Chapter 8

Chapter 8
Willow POV
The hospital room.
I sat by Grandma's bed, peeling an apple, somewhat distracted.
Thinking about what I'd seen earlier—why would Sterling be at a restaurant with Gloria?
"Willow?" Grandma called worriedly.
I looked up and forced a smile. "What is it, Grandma?"
"You've been out of it today." Grandma looked at me kindly. "Did you and Charles have a fight?"
"No." I lowered my head, continuing to peel the apple. "We're fine."
I'd told so many lies, they came out without thinking.
Grandma was silent for a moment, then asked tentatively, "How's Gloria lately? I haven't seen her in so long."
My hand paused.
"She's fine." My voice was stiff. "The Brown family's taking good care of her."
Grandma sighed. "I know you still blame her… but she didn't mean it. If there's a chance, I'd like to see her again."
My heart clenched tight.
I couldn't let Gloria near Grandma.
Grandma didn't know the truth—if she found out, she might not be able to handle it.
"Grandma," I said gently, "she's very busy lately. When she has time, I'll bring her to see you."
Grandma seemed to sense something but didn't press further. She just patted my hand. "Take care of yourself too. Don't make me worry."
I nodded, my throat tight.
That night when we went to bed, Charles made advances, nuzzling my neck, breathing heavily. "Honey, I want you."
I pushed him away. "Charles, I'm on my period."
It wasn't a lie. I'd never been so grateful for my period—it gave me a reason to refuse him.
He looked disappointed but kept holding me, still seeking relief. "Does your stomach hurt? Let me rub it."
His warm palm touched my stomach like before.
I took the opportunity to tell Charles, "I passed the interview. I start work Monday."
Charles froze, perhaps not expecting any company would dare hire me.
For some reason he wasn't upset. He said gently, "Drive then. I bought you that car before—it's been sitting in the garage. You can use it."
That expensive car was Charles's engagement gift to me.
But after Father's fatal car accident, I'd never touched a steering wheel again.
"I can't drive." I said quietly.
"I know," Charles's tone was as gentle as soothing a child, "but you need to learn independence, right? I can practice with you for a few days. You'll pick it up quickly."
"Okay." I finally agreed.
Not because of his persuasion.
If I was going to leave, I had to learn independence—including driving.
---
That weekend, Charles accompanied me to practice.
He was very patient, teaching me over and over.
My palms always sweated. I kept remembering that horrible accident.
"Don't be nervous," Charles's voice sounded in my ear. "Take it slow. You're doing great."
"Just watch the road ahead. This car's worth a million bucks. Other cars will stay far away—no one dares hit it."
Gradually I found my rhythm, shaking off the fear.
I drove smoothly all the way to the company entrance.
When I was about to drive home, Charles got a call. "What? Okay, I'll handle it right away."
He looked apologetic. "Willow, there's an emergency at the company. I have to go. Can you drive home yourself?"
Doubt flashed through my mind.
An emergency? Or meeting Rachel again?
Before leaving, he reminded me, "Drive slowly. If you really can't do it, pull over and call me. I'll come right away."
Just like that, I was left alone in the car.
Looking at the traffic, I felt uncertain.
I was debating whether to get out and call a driver when someone knocked on my window.
"You can't park here." A staff member warned sternly.
I felt embarrassed. "Sorry, I…"
The staff member pressed, "Move it now, or I'll ticket you!"
He muttered disdainfully, "Women make money so easily these days. Who knows how many sugar daddies she went through to drive a car this nice."
Annoyed, I cursed at him and drove off.
Fortunately, I found a parking garage.
But my skills weren't good enough to park properly. Just as I was calling for a driver, a car came out from inside.
I instinctively hit the brakes—but they failed. The car sped up instead.
Watching the two vehicles about to collide, my mind went completely blank.