Love Left Her For Dead (Natalie Carter) novel Chapter 4

A sharp cat's cry sliced through the night, and Jayden's hand, which was lifting the burlap sack, froze.

Logan let out a relieved sigh. "It's just a stray cat."

In the dark, Natalie's nails cut deep into her palm, and blood oozed through her fingers, leaving dark red stains on the burlap sack.

…

As morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains, Natalie quietly stared at the fresh bruises on her legs.

"What happened?" She pointed at the painful-looking marks, yet her tone was eerily calm.

Jayden's gaze flickered as he replied, "Maybe… you didn't sleep well last night and fell down from the bed?"

Logan hurriedly changed the topic. "It's your birthday next week, Natalie. Is there anything you want?"

He crouched down and took Natalie's hand gently, the way he always did. "I'll throw you the biggest birthday party, okay?"

She recalled the birthday parties she had before she was 14. Back then, she would wear a custom-made dress. Jayden would personally put a diamond tiara on her head, while Logan would get down on his knee to help her put on glass slippers.

But ever since Clara had shown up, everything had changed. She'd become the person showered with attention at parties.

"No need," Natalie softly replied.

"We can't have that!" Jayden and Logan replied in unison, their gazes burning with passion as if they truly cared for her.

Logan gave Natalie's hand a squeeze. "We'll throw you the biggest party ever!"

…

In the following days, both Jayden and Logan were out early and home late. Even Clara was nowhere to be seen.

Natalie watched with cold detachment as they hurried about until her birthday came.

"This is the dress and jewelry I prepared for you, Natalie." Logan hurriedly set an exquisite gift box down. "I'll get the safety seat ready. We can leave once you're done getting changed."

After the door closed, Natalie noticed that he had left his phone on the bed. Her blood froze when the screen lit up.