"I reflected on everything while I was inside. They said I showed excellent behavior, so they released me early."
"Pearl, you've been through so much these past years. I'm so sorry."
He looked so sincere, so deeply moved—as if he'd truly suffered through three years behind bars.
But I gently pushed him away, my expression unchanged. "It's good you're out."
Austin froze, seemingly sensing something off about me. But the next second, he grabbed my wrist.
"Pearl, what happened to your wrist?"
His concern seemed genuine.
But I found it almost laughable.
Austin, what exactly are you pretending for?
You're the one who sent those people. They showed up pretending to be debt collectors and beat me until I looked like this.
And now you're playing innocent?
A wave of exhaustion washed over me. Or maybe I was just afraid to face what would happen if I tore away the mask.
"It's nothing. I fell."
I pulled my hand free. "The doctor said it'll heal with time."
Austin finally relaxed, letting out a breath. "That's good."
He reached for my hand again, lacing his fingers through mine with practiced tenderness.