The Bound Between Us

Chapter 994

No matter how you looked at it-whether it was her looks or her family name— Patty always seemed to outshine Layna.

Layna was fiercely competitive. She had to be the best at everything, always needing to come out on top. In her mind, everything Patty had should have belonged to her.

Watching Layna, who looked noticeably thinner than when she first started at the academy, Juliana's heart ached. "You've only been at school for a few weeks, and look at you-skin and bones already. Honey, your aunt can barely stand to see you like this."

Layna had been at the academy for just over a month. The place was strict: up at 5:30 in the morning for exercise, then classes, meals in the dining hall, washing their own clothes, cleaning their own rooms-no shortcuts, no exceptions. Lights out at eleven, and you'd better not be caught out of your dorm after hours.

Most of the kids sent to this school came from privileged backgrounds and had a reputation for being rebellious. The adjustment was rough. Some fought the rules, some dreamed of running away, but it was pointless-the whole campus was surrounded by tall fences and security cameras, and parents were only allowed to visit once a month.

When Layna first arrived, she didn't rebel like the others. She was smart. She kept her head down, followed the rules, and put on her best behaved-girl act. To the teachers, she was a model student.

"Layna, don't worry. Your aunt is going to talk to your uncle and bring you home soon, I promise," Juliana said, giving Layna's cold hand a gentle squeeze.

Layna nodded, her voice soft and careful. "Aunt Juliana, please don't argue with Uncle Scott over me. I'm really fine here."

the way she said it, anyone could tell she didn't

honest with me—are the teachers treating you okay? Has anyone

looked down and shook her head. "... No, Aunt

gently pulled up Layna's sleeve and gasped. Dark bruises marked her arm. She checked

what happened? Who did this to you?" Juliana's voice

welled up and slid down her cheeks

wasn't it? I'm going to talk to them

only get worse after you leave. Uncle Scott won't believe

She wiped Layna's tears. "When I

what Juliana didn't know was that Layna had given herself

days leading up to the visit, she pinched her own arms, hard, leaving purple and blue marks at different

know how he is-he'll just get mad and won't believe me. Could you come tomorrow night? It's Uncle Scott's birthday, and I made him a gift. Will

tomorrow night. I'll even bring your uncle so he can see