Chapter 5 Jillian shrank instinctively into the corner , her eyes fixed on Arthur's fierce expression . " What do you want now ? " The anger burning in Arthur's eyes suddenly fizzled out when he saw the fear and wariness on her face . There was a time when Jillian looked at him with nothing but love . Her whole world revolved around him ; the moment she saw him , she'd run straight into his arms . But now , all he saw in those eyes was fear and caution - there wasn't a trace of affection left . He faltered . " Jill , why are you- " Before he could finish , Delilah burst into the room , sobbing uncontrollably . With a thud , she dropped to her knees right in front of Jillian . " Ms. Channing , I was wrong , I swear , I know I was wrong . Please , I'm begging you , just leave me alone . " Again and again , you put my videos online , you mock me for being disfigured , call me a freak . Tomorrow is my wedding day with Artie - what else do you have planned for me ? " I'll just die , I won't fight you anymore , I swear I won't ... " She sprang to her feet and bolted out of the room . Arthur's face changed instantly . He rushed after her . " Lilah- ! " Jillian got up and followed them both . It wasn't until she stepped out of the housekeeper's room that she realized what had happened -someone had scrawled huge , crimson letters all over the walls outside with lipstick . " FREAK ! " 08.21 Chapter 5 Jillian didn't have to guess to know this was another one of Deflate staged performancer . By then , Delilah had already run out , sobbing Arthur caught her by the wrist , but she yanked herself free She darted into the street just as a car approached , and flung herself right in front of it The car screeched to a halt , and Delilah collapsed to the asphalt with a scream . Arthur panicked , rushing over and scooping Delilah into his arms . " Lilaht " Delilah was crying , still struggling , " Just let me die , I don't want to live anymore , I'm scared , I want to die ... " Arthur held her tightly . " Don't be afraid , Lilah . I'll protect you ! As long as I'm here , no one can hurt you . " Delilah sobbed , clutching his shirt . " But Ms. Channing was right . I am a freak . My face will never compare to hers . I'll always feel inferior around her ... " She covered her face with her hands , as if the pain was unbearable . Arthur tried to comfort her . " No , you're not a freak . To me , you're just as beautiful . " Delilah choked out , " I don't believe you . I know I'm disfigured . In your heart , Ms. Channing will always be more beautiful than me ... ་ ་ Arthur sighed helplessly . " What will it take for you to believe me ? " Delilah pointed at Jillian , who was standing to the side . " Not unless her face ends up like mine . " Arthur froze , then whipped his head around to stare at Jillian . Jillian sensed something was wrong and took two steps back , instinctively wanting to run . But Arthur's cold voice rang out behind her . " Grab her . " She barely made it a few steps before two bodyguards seized her , pinning her in place . Arthur approached , a knife gleaming in his hand . 08:21 Chapter 5 Jillian trembled , tears streaming down her cheeks . " Arthur , are you blind ? That's not my handwriting ! You locked me in my room - I couldn't have written those words ! " Arthur didn't answer . He kept coming , raising his hand to trace her cheek with his fingertip His touch was cold and serpentine , gliding across her skin like a venomous snake . Jillian met his icy gaze , her face drained of all color , her eyes filling with utter despair . The last flicker of light in her eyes was snuffed out , inch by inch . Once , if she'd so much as nicked her finger , he would have been beside himself with worry Now , he grabbed her jaw and forced her still . His eyes were glacial . " You shouldn't have humiliated Lilah . " The cold blade pressed against her cheek . In the next instant , a searing pain ripped through her . Blood welled up , spilling down her chin in thick , crimson drops . Arthur's eyes filled with tears - he cried right along with her . He bent down , kissed the corner of her lips , and whispered softly , " It's okay , babe . No matter what you look like , I'll always love you . " Such a tender confession - yet it felt like a dagger driven straight through her heart , carving out every last feeling she had for him . The blood - stained knife slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor . Arthur turned away , scooping Delilah into his arms and carrying her back inside . Jillian was taken away to have her wound bandaged , then sent back to the housekeeper's room . She stood in front of the mirror , peeled back the gauze on her face , and stared at the long , jagged scar running down her cheek . She laughed and cried at the same time , like someone who had finally lost her mind . 08:21 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!