He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 130

If only she hadn't let her competitive streak push her into lying.

In Juniper's life, she had always obeyed her family and respected her elders. Even when she was choking on injustice, she never knew how to rebel. Perhaps she realized fighting back was useless, so it was easier to just stay quiet and obey. Because of that, she had never considered herself a bad child.

She just wanted to beat Nelson for once. He was good at absolutely everything. He spoke flawless English that sounded vastly superior to the broken, heavily accented English of her village teacher. She couldn't beat him at anything, and he always had a vicious remark ready to mock her.

She only wanted to win once; she truly never meant for Nelson to get hurt.

Juniper's tears had practically soaked her pants when she looked up to see Nelson standing at her front door.

Her parents were out playing cards, and her brother Brooks Lane was off hanging out with friends, leaving her entirely alone in the house.

Nelson looked pale as he leaned against the doorframe, clutching his stomach. "You ruthless little deaf girl. You really played dirty just to beat me. I knew it! When you said you recognized that mushroom, you hesitated for two seconds!"

He had simply trusted her too much, assuming she was too obedient to lie.

When an honest person finally lies, it can be deadly.

Nelson had never taken a hit like that in his life. He stormed forward, only to realize she was already sobbing her eyes out.

All of his prepared insults vanished into thin air, leaving him completely at a loss.

He was the one who got tortured at the clinic. He was the one who had his stomach pumped. So why was this little liar crying?

What was she crying for?

He was still in agony!

He paced around in frustration, but seeing her hugging her knees and crying so pitifully, he slowly crouched down next to her. "Are you worried about me?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Juniper threw herself at him, throwing her arms tightly around his neck. "I'm sorry, Nelson! I'm so sorry, I'll never lie to you again!"

Nelson's arms stiffened at his sides, completely unsure of what to do with his hands.

After a long pause, he awkwardly rested his palm against her waist, gave it a hesitant pat, and quickly pulled away.

The toxic mushroom incident left Juniper feeling so guilty that she let him boss her around like a little maid for an entire month without daring to talk back once.

She remained silent for a few seconds before asking someone to help her downstairs.

When Nelson saw her, he didn't even bother to stand up, simply leaning back in his chair. "Some people really let any stray cat or dog into their house."

As he said it, he shot a sidelong glare at Alistair.

Eleanor was long accustomed to his toxic mouth and scoffed coldly. "I'm pretty sure you're the least welcome person here. Juniper is having a date; what are you doing sitting here? Come upstairs with me."

She had something she needed to ask him.

Nelson stood up, towering over the space.

Juniper was completely engulfed in his shadow. For some inexplicable reason, she felt as though she were physically trapped within that darkness.

A suffocating wave crashed over her, making it feel as if the entire world had been blotted out.

Nelson walked past her without stopping.