Bella's POV
The house doctor shook his head, gathered his medical supplies, and walked out.
Jasper entered my room, and for the first time, I saw him look uncertain, as if he didn't know what words to choose.
That's when I opened my eyes.
He looked away, paused, then spoke with tension threading through his voice. "How did your leg get injured this badly? Why didn't you inform anyone in the family?"
The worry in his expression made me laugh—a cold, bitter sound.
Actually, I laughed out loud. "Lord Jasper, is this your version of playing good cop, bad cop?"
His eyes went wide with surprise, mouth opening to reply.
But I cut him off, my voice steady and detached. "You've never trusted me. Even if I explained everything, you'd assume I was manipulating you for sympathy. Just like last night—when I tried to tell you the truth, I got beaten instead.
"So what's the point of speaking up?"
