Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Chapter 332

Elise didn’t want to meet Pearl’s eyes and curled up, making herself smaller. “I really didn’t…’

Pearl noticed the girl’s discomfort and continued gently, “This room has a strong scent. Most people wouldn’t notice, but I can tell it’s from an ointment used to reduce bruising.”

The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place for Pearl. She understood that something was amiss here.

‘Why would someone who rarely leaves home have bruises?’ she thought. She knew the answer was right there, waiting to be revealed.

“Miss Elise, I can be trusted with your secret. I won’t tell anyone,” Pearl assured her. She moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, and softened her tone. “Ellie, can you trust me?”

Elise’s eyes welled up with tears. She was already fragile, but now she looked even more vulnerable.

“Don’t cry. Share your story with me, and I’ll do my best to help you,” Pearl comforted her.

“My mom divorced my dad, and a few years later, she married Zachary Zimmer when I

the story in her

hurt me when my mom wasn’t around. My mom loves him so

had kept these emotions locked inside for years, and they were finally pouring

“The photophobia…”

didn’t want to see anyone. My body was covered in bruises, and I was too ashamed for anyone to see. So, I pretended to be sick and avoided people,” Elise explained, her

understand. Was she really willing to live

you because your eyes seem both gentle and strong. I felt a connection with you, even though you’re just a

shatter her mother’s dreams. “My mom

lifted Elise’s shirt to reveal a wound. Her eyes filled with determination as she spoke, “How can a mother not feel devastated when her daughter sacrifices her own well- being for

a response, but she couldn’t

you’re seeing

Pearl walked towards the door. She spotted Glenn allu outside and said to Jenna, “Could

then turned to