Chapter 14

Broken glass sparkled across the polished floor,glinting in the light.

Vincent arrived at the scene in seconds, dropping to Brinley's side and helping her up without hesitation.A grimace flickered on his face as he noticed her hand, bloody and riddled wvith shards.

That moment of concern for Brinley wasn't lost on Hannah. Something heavy and cold settled deep inside her. Pushing through the pain, she pulled herself to her feet unaided.

"Can someone explain what happened?" Vincent's gaze swept to Hannah for answers.

Barely had Hannah opened her mouth when Brinley jumped in, her voice trembling, "It all happened so fast. I think Hannah pushed me, and suddenly I was falling down the stairs. The next thing I knew, she was tumbling too."

Frowning at Hannah, Vincent questioned,"Did you really push her?"

Brinley gave a weak laugh and chose her words carefully toshift Vincent's focus. "I can't say for sure why she did it. Maybe she's upset about having to assist me with the party planning, but I won't hold it against her. It's just a scratch, Vincent. Don't worry about me."

A bitter smile crossed Hannah's lips. "Bravo, Miss Gilbert. That's some impressive acting." She looked Vincent dead in the eyes, her voice cutting. "But let's get this straight. I didn't lay a finger on her. lf anyone's lying here, it's her. She pushed me down the staircase. Just look at her. She's not hurt at all."

Despair crept in, chilling Hannah to the core. She already knew where Vincent's trust lay.

Vincent showed Brinley's wounded palm to Hannah."She's not exactly fine."

But Hannah's hand was injured too-and Vincent hadn't even noticed.

Bitterness consumed Hannah. No question remained -Vincent didn't seem to care about her, his"stand-in," at all. Brinley had his full attention, as always.

A sharp, humorless laugh escaped Hannah. "You should probably rush her to the emergency room before her minor scratch heals."

Her sarcasm irritated Vincent. He was just trying to get the truth, and his tone might be sharper than intended. "Can't you just talk normally?"

Hannah answered coldly, "Don't feel like so."

Tension thickened the air, neither willing to yield.

Sniffles from Brinley filled the silence. "Why do you hate me so much, Hannah?"

Hannah frowned at the sound. Even with blood running down her own hand, somehow, she'd become the villain, baseless accusations thrown her way. Any urge to put up with it vanished. Her unharmed hand whipped up, landing a slap across Brinley's cheek with a crack that left no room for confusion.

Hannah spat, "If I wanted to hurt you, Brinley, you'd know it. I don't waste time with games."

Another slap was ready, but Vincent caught her wrist mid-swing. "That's enough, Hannah."

Hannah yanked her arm away and let out a bitter laugh. "So, you couldn't bear to see her hurt by me,right? And you're still taking her side, Vincent? I'm your wife."

Vincent's expression tightened as his brow drew together. "Being my wife doesn't give you the right to bully others like this."

"You think I'm bullying her?" Hannah scoffed,a bitter laugh about to escape but failed.

Brinley quickly stepped in to ease the tension just to make her look good. "Vincent, please don't be upset.Hannah probably just lost control for a moment. Take me to get my hand treated, okay?"

Vincent's sharp features softened a bit."Alright."

Brinley even glanced over at Hannah, sticking to her considerate persona. "Maybe Hannah needs a hospital trip too?"

Vincent dismissed the idea immediately. "NNo.Let her cool off for a bit."

All the noise soon drew Danica over, her voice sharp with irritation. "What is it this time, Hannah? All this fuss just because you didn't want to do a little housework?"

Her gaze shifted, shock freezing her expression as she spotted Brinley's bleeding hand. "Oh my! Brinley,your hand!"

With a gentle smile, Brinley made a feigned attempt to downplay it. "Really, it's nothing."

"Nothing? That could leave a scar! Vincent, what are you waiting for? Get her to the emergency room-now!"

Vincent didn't hesitate. "We're leaving."

Brinley reached out, expecting Vincent to carry her.

But Vincent simply brushed past her and asked lightly, "Did you hurt your leg?"

"N-no, just my hand..." Quick to follow, Brinley trailed after him, shooting a smug, victorious glance at Hannah before disappearing.

Still rooted to the spot, Hannah felt her heart drop lower than ever. Laughter, dry and hollow, escaped her lips. Of course. First loves would always matter more than a stand-in like her. Barely above a whisper,she spoke to the empty hallway. "Vincent, we're finished.Totally."