Page 47 of His Hell Girl

I don't know where this is all coming from, but Iwantto be petty. I want to cause him at least one percent of the hurt he's caused upon me.

"You're lying," he spits out, narrowing his eyes at me.

Ah, but it seems to be working.

Already, I can see his body slowly shaking, his jaw locked tight in place as he regards me. He might not have feelings, but he does have his pride. And I think I just injured it.

It takes everything in me not to gloat at the fact, and not bait him even further. But for him to truly believe me, I can't stooptoolow.

The opposite of love isn't hate—it's apathy.

And he's been the best teacher in showing me just how much indifference hurts. So I return the favor.

"Think what you will, Vlad. Frankly, I don't care." I shrug, looking unbothered. "You threw me away, and he was there to pick up the pieces. Can you blame me?" I raise an eyebrow, waiting for his logical mind to process everything.

His expression morphs before my eyes, his eyes widening in horror and I have my confirmation that hebelievesme. Stepping back, there's a slight shake of his head as he looks at me in dismay, the muscles in his arms protruding as he clenches and unclenches his fists.

I'm not sure what type of reaction I was expecting, but certainly not this.

Turning his back to me, he punches the table, breaking it in the middle. I move to the side, his outburst taking me by surprise.

"Sisi," he calls my name, his voice ragged.

Still not facing me, he continues to punch the table, effectively destroying it. And when there's nothing more to hit, he falls to his knees, bleeding hands to his temples as he starts hitting himself.

A low and anguished moan escapes him—something akin to pain.

But it can't be…

"Sisi," he continues to say my name, his voice increasingly lower, raspier, and filled with… hurt.

I shake my head, unable to comprehend this display in front of me.

"Vlad, what's wrong?" I move toward him, my worry for him trumping my disdain.

"No," he puts a hand up, "all my fault," he mumbles something, his breathing punctured and heavy.

"Vlad…"

"Stay back," he wheezes, bending over in pain.

"I…" I trail off, watching him heave, his entire face strained, his eyes closed.

"Run," he says, the words are barely audible.

"Vlad." I take a step closer, concerned.

"Run!" he screams at me, and one glimpse at his features has my feet moving of their own accord. "Basement… Lock yourself…" He doesn't get to finish the sentence as another pained whimper escapes him. He seems to be battling with himself for control.

I know I should take this chance and just run away, but the sight of him crouched on the floor and in pain is etched in my mind, not letting me do anything but head to the basement and wait.

10

SISI

It's hours later that I reemerge from the basement. I'd been extremely surprised to see a panic room in the lower level, the steel door ensuring nothing can come through. It makes me wonder if it came with the house or it's a new addition.

Specifically built for him.

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