- 6.
The next day, I left the hospital.
Ignoring the pain, I went home to pack.
Even with only three days left, I didn’t want to
leave my things in Elijah’s house.
I didn’t own much; a few clothes, a pair of
shoes.
I lived in the servants‘ quarters.
My family was business partners with his.
They supported me pursuing him, allowing me
to live there.
く
He couldn’t refuse, but he made my life
miserable, housing me in the servant’s
quarters.
I’d just finished packing when Elijah returned.
He looked at me questioningly.
“Why are you leaving?”
He’d hated me living there.
Why this question now?
“I won’t bother you anymore.”
As I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand.
Shock coursed through me.
He was known for his fastidiousness.
He never touched me, except when drunk.
“I got this bracelet for you at the temple.” He gave me a red beaded bracelet.
“It will keep you safe.”
I looked into his eyes; there was regret.
He felt guilty about the baby?
The guilt disgusted me.
I took the bracelet and threw it in the trash.
<
His face fell.
“What are you doing?”
“Elijah, don’t call me that. My name is Mary.”
For years, he’d called me “you“.
I was done.
He was stunned.
“Mary, I got that bracelet for you. Why would
you do that?”
“I don’t want your things.”
I left.
