Chapter 23: Fainting

Alison forced a strained smile, one that looked more like a grimace than an expression of joy. At that moment, her smile was even more pitiful than if she had been crying. She opened her mouth, trying to speak, but found that no sound would come out. She stood there, frozen in place, her mind a chaotic mess. What was Oliver doing here? Was he here to watch her misery unfold? Alison was certain that when she had called out for his help earlier, Oliver had deliberately pretended not to hear her. Soon, Alison couldn't think anymore. She heard the distant sound of sirens growing closer. It wasn’t until a tall man in uniform appeared in front of her that she snapped back to reality. Her eyes widened as she stared blankly at the police officer. "Miss Alison, could you please hand over the ceramic ornament you're holding?" the officer asked politely. Alison didn't understand his request at first. Slowly, she looked down and realized she was still tightly gripping the ornament in her right