dreams whisper through silence by mae 340

Chapter 340 

Ellie’s POV 

I woke up on Lucas’s couch with a crick in my neck and dried tear tracks on my face. Someone had put a proper quilt over me, and there was a cup and a carafe of water sitting on the coffee table with a note from Lucas. 

Groaning, I reached over and grabbed the note, scanning it quickly. 

“Ellie- Guest room is all yours. First door on the left at top of stairs. Feel free to use it when you get tired of the sofa.” 

I set the note aside, yawning, and sat up slowly, wincing as pain shot through my shoulder. The bandages Lucas had applied last night were still in place, but the wound underneath was throbbing from a night spent 

on the sofa. 

The house was quiet. I could hear birds chirping outside, but nothing else. Lucas must have already left for work, or maybe he was just giving me space. Either way, I was grateful for the silence. 

I stood and made my way to the bathroom, catching sight of myself in the mirror. I looked like hell. My hair was a mess, my eyes were red and swollen, and there were dark bruises blooming across my cheekbone and jaw. 

I splashed water on my face and tried to make myself look somewhat presentable. It didn’t help much. 

By the time I made it back to the living room, there was a knock at the door. 

I froze. 

For a second, I thought it might be Dominic. That he’d tracked me down and come to drag me back home. But then I saw a female silhouette moving through the window, and I sighed. 

“Ellie, I know you’re in there,” a familiar voice called out, muffled by the wood. “Open the door.” 

Vivian. 

I considered ignoring her, but I knew she would just keep knocking, and I didn’t want to deal with that. So I grabbed a knife from the kitchen, keeping it hidden behind my back, and opened the door a crack. 1 

Vivian was standing on the porch, dressed in a black dress and heels, her hair pulled back into a neat bun. She looked polished and put-together, like she’d spent hours getting ready. In her hands was a cardboard box. 

“You look terrible,” she said by way of greeting. 

“Thanks,” I said flatly. 

She looked at the door. “Are you going to let me in?” she asked. 

“Wasn’t planning on it.” 

Vivian huffed. “I figured. Look, I’m planning Mom’s funeral,” she said, adjusting her grip on the box. ” Someone has to.” 

+30 Bonus 

Right. The funeral. 

“Anyway,” Vivian went on, “since you’re too busy hiding out at your boyfriend’s place to help—” 

“He’s not my boyfriend.” 

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “The funeral is on Saturday. Two o’clock. I’ve already picked out the casket and the flowers and written the eulogy All you have to do is show up.” 

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Fine.” 

“Good.” Vivian’s eyes flicked over me. “You know, it’s pretty pathetic that you ran away. Mom just died, and instead of staying to help, you threw a tantrum and left.” 

I laughed. It came out bitter and sharp. “A tantrum?” 

“What else would you call it?” Vivian said. “You got upset and ran off with Lucas like some kind of damsel in distress. It’s honestly kind of embarrassing.” 

I could see it in her eyes. The satisfaction. The smugness. She was enjoying this. She’d gotten exactly what she wanted, and now she was rubbing it in my face. 

“Well, you don’t have to worry about being embarrassed by me for much longer,” I said. “Because I’m going to the funeral, but that’s it. After that, I’m done. I’m getting a divorce, and then I’m leaving. For good.” 

Vivian’s smile tightened. “Suit yourself.” She held out the box. “I brought some of Mom’s things. Jewelry, mostly. Some photos. I figured you’d want them.” 

I looked at the box, hesitating for a moment, then took it with the hand that wasn’t holding the knife. 

“That’s it?” I asked. 

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