Chapter 32 You Literally A Coward
Isabel kept quiet about the conversation she’d had with Mason’s parents. She hadn’t spoken a word to him since falling sick, a sickness she knew was caused by his behavior. A nagging thought crossed her mind—did he talk about Addison with his parents? But she didn’t dare bring it up, remembering how badly their last discussion had gone.
She decided to wait and see how far Mason would go to ruin their marriage, all while continuing to fulfill her duties as his wife. Deep down, she knew there was little chance he’d ever truly acknowledge her as his partner.
As usual, Isabel woke up before everyone else and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She was in a rush, needing to get to an early class at college. In her haste, she accidentally used salt instead of sugar in Mason’s coffee.
She took the coffee to their room and set it on the nightstand while Mason was still asleep. Then, she went to take a shower.
“What the hell is this?” Isabel heard Mason’s voice as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom.
It took her a moment to realize what he was talking about. She stared at him, confused, as he grimaced in disgust from the salty coffee, his anger quickly rising.
“What is this? Who puts salt in coffee? Are you messing with me?” Mason demanded, his voice laced with irritation.
“Salt? What are you talking about?” Isabel asked, moving closer to take the cup, thinking he might be exaggerating. But she wasn’t prepared for what came next.
As soon as she got close, Mason threw the entire cup of coffee at her. She barely had time to turn her face away, but the hot liquid splashed across her neck and shoulder. Her clothes absorbed some of it, but the scalding coffee seared her bare skin, and she cried out in pain.
“What is wrong with you?” Isabel’s voice rose in anger, the burning sensation on her neck making it impossible to stay calm.
Mason stood up, showing no sign of remorse for what he had just done. He looked at her as if she were the one at fault.
“You’ll get your rewards like this from now on if you mess with me. Consider this your warning,” Mason said, his tone cold and threatening, leaving Isabel furious.
“You’re just a pathetic excuse for a human being. Only a coward like you would feel powerful by hurting someone physically. You have no right to treat me this way,” Isabel shot back, her voice filled with contempt as she glared at him, hating him with every fiber of her being.
Mason grinned at her words, pretending they didn’t faze him. He felt a twisted satisfaction in seeing her pain, considering it payback for the slap his mother had given him.
Without a word, he walked past her, confident he’d hurt her enough for the day.
Isabel’s skin was on fire, the area already turning red. She searched through the first aid kit, hoping to find something to ease the pain, but came up empty. The burning sensation only intensified, becoming nearly unbearable.
Desperate, Isabel headed downstairs to get some ice cubes for the wound. Unexpectedly, she found Nina in the kitchen. The sight of her mother-in-law made Isabel want to break down and confess the pain Mason had caused.
But the thought of what Mason might do if she told held her back. She quickly left the kitchen before Nina could notice anything was wrong.
Isabel then made her way to Anna’s room, hoping she might have some medicine. Thankfully, Anna had an ointment and, seeing the urgency in Isabel’s request, handed it over without hesitation.
“What happened? Did you burn yourself?” Anna asked, her curiosity quickly turning to concern as she noticed the tears welling up in Isabel’s eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Anna’s concern deepened when she saw Isabel start to cry.
“I did,” Isabel said, her voice trembling. “I lost my balance on the stairs while carrying the coffee for Mason, and the hot coffee spilled all over my neck.” She forced herself to sound calm, trying to hide the pain as best as she could. Isabel figured Anna would dismiss her complaint, likely siding with her brother.
To Isabel’s surprise, Anna’s reaction was different.
“Let me see the wound. I’ll help you with the ointment,” Anna said, making Isabel’s eyes widen in astonishment.
“What? Really?” Isabel asked, trying to make sure she’d heard correctly.
“Yeah, show me,” Anna insisted, noticing Isabel’s hesitation.
“No, it’s fine. I can do it myself,” Isabel protested.
“Come on. I’m not going to bite you, Isabel,” Anna said, sensing that Isabel was struggling to believe her genuine concern.
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just—” Isabel’s explanation was cut off by Anna.
“I’m just trying to help you. That’s all,” Anna said, her reassurance bringing a small sense of relief to Isabel.
Isabel took off her jacket to reveal the burn. Anna examined the wound with a sympathetic frown, carefully applying the ointment with a gentle touch.
“I think you should see a doctor,” Anna suggested, but Isabel quickly shook her head. She didn’t want to risk Nina finding out.
“Can you do me a favor, Anna?” Isabel asked as Anna finished applying the ointment.
“Of course. What is it?”
“Please don’t tell Mom about this. She’d be too worried if she knew.”
Anna’s confusion gave way to realization as she pieced together what might have happened.
“It was Mason, wasn’t it? He must have thrown the coffee at you,” Anna guessed, her tone shifting as she saw Isabel’s reaction to the assumption.
“How could he do something so horrible to you? I can’t believe my brother could be so inhumane,” Anna’s anger flared, her voice reflecting her outrage at Mason’s behavior.
“No… What are you talking about? He had nothing to do with this,” Isabel said quickly, trying to defend Mason. She knew that any acknowledgment could only lead to more trouble for her.
“I’m neither blind nor naive, Isabel. Anyway, if you don’t want me to tell anyone, I won’t. But here’s some friendly advice, it’s time to consider leaving my brother. Otherwise, things are only going to get worse.”
Isabel was taken aback by Anna’s words. It was surprising to hear such empathy from someone she’d thought hated her as much as Mason did.
“I will,” Isabel said with a bittersweet smile, then left, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. She wasn’t ready to continue the conversation with someone who had seemed to harbor such animosity until now.