Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 19

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

The accident.

Leilani.

When Gavin finally released me from his grip, I was left in a state of utter devastation. My body was a canvas of pain, bleeding, raw, and aching in ways I had never imagined possible. The injuries that had been slowly mending themselves had burst open again, and now a deep, jagged gash marred my forehead, a cruel reminder of the torment I had just endured. It was as if every wound I bore was a testament to his cruelty, a mark of his ownership over my suffering.

He paused, surveying my battered form with an unsettling satisfaction, as if he were a twisted artist admiring a masterpiece of anguish. A grin twisted his lips as he spat out his words like venom, “Make sure to remember this the next time you think about hurting Chalice.” His voice dripped with malice, and without a second glance, he sauntered out of the room, clutching his belt like a trophy.

As I watched him leave, my heart raced with a resolve that burned fiercely within me. I had to escape. Now.

Family ties be damned. Mates or no mates, I couldn’t stay here any longer.

The thought of participating in the upcoming ritual felt like a betrayal of my very soul. I couldn’t fathom facing these people again, not without the urge to vomit rising within me.

Every inch of my body throbbed with pain. The places where Gavin’s belt had struck me felt like they were on fire, and tears streamed down my cheeks, but this time, they were not born from physical suffering. No, this was a torrent of emotional upheaval that threatened to drown me.

Years of disappointment and betrayal surged through my mind like a relentless tide. The injustice of it all clawed at my insides, a constant reminder that grandma’s death would forever remain unavenged.

Gavin, once my protector and the one who adored me, had transformed into a monster that haunted my dreams. He was the embodiment of my fears, a specter that would break me if I didn’t find a way to save myself.

If I didn’t leave this place soon, I would be lost forever.

And it was all because of Chalice.

With trembling hands, I rummaged through my bookshelf until I found a blank piece of paper. I picked up a ballpoint pen, my fingers shaking as I began to write a letter. This letter was for my parents, for my mates, for Gavin, and even for Chalice.

It took me only three minutes to finish, the brevity of my words reflecting the emptiness I felt inside. I had so little to say, and by the end, my tears had dried, leaving my skin clammy and my face blotchy and swollen. My eyes stung with the remnants of my sorrow, but that physical discomfort was nothing compared to the heartache that felt as if it were tearing me apart, piece by agonizing piece.

I was done.

I quickly emptied my duffel bag, grabbing my laptop, phone, and flash drive. Without a moment’s hesitation, I sent a quick text to Jarek, letting him know of my decision to flee from the pack. With my heart pounding in my chest, I placed the letter on my bedside table alongside the court-ordered letter of emancipation I had received just days ago.

As I slipped out of my room, I had no idea what chaos was unfolding outside my house. A crowd had gathered, and even from my vantage point, I could hear my father’s booming voice slicing through the air, filled with fury.

“Where the hell is she?!”

Gavin’s response dripped with pride, “I’ve punished her. I beat her so much, I doubt she’ll ever be able to recover.”

“Good, but I don’t think that’s enough punishment!” My father’s voice was thunderous. “Look at Chalice! Her engagement party is just weeks away, and Leilani’s ruined her face?!”

“Papa, please stop!” Chalice interjected, her tone self-righteous as always. “Leilani’s suffered enough! I’ll heal quickly; this is just a scratch!”

“It is not just a scratch!” My father’s anger flared. “You’ve always been so fragile, so quick to fall ill. Your skin is so smooth that even a piece of paper could hurt you. She had no right to touch you!”

“She was just mad at me, and I get it!”

“You’re too damn kind!” Gavin’s voice was laced with fury, “And that’s why she never takes you seriously. That’s why that wench will continue to hurt you.”

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