He Regretted Sending Me to Finishing School

When Ethan Mitchell came to pick me up, I was still receiving "correction" from the school director, Alfred Harrison.

Foul-smelling liquid slid down my face and dripped onto my clothes. Alfred revealed a sinister smile and said meaningfully, "Mia, you know what I'm capable of. If you dare speak about what happened here, don't blame me for what comes next."

I instinctively shuddered and reflexively shouted, "I wouldn't dare!"

Alfred nodded with satisfaction, then had me wash up and change clothes before escorting me to the entrance of the ladies’ finishing academy.

I squinted at the man leaning against his car, smoking, feeling as though I was looking at a ghost from another life.

After a long pause, I finally gathered the courage to cautiously approach him. Only then did Ethan notice me.

He crushed his cigarette and reached out to take my backpack. I instinctively shrank back, keeping my head down as I said softly, "I can manage."

Ethan frowned, but said nothing. We drove in tense silence, the oppressive atmosphere making my heart race with anxiety.

I kept reciting the conduct rules that Alfred had drilled into me. Only after reciting it three full times did my nerves finally settle.

Unexpectedly, Ethan broke the silence. "Why aren't you talking?"

When Ethan first came to live with my family, he was slow to warm up to us. Afraid he would not adjust well, I always made the effort to talk with him. However, that was back then.

It would not be that way anymore, as one of the conduct rules was learning to keep quiet.

I still remembered my first day at the finishing academy. Out of curiosity, I asked the director a few questions, and was promptly made to starve for three full days.

I was so weak from hunger that I curled up in a corner, barely able to speak. From that day on, I learned to keep my mouth shut.

When I did not respond, Ethan frowned with irritation and asked, "Are you deaf?"

I touched my right ear. Yes, my right ear was deaf. Alfred had made sure of that.

If I had gotten surgery right after the injury, I might have recovered some level of hearing. However, Alfred said that I should stay deaf as a reminder. As such, I permanently lost hearing in my right ear.

It was all because when he tried to burn me with his cigarette, I instinctively tried to dodge.

Seeing my continued silence, Ethan snorted. "Is this what your finishing school taught you? Doesn't seem worth much."

My whole body tensed up and I quickly said, "It's not like that. Mr. Harrison says only quiet, composed women can avoid being irritating."

Ethan laughed mockingly. "So even this act is just another way to get my attention?"

I opened my mouth to explain, but stopped myself.

Alfred's rule was that we should never contradict a man, no matter what.

Seeing my reaction, Ethan said with disgust, "My mother heard that you were coming home and made a feast for you. She doesn't know about your sick obsession, so behave yourself and don't make her regret it."

I lowered my gaze and murmured my agreement.