Chapter 7 Masks At Breakfast
~Ginny’s POV~
"You're radiant today, Ginny.”
Lucas spoke up across the breakfast table. My fork stopped halfway to my mouth. Just for a split second. Then I kept eating like he hadn't spoken.
Ethan kept his eyes on his phone, but his jaw clenched. Lucas noticed and smiled even more.
"You guys must've slept well," Lucas said, settling into his chair.
I set my fork down carefully. "I did, thank you."
"I'm sure," Lucas said, taking a slow sip of coffee, looking at us. "You just seem... different this morning. Refreshed."
Ethan finally looked up. "Lucas."
"What?" Lucas raised his hands innocently. "I'm just making conversation."
"Make it somewhere else."
"Someone's touchy today," Lucas said, standing up and grabbing his toast. "I'll leave you lovebirds alone.”
He walked out still smiling slyly.
It got really quiet after he left. I grabbed my coffee, my hands looking calm even though I was freaking out inside.
Ethan went back to his phone. "Ignore him."
"I always do."
"Good."
I took another sip, my mind already wandering off. Somewhere far from this table. This house. This performance I was barely holding together.
I could still feel it. The library. Richard's hands. The locked door. How I screamed and nobody came. The footsteps outside just kept going.
Then last night. Ethan. Wine. How I just went along with it cause I didn't know what else to do. Because faking it felt easier than facing the truth. Cause if I stopped, I might just break.
I felt sick.
"I have an appointment this morning," I said quietly.
Ethan glanced up. "What kind?"
"Therapy."
He nodded once. "Take the car and be safe.”
"I will."
I stood up, adjusting my dress. It felt tight, like everything else. Ethan glanced up, then went back to his phone.
"Ginny."
I stopped. Turned. "Yes?"
"You okay?"
The question just hung in the air, weighing us down. Like he knew something was wrong but didn't know what.
I forced a small smile. "I'm fine."
He searched my face like he was looking for weaknesses. Then he nodded slowly.
"Okay."
I left before he could ask anything else. Before the cracks started showing.
The video call connected after three rings.
Dr. Patel came on screen, looking exhausted with dark circles under her eyes. I could see the white walls of Holly's facility behind her all clean and sterile. Far away.
"Miss Adams," she said. "Thank you for making time."
"How is she?" I asked immediately.
Dr. Patel hesitated. That small pause told me everything I needed to know before she even spoke.
“Holly's body is fighting the treatment they gave her before surgery.”
My breath caught. "What does that mean?"
"It means we need to change our approach. Immediately."
"How soon?"
"Today. We need your authorization to proceed with an alternative protocol."
"Will it work?"
"We believe so. But it's more expensive than the original plan."
Of course it did. Stuff always costs more than you think.
"How much more?"
She said a price that took my breath away. Way more than I had. Way more than I could pay.
"I'll authorize it," I said quickly.
"Are you sure? The cost is significant. If you need time to arrange…"
"I said I'll authorize it." My voice was harsher than I meant it to be. "Sorry. I just... I'll handle it."
Dr. Patel nodded slowly. "Got it. I'll send the papers now. We'll start once it's confirmed.
"Thank you."
"Of course. And Miss Adams?"
"Yes?"
"Your sister is strong. She's fighting very hard."
My throat tightened. "I know I just want her to be safe.”
The call ended. I sat back in my chair, staring at the blank screen. My hands were shaking now. Really shaking.
I pulled up Ethan's account. The one he'd given me access to for emergencies. The one he probably didn't think I'd actually use.
This was an emergency. It had to be.
I transferred the funds. I watched the numbers move from one account to another. Watched Holly's life get extended by dollars I didn't own.
The confirmation came through. Transaction complete.
I exhaled slowly.
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from Ethan's assistant:
“Unusual transaction flagged on Mr. Hopper's account. Please confirm authorization.”
My heart stopped completely.
I looked at the screen. My fingers hovered over the keys. If I didn't answer, Ethan would get it. If I did, things might get worse.
I typed fast: ‘Authorized. Medical expenses for family members. Approved by Mr. Hopper.’
I hit send before I could think too hard about it.
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.
My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it.
Finally: Understood. Flagged as approved. Thank you for clarifying.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
Safe.
For now.
I shut the laptop and put my hands on the desk, trying to steady them. They were still trembling. My heart was still going wild. I had to calm down. Needed to get back before Ethan noticed anything. Before anyone started asking questions I couldn't answer.
I stood. Grabbed my bag and one more deep breath then I headed back.
The penthouse was too quiet when I walked back in.
No staff moving around. No music playing. Just silence that felt too big for the space.
I dropped my bag by the door and went directly to the living room. Maybe Ethan had left for work, and I'd have a bit of peace before…
That's when I saw him.
Ethan was at my desk, the little one in the corner where I kept my laptop and stuff. He had his back to me, but his shoulders looked stiff, like he was stressed.
"Ethan?"
He didn't turn around.
"How was therapy?" he asked. His voice was calm. Too calm.
"Fine."
"Good."
He still didn't move. Didn't turn. Just stood there with his back to me.
I took a step closer. Something felt wrong. "Is something wrong?"
Ethan turned slowly.
In his hand was a silver locket.
Holly's locket.
The one I kept in the top drawer of my desk. The one with her picture inside. The one I looked at every morning before pretending to be someone else.
He held it up, showing me. The chain dangled from his fingers, glinting in the light.
"Is this her?" he asked quietly.
My heart dropped into my stomach.
