“You…” Susan was shaking all over from fury. “You’ve caused Jas to end up in this condition. How dare you accuse her of pretending?”
“Oh really? I would say she’s putting on an act! I don’t believe she’s as insane as she portrayed herself to be!” Natalie stared at Jasmine who was lying in the bed.
Narrowing her eyes dangerously, Susan jabbed back, “How could you even utter those words! Even if Jas were pretending, you’re not qualified to judge. Are those psychiatrists mere decorations? Are you calling them farces as well? It’s obvious you’re here to cause a ruckus! Off with you!”
With that, she raised her hand, ready to strike.
Natalie did not flinch, but instead laughed, “Slap me if you will. I’ll call the cops immediately on you. You’ll be dragged to the police station for a few days of free food and accommodation.”
Her words were effective. Immediately Susan’s furious expression paled. She held her hand back and pointed to the door reluctantly, “Get out! You’ve overstayed your welcome. Out with you!”
“I’ll be taking my leave then.” Lifting her handbag strap onto her shoulder, Natalie proceeded to walk out through the door.
Stopping short at the doorway, she turned back and glared at Susan who was still fuming and warned, “I’ll still say this again. I believe that Jasmine is not crazy as she made herself out to be. I’ll arrange for someone to come and monitor her twenty-four seven all year round. The moment she shows any sign of sanity, I’ll send her packing back to the prison where she rightfully belongs!”
Susan could only clench her fists tightly.
Tucking her hair behind her ears, Natalie continued, “When the time comes, she’ll be charged with yet another crime. By then her sentence will be extended. For good.”
“Hrmph! Be prepared to be disappointed. Jas has indeed gone insane!” Susan grimly replied.
Pursing her lips, Natalie countered, “As for that, time will tell. Your statement bears no weight. I’ll still be skeptical no matter what. If she had really lost her mind, it’d do her good for her to remain here for a lifetime. Else…”
Pausing ominously, she purposely lowered her voice as her eyes fell on Jasmine, “I heard that should a normal person remained in this mental hospital for too long, even if one were not mentally ill, sooner or later one would succumb to madness. I only pray that the very same would not befall you. Take care!”
With that, she walked out. She headed to the director’s office to find out more about Jasmine’s current situation.
The director willingly revealed all information gleaned on Jasmine, as well as round-the-clock security footage of her. To date, they could not detect any telltale signs of feigned madness.
Making no further progress, Natalie reluctantly left and went to the detective’s office. She willingly spent a small fortune to arrange for someone to keep an eye on Jasmine to allay her misgivings. She specially instructed them to contact her immediately of any suspicious signs.
After that, she drove back to her studio and busied herself with her unfinished work.
While she was engrossed in her work, a knock was heard on her office door.
Stopping her frenetic scribbling, she looked up and saw Joyce outside the door. Surprised, Natalie exclaimed, “Joyce dear! Why are you back?”
Joyce walked in with a tired look, pulled out a chair, and plopped down exhaustedly.
Pouring a glass of water for her, Natalie curiously inquired, “Didn’t you accompany Stanley for his psychotherapy abroad? Why…”
“The doctor asked me to come back here. He said that my presence there would only affect Stanley’s treatment.” Swallowing the lump in her throat, Joyce continued with a wry smile, “After all, Stanley hates me. Seeing me would only worsen his condition.”
Natalie was dumbstruck. It took her a couple of seconds for her to regain her voice and spoke, “What’s the beef between you and Stanley?”
Joyce could only tinker with the cup in her hand without a word.
Feeling her reluctance, Natalie shrugged, “I won’t force you if you’re reluctant to reveal…”
Joyce raised her eyes and looked at Natalie, “It’s a longstanding grudge between both our families. Stanley and I, we’re both engaged initially.”
Caught by surprise at the sudden revelation, Natalie’s jaws dropped as she stuttered, “Engaged?”
Squeezing her cup tighter, Joyce revealed, “Yeah. It was something that was decided back when we were still very young. Both our families were very close back then and our parents decided on the engagement for us. However, when we’re both in high school, for some reason, our ties with Quinns broke.”
Witnessing her downcast look, Natalie took her hand and silently comforted her.
Smiling wryly, she continued, “I remembered asking my parents about it. They adamantly refused to reveal the reason. Right after, Stanley’s parents were being hunted down. They tried to hide in a basement. I discovered their location and Stanley implored me not to tell. I promised him. Yet, not long after, both his parents were assassinated.”
