Esther flashed a mocking smile and said casually, "Oh, sounds interesting. I could give it a try."
Upon hearing that, Bradley slammed his fist against the crystal coffin. He warned Esther fiercely, "Esther, if you even think about taking your own life, I'll bring Felix back and make him witness your decaying body day and night. He'll watch your corpse rot, fester, and turn into bones!"
Esther maintained her composure and replied helplessly, "You don't have to wait. You can do it right now. You have the power over all of us—me, Felix, everyone. You can do as you please.
"I won't feel sorry for Felix. He's stuck with a father like you.
"Being mute doesn't change a thing. He's still alive, and you can torment him as much as you want. If it pleases you, Mr. Bradley Warner."
Esther's words weren't meant as irony. She had accepted her fate and saw no point in further discussion. She closed her eyes, awaiting Bradley's outburst.
But to her surprise, the expected rage didn't come. Instead, Bradley picked up a glass from the table and, rather forcefully, poured lemon water into her mouth.
Esther choked and coughed violently.
Bradley remained indifferent. "I'll arrange for food to be brought to you."
With that, he left the room, leaving Esther alone in the secret chamber. She stared at the room's light, closing her eyes once more.
Her life had become a painful and senseless ordeal since crossing paths with Bradley. What was even more disheartening was her past belief that it was love. If love meant confinement, abuse, and torment, she wished such a love didn't exist.
Before long, Bradley returned with food, having taken precautions after Esther's allergic reaction. He viewed Jasper's message as a subtle declaration of war from another man.
"Open your mouth," Bradley commanded, feeding Esther as though she were a child.
Given her fragile state, he dared not place anything that could potentially harm her in front of her.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Husband Wants Me Dead (Esther and Bradley)
don't read at all. horrible story, makes me sick....