Chapter 4

Naomi's back was filled with ghastly scars. Alongside the fresh lash marks, a web of old, overlapping scars marred her skin—each one a silent testament to the countless torments she had endured. No part of her body was spared. Every inch of her skin seemed to echo the suffering she had endured. James stood before her. The whip he held plopped onto the ground with a thud. Color quickly drained from his face as he looked horrified. His fingers trembled as he reached out, wanting to touch her back, but he couldn't bear to lay even a finger on those wounds and scars, afraid that he would cause her more pain. "H-How did these happen?" His voice was hoarse and laced with fury and pain. Naomi lowered her head. A bitter smile tugged on her lips. Had he finally found out? Had he finally realized that the supposedly prestigious Jeanine Academy was, in reality, a living hell? Still, it didn't matter if he had finally found out. After all, the cheerful and bubbly princess Naomi once was could never return. Naomi was about to respond to James when Jocelyn's gentle yet exasperated voice rang from behind her. "I'm already not holding you accountable for pushing me into the sea, Nae. Why are you still using despicable methods like these to lie to James?" James' expression immediately dropped. He asked with a tinge of uncertainty, "These are fake?" Jocelyn chuckled softly. Her tone was light and dismissive as she responded, "Of course. Aren't you the one who said Nae had been at Jeanine Academy for the past three years? "That's the most prestigious academy here at Northeval. If all she did these years was stay in school, she wouldn't have had a chance to get so badly hurt, right? Don't fall for it, James." James' tension eased, only to be swiftly replaced by fury. He grabbed the whip just to throw it hard on the ground once more. His voice dripped with venom as he spat, "You're unbelievable, Naomi. You're not allowed any food for a day." Naomi simply nodded, her expression stoic and unfazed. Being denied food at the academy was a long-established norm for her. At times, when hunger struck, she had to fight dogs for scraps. She replied softly, "Okay." She then turned and walked back into her room, her retreating figure fragile yet resilient. … In Naomi's room, Maria Zahn, the maid who looked after Naomi for many years, walked in with a tube of medicinal ointment in her hand. When she saw the wounds and scars on Naomi's back, she burst into tears. "Why didn't you explain yourself, Ms. Summers? How could these wounds be fake? Aren't you studying at that academy? "How did you end up with these injuries? Why won't you tell Mr. Payne? He doted on you so much. If he knew about these, it would destroy him!" Naomi's listless eyes were cast downward. Maria's words pierced through her heart like a stabbing knife. Naomi wondered if it would really kill James if he knew. She ultimately concluded that it might have in the past. James used to dote on her a lot. Once, a young man had written her a love letter, telling her that if she would date him, she would be able to ride in his sports car. When James found out, he gifted her a whole garage filled with luxurious cars. He announced with immense pride, "No ordinary man would be able to bait my charge with mediocre things." When Naomi had a fever, even if he was overseas, he'd cancel important meetings and take a flight over ten hours long—just to be by her side until her fever subsided. Once, when she had period cramps, he made her hot chocolate. As he handed her the mug of hot chocolate, he would coax her gently, "Be a good girl, Nae. Once you've finished the hot chocolate, it won't hurt anymore." Tears welled in Naomi's eyes. With a soft exhale, she closed her eyes and murmured, "I'm tired, Maria. I just want to rest." Maria wiped Naomi's tears away and tucked her in gently. Choking back a sob, she said, "Rest well, Ms. Summers." Naomi nodded. She sank into the bed as tears fell from her eyes, wetting the pillow beneath her. She was lost in her thoughts as she drifted off to sleep. In her dream, she had returned to the past. She saw James holding her hand gently as he brought her to the amusement park. He bought her ice cream and sat with her on the carousel. His smile was gentle and doting, as if she were his whole world. Sadly, these were no longer a reality. They were all memories from the distant past.