Chapter 296: Damsel in Distress
Abby sat in silence, her heartbeat steadying as she watched the blood pool around her foot. She had taken the time to arrange the glass shards just so, ensuring the scene looked convincing. The sight of her own blood didn’t disturb her—it only reinforced her resolve. She was ready, prepared to play the role of the damsel in distress once more, all for Remo. He would be here soon, and she needed to be in character when he arrived.
She heard the distant rumble of an engine approaching and knew it was Remo’s car. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, but she quickly wiped it away, replacing it with a mask of pain and vulnerability. She leaned back against the wall, clutching her foot as if the wound were more severe than it actually was, and let out a few practiced sobs to complete the effect.
The front door burst open, and she heard Remo’s heavy footsteps as he rushed through the house, calling her name. His voice was laced with worry, just as she had expected. She didn’t respond immediately, letting the tension build, making him more frantic. Finally, she allowed herself a weak cry, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Remo... I’m here... please help me..."
Within moments, he appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with fear and concern as he took in the scene before him. His gaze swept over the broken glass, the blood on the floor, and finally settled on Abby, who was curled up in a pitiful heap, tears streaming down her face.
"Abby!" Remo rushed to her side, kneeling down beside her as he carefully lifted her injured foot to inspect the wound. His touch was gentle, his hands steady despite the panic she could see in his eyes. "What happened? How did this happen?"
"I-I didn’t mean to," she stammered, her voice trembling with just the right amount of fear. "I was so upset... I wasn’t thinking, and I knocked over the glass... then I stepped on it... I’m so sorry, Remo. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble."
He looked up at her, his brow furrowed with worry. "It’s okay, Abby. I’m here now. Let’s get you cleaned up." He stood and quickly retrieved the first aid kit from the bathroom, his mind racing as he tried to piece together what had happened.
Abby watched him through her lashes, observing every move he made. The concern etched on his face was exactly what she had wanted. She needed him to feel this, to see her as fragile and in need of his protection. It was the only way to keep him close, to make sure he didn’t slip away like everyone else had.
Remo returned and knelt beside her again, carefully cleaning the wound on her foot. His hands were steady, but she could see the tension in his jaw, the way his mind was working overtime. He was trying to figure out why she had been so upset, why she had been so careless. And she knew exactly what he would find—nothing. There was nothing to find because she had orchestrated this perfectly. There was no trail to follow, no breadcrumbs that would lead him to the truth.
As he bandaged her foot, she let her head drop onto his shoulder, allowing herself to sink into him. He stiffened for a moment, but then he relaxed, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her closer. This was what she had wanted—to feel his arms around her, to feel his protection. She needed to know that he still cared, that he still saw her as someone worth protecting.