Stretcher 50
Chapter 4
Back in my room I pulled up the news.
Clips of Bryce beating me and yelling at me had been recorded at the fire scene and blasted online. The video hit the trending list in no time.
People were furious. Every comment section was roasting him.
“That guy’s nuts. He runs out of a burning house and then hits his wife? I wouldn’t save him either.”
“This is 2025 – public domestic violence? I’d deck him myself if I were there.”
“Kick so hard, huh? If your leg’s hurt, then prove it – I don’t buy it. He ran first, so why should she be expected to be a firefighter?”
“This poor girl – who puts up with a husband like that? Divorce him already.” Thɪs chapter is updated by find•novel.net
“Wait – why does this guy look so familiar?”
I scrolled and laughed, liking the best comments.
The internet is terrifyingly thorough – someone dug up Bryce’s personal account: a no–name profile with barely any followers.
He wasn’t handsome, but he acted like he was. Daily selfie vids.
Dreaming of being an influencers‘ influencer, thinking his looks could get him rich overnight. No one cared.
But riding the heat of the fire, he’d built a “tragic, devoted man” persona online and blew up – millions of followers in a flash.
He used my tragedy to grow his brand and started selling stuff on livestreams.
Suddenly he was a huge creator.
This life his account also got fans fast, but the attention was shallow – the kind that zooms in on a face. Infamy is fame, I guess.
A few days later the hospital called: Bryce could be discharged, but the burns on his face were extensive. He might live with scars for life.
He wasn’t in the best shape and hoped I’d pick him up and help him recover.
I could already picture his face when he heard that his “beauty–influencer” dreams crushed. Guess I’m the dutiful wife now, aren’t I?
When I said I was going to the hospital to pick him up, Vanessa practically begged to come along–said she was afraid I couldn’t handle it alone and wanted to help.
I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt; she was one step away from putting that act on her forehead,
Seeing Bryce in person made my stomach drop.
Just a few days and he looked like a different man.
A raised scar dug into one sunken cheek, his face slack and drawn, every line making him look older.
Vanessa couldn’t hide the disgust in her eyes.
I snorted–so much for their “true love,” can’t even stand a little disfigurement.
“You bitch, look what you did to me–if you don’t take care of me I swear I’ll crush you.”
Bryce’s voice was a raw rasp now.
“Bryce, I’ve had a lot of time to think–this is on me for not getting you out.”
00.17
1 Came Back Cold. But I’m the One Burning Them Down
39.79
Chapter 4
“Please forgive me, I’ll take care of you when we get home.”
When I lowered my head and apologized, Bryce finally flashed a satisfied grin.
“Good. I’m thirsty–go get me some water.”
“Bryce, hang on, I’ll get it for you right now.”
He was already drooling to be alone with my stepmother after only a few days; fine, I’d make sure they got some privacy.
I took the cup, slipped outside, and quietly started recording on my phone.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.