Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 105

Sylvia spun around, her gaze crashing into Rupert's icy eyes.

"Don't even think about calling the cops."

His voice was a command, brooking no argument.

Under the harsh glare of the fluorescent lighting, his eyes -set in a face as striking as it was intimidating- locked onto hers with an intensity that was almost threatening.

Sylvia's fists clenched tightly, her shoulders shaking. Her face pale, tinged with a hint of blue, betrayed the effort it took to steady herself.

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice low and strained. "Is it just because they're part of the Simpson family? Do we deserve this? Why is it always me who ends up being sacrificed? Once, twice..."

Rupert remained silent, his gaze eerily calm.

Sylvia, on the brink of hysteria, lowered her gaze to their shoes. A pair of sneakers and a pair of handcrafted leather shoes, a clear sign their worlds should never have collided.

She let out a self-deprecating laugh, mocking her own futile attempts to challenge the inevitable.

"Fine. I won't call the cops. Just don't regret your decision today."

Snatching her phone back, she stormed into the hospital room, the door slamming shut behind her.

with a frown. "Mr. Garcia, shouldn't

"No need."

slightly but didn't answer,

peacefully, while Sylvia

cup of hot cocoa was

whispered, her legs

Warren quickly

excuse. "Just pins and

I'm sorry I'm late again." Warren handed her the cocoa with an

her head, Sylvia took a sip of the

whispering, "Are Naomi and Edwin okay? Uncle Rupert and Grandpa

most of her cocoa onto the floor. She looked at

Simpson and Bridget are coming over to the Garcias for dinner tomorrow. My mom was going over the menu

act indifferent,

shock. The indignity they suffered was seemingly worth less than a dinner with Bridget. To ensure

welled up, falling silently one after

"Sylvia, what's wrong?"

embrace, his warmth enveloping her. The comfort was overwhelming, numbing

fine, right? Don't cry. I'm here for you," Warren soothed her gently,

room, Rupert

the scene