When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 518

**Chapter 518: Unwelcome Hospitality**

“Who even knows what she was after? Maybe she threw herself at your car on purpose! And Mom, you don’t even know her. How can you be sure she didn’t spit on me intentionally?”

Gianna’s voice pierced the charged atmosphere, each word laced with venom, slicing through the tension like a knife through butter. The accusations fell heavily, leaving Anneliese feeling as if she were teetering on the brink of a precipice. The air crackled with hostility, thick and oppressive, making it hard to breathe. Wendy, her mother, stood nearby, her expression a mixture of confusion and concern, brows knitted together as she struggled to comprehend the depth of her daughter’s fury. Anneliese felt small, a mere shadow in the corner of Gianna’s storm.

A dull ringing echoed in Anneliese’s ears, amplifying the throbbing headache that had settled in her temples like an unwelcome guest. She leaned against the wall for support, her body trembling slightly as she fought to steady her racing heart. “Mrs. Malone,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, “thank you for your help today. I’m feeling more awake now, so I really should be going. The problem is, I don’t have any money on me. Could I borrow your phone to make a quick call?”

The truth was, Anneliese and Gianna had never been on the same wavelength. This was Gianna’s domain, and Anneliese could feel the weight of her status as an outsider pressing down on her, suffocating her with every passing second.

Wendy’s demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm brewing around them; her warmth was a soothing balm against the harshness of the situation. Anneliese felt a swell of gratitude for the older woman’s kindness, but a nagging thought lingered in her mind: any mother would instinctively prioritize her own child over a stranger. The fear of overstaying her welcome gnawed at her insides, tightening her chest with anxiety.

Wendy, ever perceptive, noticed the pallor of Anneliese’s complexion, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly as she spoke. It was clear that Anneliese was on the verge of collapse. The few words she had managed to utter had left cold beads of sweat dotting her forehead, and there was no way Wendy would allow her to leave in such a precarious state.

With a gentle yet firm grip, Wendy wrapped an arm around Anneliese once more. “Go lie down in the bedroom. I hit you with my car, so I am responsible for your well-being. Gianna is young and headstrong; we’ve spoiled her a bit. Don’t let her behavior upset you.”

As Wendy defended Anneliese, Gianna’s expression darkened, as though she had been struck without a sound. The dynamic in the room shifted palpably, and it was evident that Gianna was grappling with her anger over her mother’s apparent favoritism toward a stranger.

Gianna was acutely aware of her father, Adrian, and the high regard in which he held Wendy. Confronting her mother was not an option, so she redirected her frustration toward Anneliese. “What a pathetic show,” she sneered, her tone dripping with contempt.

Anneliese shuddered involuntarily at the unpleasant scent of Gianna’s shoulder, feeling as though the moment was pivotal. With a huff, Gianna stormed off, her intention clear: to shower, change, and deal with her emotions later.

“Mrs. Malone,” Anneliese insisted, her voice laced with urgency, “I appreciate your kindness, but I really need to leave. My family must be worried sick. I promise I’ll come by another day to thank you properly.”

Wendy regarded her with a firm gaze, her resolve unyielding. “Lie down first. I’ll go get the phone. If you take a few steps and collapse, it’ll be my responsibility, right?”

Anneliese felt cornered, left with no choice but to acquiesce. She allowed Wendy to guide her back onto the bed, the weight of exhaustion settling heavily on her shoulders like an unwelcome cloak.

Wendy descended the stairs to fetch the phone, leaving Anneliese alone with her younger sister, Pepper.

“I’m Gianna’s aunt. What happened to you? How did you get hurt like this? It’s the holidays, and you’re all alone. That’s tough. Please, lie down,” Pepper said, her voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Anneliese shook her head, stepping back slightly. “No, thank you. I can manage,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the effort of speaking draining her further.

Pepper frowned, her posture shifting from concern to defensiveness. “Do you want some water? And how exactly did you hit my sister’s car?”

“I’m nauseous. I can’t talk,” Anneliese muttered, hoping to put an end to the relentless questioning.

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