The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 130
Tamara shook her head, her cheeks flushed and eyes glazed. “No… I don’t want to go
home…”
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. “Milford, take me to your place, okay?”
Milford was silent for a moment but finally nodded. “Okay.”
In his eyes, Tamara had always been that innocent, gentle girl. Seeing her drunk like this, he couldn’t just leave her to go home alone.
Inside Milford’s apartment, the lights were dim.
As soon as they entered, Tamara “stumbled” onto the sofa, her collar slipping to reveal her shoulder and neck. She looked up at Milford, her voice sounding wronged. “Milford… why are you standing so far away?”
Milford stood to the side, handing her a glass of warm water. “Drink some water. Sober up.”
Tamara didn’t take it. Instead, she reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling gently.
Caught off guard, Milford was pulled down close to her. The distance between them vanished, their breath mingling.
“Milford…” Tamara’s voice trembled slightly, full of temptation, “We’re getting engaged soon. Don’t you miss me?”
Milford’s breath hitched as he looked at the face he had admired for years. Even though Tamara still had that delicate, charming face, seeing it now filled him with an inexplicable
irritation.
He instinctively wanted to pull back, but Tamara wrapped her arms around his neck, refusing to let him escape. Her red lips brushed his ear. “Tonight… I want to stay with you.”
Her warm breath tickled his ear. The signal was obvious.
Milford’s body stiffened, but another face suddenly flashed in his mind. Leilani’s cold eyes and distant tone appeared before him. He clenched his fists, pulled Tamara’s hands away, and turned his head guiltily. “Tamara, you’re drunk.”
Tamara’s expression froze, but she quickly put on a hurt look. “Milford… don’t you like me?” Milford stood up, his tone composed. “We’re getting married soon. There’s no need to rush.” It was a rejection. Having made herself so clear only to be rejected by the man she wanted, Tamara felt humiliated. Her eyes turned red instantly, and her voice choked. “Are you… still thinking about Leilani?”
18:54
Milford’s gaze darkened. This was between them. Why bring up Leilani? “Don’t overthink it.”
Tamara’s tears fell. Angry, she grabbed her bag and rushed out. “I get it. You don’t love me at
all!
Milford didn’t stop her. He just stood there, watching her back disappear out the door.
After Tamara left, he couldn’t stop thinking about Leilani. He called her.
The night was heavy. Leilani had just walked out of the sanatorium when her phone vibrated. She looked down-it was Milford.
Frowning, she muted it and shoved the phone back into her pocket. She had no interest in his explanations.
Just as she reached the roadside to hail a taxi, the notification for a video call rang out. Impatient, Leilani took it out and saw that it wasn’t Milford, but Hale.
It was a video call. Leilani intended to hang up, but her finger accidentally hit the accept button.
The moment the video connected, a face covered in red spots appeared on the screen. The scales on Hale’s skin looked much worse than before. Some areas were even oozing blood.
10.54
Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.