Chapter 41
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Georgia grew quieter as she watched Laura’s reaction unfold before her. She didn’t truly crave Laura’s apology–what she longed for was something far more elusive: respect. Respect was a sensation she hadn’t felt in so long, it almost seemed like a distant memory.
Preston, the formidable Alpha, had shattered a werewolf’s spirit that day. He had crushed Georgia.
Pain and regret welled up inside her, sharp and unforgiving. She cautioned herself not to expect too much, not to hope for the respect she once believed she deserved. It was foolish to imagine anyone could see her as anything more than a broken shadow.
“Georgia, tell me how much money you want,” Laura spat venomously, her voice cutting through the tense air. “Even if I gave you every cent I have saved, I would never apologize to you. You crawled on the floor, barking like a dog, begging for money. Someone like you isn’t worthy of an apology.”
Laura’s words lingered, heavy with scorn. After a brief pause, a cruel smile curled on her lips, disdain shining in her eyes.
“If you want to tell others I hurt you, be my guest,” she sneered. “But no one will believe a word. I’m a student at Gabbs University, here to earn my tuition. And in everyone’s eyes, you’re the one who’d sell herself for money. Do you think anyone will side with you?”
Georgia clenched her fists so tightly her nails bit into her palms. She swallowed the ache clawing at her chest, forcing it down with trembling effort.
Laura stormed out of the hospital room, slamming the door behind her with a harsh finality.
Georgia stared blankly at the ceiling, the dull ache of her pain radiating through her body. She had thought, foolishly, that she would no longer hurt. That her dignity no longer mattered. But the sting was real and raw.
“What’s wrong with me today?” she whispered to herself. ‘Maybe it’s the fever. It’s made my mind foggy.”
Her eyes glimmered with a flicker of sorrow. All she had wanted was a simple apology, the acknowledgment she believed she deserved.
‘Maybe I asked for too much, Georgia muttered, bowing her head. ‘I won’t let myself dream anymore.”
It was a promise she made–not to anyone else, but to herself. To bury the hope deep where loneliness festered, and to stay meek, accepting whatever insults and demands Laura threw her way.
But inside, a desperate yearning lingered. She craved the faintest trace of respect, not grandeur or admiration–just the barest recognition of her worth.
Yet everything slipped further from her grasp.
Each day, Laura brought food to Georgia but vanished the moment she set it down, leaving her alone in the silence. For three days this continued. Georgia eyed the plain brown paper package resting on the nightstand:
Laura’s face was unreadable. She was already turning to leave when Georgia’s voice stopped her: “I want to be discharged.”
“You’re not well enough to leave,” Laura snapped. “You still have a fever,”
Georgia met her calmly. “I’m fine now. No fever. I want to go back to work.”
Laura’s eyes narrowed, sharp and cold. “What game are you playing? You want everyone to see the bandage on your head?” Her voice hardened. “Georgia, you’re good at one thing–scheming.”
The disappointment flashing through Georgia’s gaze was swiftly hidden as she looked away. She’d misread Laura’s intentions, she’d thought maybe there was care beneath the cruelty. But now, her face hardened.
“I’m going to work,” she said, voice steady. “Please help me get discharged.”
She rose from the bed and began to dress.
Shock widened Laura’s eyes. Had Georgia just dared to order her around?
Chapter 41
Humiliation flared in Laura’s chest.
She watched in silence as Georgia changed, then slowly approached the door.
Georgia was serious,
She was leaving the hospital.
No.
Laura’s gaze flickered to the gauze on Georgia’s forehead, panic creeping in. The bandage couldn’t come off yet–not until the wound healed. Returning to the club was out of the question.
Without hesitation, Laura stepped in front of her. “What the hell is wrong with you? Work? Just forget it. Put off the show, Your so–called job is nothing but pleasing men–and you like it that way. Otherwise, why rush back?”
Her words were sharp and biting, meant to stop Georgia in her tracks, no matter how cruel.
Georgia said nothing, her eyes cast downward, hands trembling behind her back. She wanted to argue, to explain–but how could she? Laura’s accusations were painfully true.
She had crawled on the floor for money. She had begged. She had fallen so low.
How could she fight that?
“Everyone needs something to believe in,” Georgia said quietly, a trace of sadness in her voice. “Faith in a person, a purpose… those who fight for what they believe in deserve respect.”
Laura blinked, taken aback by the unexpected words. She scowled, baffled by where Georgia could have learned such a thing.
The more she thought about it, the more she despised her.
Without another word, Georgia pushed past Laura,
But Laura grabbed her arm, voice sharp, “You’re not going anywhere. You have to stay until your forehead heals.”
Georgia lifted her chin, resolute. “I want to work. This is none of your business.”
She shook off Laura’s hand and walked away without a backward glance.
Laura followed close behind.
Georgia moved slowly, her strength drained, but she kept moving forward, ignoring the footsteps behind her.
“If you stop me again, I call Charlotte.”
Maya–the one person who mattered most in Georgia’s heart–stood far above Laura in her world.
Even Preston couldn’t compare.
