The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 289

But what about Leilani? She had saved Yvonne, yet she had left injured and alone, with no one asking her a single question.

Milford felt a tightness in his chest, a wave of indescribable guilt and self-loathing washing over him. He took out his phone, instinctively wanting to message Leilani. But his finger hovered over the screen, unable to tap send.

What could he say? Apologize?

His mother's attitude had made everything clear. The Sherwoods would have nothing more to do with Leilani.

Slowly, Milford lowered his phone, his gaze dark and conflicted.

...

Meanwhile, back at her apartment, Leilani locked the door, shutting out the noise and malice of the world.

She took off her coat and found that the abrasions on her arms and knees had formed thin scabs.

The friction of removing her clothes caused the scabs to crack, and fresh, bright red blood oozed from the wounds.

Most of Leilani's injuries were scrapes, covering a large area. The edges of the wounds were red and swollen, and even the slightest movement sent sharp pains shooting through her nerves.

She walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. Cold water rushed over the wounds, washing away the blood and dirt. As the water hit raw skin, she felt a stinging, burning pain.

The bathroom mirror reflected Leilani's calm face. There was no visible pain, no grievance—just a near-indifferent blankness. It was as if pain were just a daily routine for her.

Leilani was pulled back to reality. She went to open the door.

Judie was standing there holding a huge bag of fruit and snacks, grinning broadly. “Leilani! I'm here to mooch off you again!”

Ever since the PR disaster incident, Judie and Leilani's friendship had skyrocketed. Judie had asked Callahan for his apartment code and was temporarily staying at his place.

Since Callahan was away on a business trip abroad and Leilani was usually alone, he had given the code to Judie so she could keep Leilani company.

Judie had been showing up promptly at meal times to find Leilani. Her smile froze the moment she saw the gauze on Leilani's arm.

“Leilani! You're hurt!” Judie gasped, dropping the bag onto the floor with a thud. She rushed forward and grabbed Leilani's wrist, her voice pitching up in alarm.