Chapter 256 Torture
Breakfast time in the prison cafeteria was always a chaotic scene, with inmates lining up in long queues for their food.
To adhere to the rules, Anna endured her physical pain and went to the cafeteria.
Anna took her portion of bread to a table in the corner, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, hoping to avoid Lyanna's attention.
But as soon as she opened the bread, a nauseating stench hit her.
Inside the bread were three used, blood-stained tampons. The sight of the bright red blood against the white bread made Anna's stomach churn, and she couldn't hold back her vomit, which splattered across the table. The other inmates turned to look, their faces twisted in disgust and mockery.
One inmate glanced at Anna's tray and immediately understood she was being targeted.
Their eyes gleamed with malicious delight, and laughter echoed through the cafeteria.
Just then, Lyanna approached, her cold eyes fixed on Anna, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "What's the matter, Ms. Stuart? You are being way too sensitive. Does dining with us make you sick?"
Lyanna's words spurred the other inmates on, their gazes growing even more hostile. Anna shook her head frantically. "No, I didn't."
Right now, they wanted to believe that Anna's vomiting was because she looked down on them.
Anna didn't want to be beaten again. Her body trembled with fear. Lyanna, however, was unfazed. She grabbed the blood-stained bread and shoved it toward Anna.
"Eat it!" Lyanna commanded, pressing the bread to Anna's lips, forcing her to swallow.
"No," Anna shook her head in terror, her heart filled with despair. She backed away until she was cornered against the wall.
Lyanna's patience ran out. She forcefully pried Anna's mouth open and shoved the bread inside.
The taste of the blood-soaked bread hit Anna's throat, and she couldn't help but vomit again, the mess splattering on the floor.
The inmates laughed once more, their jeers filling the room.
"Pathetic," a guard standing nearby sneered at Anna. "So, rich people like you enjoy eating this stuff? Guess the wealthy really are different. Let me see, how long has it been since Mr. Stuart visited you? Dear Ms. Stuart, have you been abandoned by your family?"
Panic surged through Anna. How long had it been since Sophia and Henry visited? Had they given up on her, choosing to be with that bitch Emma instead?
Anna cursed inwardly, 'Emma! Why do you have to take everything from me?'
Tears streamed down Anna's face. She hated this place, hated Lyanna, hated Sophia and Henry, and hated Emma!
After lunch, as the cafeteria emptied, Anna was left behind to clean up. She looked at the mess of leftover food and dirty tables. Even a fool could see she was being targeted.
But what could she do? She couldn't fight back. She had to work.
The pain in her ribs was a constant companion, making every movement excruciating.
"Hurry up; stop dragging your feet!" Lyanna taunted from the side, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She and the other inmates watched, occasionally dumping their leftovers on the floor for Anna to clean up by hand.
Anna's suffering was their entertainment.
Anna gritted her teeth and continued cleaning. Her hands soaked in dirty water, her fingers cold, but her heart even colder. Every bend, every lift, the pain in her ribs made it hard to breathe.
"Useless!" Lyanna's voice echoed in her ears, each cruel word deepening Anna's despair.
Just as she was about to collapse, a handsome guard approached.
He wore a crisp uniform, his posture straight, and his smile warm and unforgettable.
The uniform's color looked especially clean under the lights, and the baton and handcuffs at his waist gleamed in the sunlight. His features were sharp, his eyes deep and kind, giving a sense of security.
"Are you okay?" Asher Patel asked gently, his voice filled with concern.
"I'm fine," Anna replied, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.
"Don't pretend," Asher shook his head, pulling a painkiller from his pocket and handing it to Anna. "Take this; it might help."
Anna hesitated.
Asher, sensing her doubt, quickly explained, "It's just a painkiller."
Without a second thought, Anna took the pill and swallowed it. The bitterness lingered in her throat, but her heart filled with hope.
"Thank you," Anna said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Why are you helping me?"
"I just can't stand seeing everyone bully you," Asher smiled warmly, his eyes kind.
He said, "My name's Asher."
"I..." Anna hesitated.
"You don't have to say anything. I know you're Anna. I've known about you for a long time, but back then, our worlds were too far apart. I could only watch from a distance. I never thought..." Asher's eyes lowered, a hint of sadness in his expression.
"But don't worry. As long as I'm here, I'll protect you." Asher's eyes were filled with sincerity, and Anna felt a surge of emotion.
In this cold prison, she finally felt a bit of warmth.
In this endless darkness, she finally saw a glimmer of light.
"Thank you, Asher," Anna's voice was weak but sincere.
Perhaps, she could use Asher to escape.
Asher helped Anna to a nearby bench, then turned to Lyanna. He frowned and sternly said, "Lyanna, stop bullying her. You're all women; can't you understand her situation?"
Lyanna's face twisted with displeasure. "I'm just teaching her not to waste food."
"There are other ways to teach her," Asher said coldly. "No one has the right to bully others here. If you do it again, I'll report you."
Anna watched silently, feeling a warmth in her heart.
Asher's protection gave her a glimmer of hope. In this place of despair, someone was finally willing to stand up for her.
However, out of Anna's sight, Asher winked at Lyanna. They exchanged a knowing smile before quickly hiding it.
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