After He Left Me to Burn, I Shot Him

Chapter 6 Should Be an Actor

When Vanessa woke up again, a cool fever patch had been placed on her burning forehead. The best ointment had been applied to her swollen face.

Her lashes fluttered. She opened her eyes. Watson sat nearby, blowing on a bowl of medicine to cool it down.

When he saw she was awake, the tension in his brow eased slightly. He adjusted her hospital bed and brought the warm spoon to her lips.

He said, "I've got people looking for the men who took you. Just focus on getting better. Drink this, Ms. Pearson."

Vanessa looked at the concern in his eyes—or what looked like concern—and gave a cold smile.

If she hadn't heard him with her own ears, she might have fallen for it again—his little kindness after cruelty.

"You're in the wrong business," she said flatly. "You should be an actor."

Watson's hand froze mid-air, spoon hovering. He stared at her, surprised.

'I used my Mr. Dayes identity. Has she figured it out anyway? No. That doesn't make sense. If Vanessa knew I ordered the attack for Amber, she'd be crying, raging. Like she always did. Not sitting there cold and calm.'

Before he could ask, a woman's shriek cut through the air. Glass shattered somewhere downstairs.

He instantly dropped the bowl of medicine, still hot, and dashed downstairs.

The liquid splashed across Vanessa's arm. The skin turned red instantly.

She blinked, holding back the tears.

She'd known how it would end. But somehow, her heart still ached.

'The process of pulling out a poisoned thorn hurts. But it will be over soon.'

Vanessa took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, the hurt was gone, just resolve remained.

The wedding gifts were ready. Now she needed a dress.

A few days later, Vanessa went to a bridal shop alone.

Seeing her radiant, exquisite features and model-like figure, the sales associate eagerly brought row after row of museum-quality, high-end custom wedding gowns to her.

Vanessa grabbed one at random and headed for the dressing room. She'd barely gotten the zipper halfway up when she heard a moaning, coming through the thin wall of the next stall.

"Slow down... Not so fast..." The coquettish female voice echoed off the rattling partition.

Vanessa didn't want to listen any longer and wished she could leave immediately.

She threw the dress on and sat down outside. A salesgirl was just adjusting the veil on her head when the other stall's door swung open.

Vanessa's eyes went wide.

It was Watson and Amber.

So that's why he wanted Vanessa to take Amber's place. They were already planning their own wedding.

Amber's cheeks were still flushed. She leaned against Watson as they walked out. When she saw Vanessa, her ears went red. She playfully patted his chest.

"She definitely heard us." Amber pouted. "This is so embarrassing."

She gave Watson a coy look, then turned to Vanessa with wide, innocent eyes. "Oh, Ms. Pearson. You came alone? Couldn't your fiancé make it? How sad. Look, we're wearing the same dress! If you're lonely, maybe Mr. Hayes could take a picture with you?"

She held up their clasped hands, then smirked.

Vanessa didn't even look at her. She turned to the salesgirl. "Show me your most expensive dress. The one-of-a-kind one."

She let her gaze drift over Amber, dismissive. "Wearing the same dress as her? She's not even in my league—it's cheap."

The salesgirl snorted, then hurried off to get a designer piece.

Amber's face crumpled. Watson's eyes went cold as ice. He shot Vanessa a look that could kill.

He typed something on his phone, then murmured something soothing to Amber.

A few minutes later, a dress appeared. It was covered in tiny diamonds. Under the lights, it looked like a river of stars flowing.

Vanessa stepped forward to touch it. But the salesgirl blocked her.

Her face was tight with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Pearson. This dress was just purchased. Mr. Dayes bought it. For Ms. Rainer."