Chapter 10: Are You Actually Concerned About Me?

As soon as Alicia finished speaking, she hurried to leave, afraid the doctor would continue lecturing her. Once outside the hospital, she immediately began to explain. "The doctor saw the injuries on my face and assumed you had hurt me. It’s all a misunderstanding—I didn’t lead them to believe that." Alicia was careful with her words, explaining in detail to ensure Charles wouldn’t think she had intentionally caused this misunderstanding. Charles grabbed Alicia’s face, turning it to get a better look. Earlier, at home, he hadn’t really examined her closely, but now he saw the swelling on her cheek. "Did Alicia's family do this to you?" "Yes..." Alicia answered softly, pulling her face away from his grip. For a moment, she thought Charles’s question meant he still cared for her, that perhaps there was some concern left. Her eyes lit up with a flicker of hope, believing maybe life still held some meaning. But the next words from Charles felt like a bucket of cold water poured ove