The Shallowing of 28

1/2 

Chapter 1 

My boyfriend Salvador Everett and his lover booked a hotel room and got caught in a raid against pornography. 

When I went to redeem him, he had kiss marks all over his neck. 

He was comforting his lover who was covering her face and crying. 

“The lock at Elisa’s house was broken, and she was so scared, so I came out to accompany her.” 

If it were in the past, I would definitely question him. 

But this time, I didn’t want to be called shrew by him. 

I signed calmly, without saying a word. 

A friend from the anti–pornography team asked me, “Are you a family member?” 

I shook my head and said, “Just neighbors.” 

I lowered my head and sent a message to my mom: “I agreed with the marriage you mentioned. I will return home after three days.” 

*** 

After leaving the police station, Elisa Garrison, who was crying, got in the car and sat in the front passenger seat. 

I was about to start the car when she pulled me. 

But she turned around and said to Salvador. 

“Salvador, I’m afraid. I don’t like riding in a car driven by others.” 

Elisa had tears in her eyes and her nose was red, presenting an appearance that evoked sympathy. 

I pulled her hand away and said, “Then get off.” 

The atmosphere in the car suddenly became cold. 

Elisa’s tears started to fall, pitter–pattering. 

Salvador in the back seat had a harsh tone. 

“Donna Oconnell, can you please not be so heartless? You know very well that Elisa has been affected by her brother’s situation. Can’t you show some understanding?” 

“Alright, you get out of the car, I’ll drive.” 

1/4 

Then, 

Salvador got out of the car directly and slammed my door open. 

The cold wind swept into the car, and I shivered with cold. 

I didn’t move. I just watched him quietly. 

Salvador, who used to be calm in front of me, became rude. 

He forcibly unbuckled the seatbelt and dragged me out of the car. 

I stumbled a few times, my knees half–knelt but managed to avoid falling embarrassingly. 

Salvador sat in the driver’s seat, not looking at me, only rubbing Elisa’s hair. 

“Don’t cry. I will take you home first.” 

“Salvador, you’re so kind to me.” Elisa glanced at me, intentionally or unintentionally. 

Finally, Salvador only left one sentence. 

“You’re all 

grown up now, so go back by yourself. I’ll just drop off Elisa and be home soon.” 

Then, they drove off, leaving me standing here. 

I saw Elisa lean over and kiss Salvador’s cheek. 

The phone vibrated, and my stiff fingers clicked to answer. 

“Donna, have you seen Noah’s photos?” 

Noah Patton was my arranged marriage partner. 

He was a tall and handsome man. 

On the other end of the phone, the mother sounded relieved. 

“Donna, you have really grown up.” 

E 

“Your father got old, and he got angry several times over the years because of your running away from home. It would be great if you could come back.” 

I looked up at the small flying insect under the streetlight. Lots of memories flashed through my 

mind. 

I ran away from home back then because I didn’t want to accept such a fate. 

I felt incredibly lucky when I met Salvador. 

Seven years of love, I was by his side as he went from having nothing to achieving everything. 

2/4 

Just because of his words “too early,” I had several abortions. 

Back then, I was quite foolish, thinking that his love would be enough. 

But now, I can’t bear any pain at all.