Chapter <b>64 </b>


    Alice wanted to check Macie’s injuries, but thetter stopped her, saying that it was nothing serious.


    Instead, Alice hugged her again, but gently this time. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were hurt. I just got too excited after not seeing you for two years.”


    “I should’ve told you earlier. I didn’t want you to worry. I missed you too,” Macie said.


    Reunited after so long, they walked through the shopping district hand in hand. Macie needed new clothes, and Alice helped her pick out several professional outfits for work.


    “Get a few casual dresses too–something fresh and elegant, like your style,” Alice suggested, handing her


    a few more pieces.


    Macie looked at the different styles of clothing. Over the past two years, she had barely dressed up, always wearing in T–shirts and long pants as a housekeeper.


    When she first married Edward, she used to wear beautiful clothes, wanting to show him her best self. But all she received in return was a cold remark. “You look like a streetwalker. Stop acting so slutty.


    That’s disgusting.”


    She still remembered that dress. It was just a simple white floral dress that was modest and youthful. She had never understood what was slutty about it and how it made her look like a streetwalker.


    That night, she had cried silently and thrown away all her dresses. Two years had passed, and now she finally understood that there was nothing wrong with the dress or her. It was Edward who simply despised her and wanted to humiliate her.


    “What are you thinking about?” Alice’s voice pulled her back to reality.


    Macie smiled slightly and took the clothes. “Nothing. I like all of them.”


    Alice noticed the faint bitterness in her smile and frowned slightly. When Macie went into the fitting room, Alice followed her inside.


    Macie had just changed when the curtain was suddenly pulled open, startling her. “Alice? Why did you


    ” </b>


    Alice’s expression was solemn. She had caught a glimpse of Macie’s back just now. Thetter’s lower back was covered in dark bruises.


    “Turn around. Let me see your injury. You were avoiding it earlier. I knew something was wrong,” Alice


    demanded.


    “It’s fine. It’s already healed.” Macie tried to push Alice out but failed.


    Finally, she sighed and allowed Alice to examine her injury.


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    “How did this happen? This isn’t a minor bruise. It’s no wonder you winced when I hugged you,” Alice


    said concernedly.


    “I fell andnded on my tailbone. It fractured,” Macie calmly exined.


    “Fractured? My god! Did you fall down the stairs? Who pushed you?!” Alice was shocked.


    “I wasn’t pushed. I slipped. It was my own mistake,” Macie replied.


    Alice stared at her in disbelief. “Don’t lie to me. We were roommates and best friends for four years. Do


    you think that I don’t know you?”


    She took a deep breath and continued, “Macie, if you had trulye to some great revtion in life, your demeanor would be different. People who’ve gained wisdom are carefree. But you? Sorry for being blunt…


    “But you look like someone who’s lost everything–like someone who lost their parents, husband, and child and went bankrupt overnight. That’s the kind of emptiness I see in your eyes.”


    Macie froze, her head slowly lowering.


    “What happened to you? If you’re in trouble, tell me. I’ll help you,” Alice said firmly.


    “I’ve already taken care of it,” Macie answered softly. “But for the details, give me some time, Alice. I’m not ready to talk about it yet. When I am, I’ll tell you everything.”


    Her voice carried a quiet plea.


    Alice gazed at her friend. She was wondering what could have happened to make Macie seem so lifeless. What was she running from that she was so afraid to face?


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>65