Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 25

When Sylvia woke up, a uniformed female officer was sitting by her bed, her gentle smile offering a sense of security that was almost tangible. "You're awake? Need some water?" The officer stood up, pouring a glass of water with a considerate gesture, "You've got some bruises, but nothing serious."

"Thank

you."

Sylvia propped herself up to take the glass. Until now she was still trembling from the shock, her nerves not yet calmed.

The officer watched her, waiting until Sylvia seemed a bit more settled before she began to speak, "Julian's fine, too, but since there's a discrepancy in your stories, I need to hear your side."

Sylvia paused mid-sip, "Discrepancy? What do you mean?"

The fact was laid bare; how come there was a discrepancy?

The officer explained honestly, "Julian claims he was drunk and that's why he got aggressive. He even showed us a psychiatric evaluation from abroad, insisting...that you were willing to go out with him for dinner and a movie, so he thought you were consenting to more." Sylvia felt her breath hitch, her chest tightening with anger.

consented to everything else? Where's that rule written? I said no

mom seemed

officer gazed at

brief silence, the officer

least there was someone willing to offer help, Sylvia recounted everything, emphasizing Julian's

like to add?" the

mentioned, "Rupert

off guard, her

a problem?"

her notebook, the officer frowned, "I've asked them. Bridget claims she saw

trailed off, the glass of water slipped

she remained silent. Clasping

What was she expecting?

stop teaching her a lesson for not obeying him. Both of them had achieved what they expected; what a perfect match.

closed, the room

utterly drained, her face pale. Realizing how weak she was, she wondered how