The next day, Mindy calls me and tells me the photos hit the headline back home.
Although she has tried her best to undo the damage, it goes viral.
Mom calls me to ask what is going on.
I don't dare to tell her what happened to me here, so I tell her it is a misunderstanding.
But only I know what really happened.
I'm glad I'm abroad and won't be affected by this.
Even the company doesn't grill me about it. I guess Mindy has helped me on that.
I will deal with the mess in my home country after I return.
In the next few days, Linda pulls all kinds of crap on me.
For example, I would return home only to find the gas is on.
When I take a bus, it almost collides with a truck.
Terrorists come into the fast food restaurant I am dinning in.
Every day, I feel like I'm knocking on Death's door.
Linda didn't lie to me. She has all sorts of horrible tricks up her sleeve.
If I'm not careful enough, I might really die.
Mindy loses her patience and calls me.
"Jane, don't you need me to have David take action? If this continues, I'm afraid you will be killed by
Linda. This widow is scary."
I haven't told Mindy about the agreement between Linda and me.
It's not because I don't trust her, but I just don't want to get her involved.
After all, it will be safer if I just keep it between Linda and me.
"No need. I can handle it. I'll be back in a month. Frances will sort out his mess soon. Don't worry. I can
protect myself."
"But I'm still worried. I know Linda is no lamb. I'm afraid you will get hurt. Why don't I come and stay
with you? I will also bring David. He should be able to protect you because he has men there."
"No, I really don't need that. I'm fine. Relax," I persuade her.
If she really comes, things will get nasty.
Moreover, she wants to come with David. I'm basically single and will be pissed off by their display of
affection.
After hanging up, I get a text message.
"Jane, you must protect yourself."
I have never seen this number before, but I know it is Frances.
Perhaps he is afraid Hilda will know we are talking, so he uses someone else's phone.
I don't know if he has returned the phone, so I don't text him back.
But that simple sentence fills my heart with happiness.
The danger is worth it when he cares about me.
Unexpectedly, he comes to my house in the evening at the risk of being caught by Hilda.
Just because I didn't text him back.
I have mixed feelings when I see him.
Although I really want to see him, everything will fall apart if Hilda finds out about this rendezvous.
We have endured for so long, so we absolutely cannot make our efforts be in vain.
Hilda can't know he is here!
"Frances, what are you doing? Go back immediately!"
I frown and push him out of the door.
He grabs my hand and pulls me into the room, closing the door.
"I have lured away Hilda's men. You don't need to worry about me. You should be concerned about
your own safety. Linda has hurt you so many times. If you don't leave now, you might die in her hands.
Jane, I can't let anything happen to you. I'm distracted because of you every day. I don't think you want
us to fail. I beg you. Leave the United States, okay? "
Frances frowns, his eyes solemn.
I am touched when he is like this.
I can't help myself and stand on tiptoe to kiss his lips.
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