Chapter 246

I had known Sophia for 20 years and understood her well. I knew she was a woman with a strong need for control. Was she worried that taking painkillers might interfere with her ability to torment me, fearing I wouldn't feel the pain? Or did she think I was about to escape her control, so now she wanted to be kind to me and regain her power over me? I snapped back to reality and bent down to pick up the painkillers from the trash, placing them in my pocket. Without them, the pain would be unbearable. Not long after, Gerard returned. He hurried into the kitchen, his face beaming with a bright smile. "Mr. Palmer, you're up," he said. "I just got back from buying groceries." Before I could speak, he continued, "I made some chicken soup for you, Mr. Palmer. Please sit down. I'll bring it right over." "Thank you." I softly gave him my thanks and walked over to the dining table, sitting in one of the chairs. Soon, Gerard placed a bowl of chicken soup and a few side dishes in front