He Died So She Could Live

Chapter 3 Drugged and Dragged Into His Arms

Selene stared at the message and quickly checked her account balance. She was still short five hundred thousand.

Her hand instinctively pressed against her chest. The rhythm of her heartbeat was becoming more and more erratic. Just as she was worrying about it, the owner of Noir Lounge contacted her.

Owner of Noir Lounge: There's a client who specifically requested you. The tip is five hundred thousand.

That night, Selene changed into her uniform and went to the designated private room. When she pushed the door open, there was only one person inside. It was Vivian.

"Selene, you already left the country. Why did you come back?" Her delicate brows were tightly drawn together, her eyes filled with nothing but disgust and hatred.

Selene's hands clenched at her sides as she listened to Vivian's accusations, each word trembling with emotion. "I've loved Adrian for so many years, yet all I could do was watch you two be in love. I never wanted to interfere. It was you, Selene. You were the one who abandoned him and gave me the chance to stay by his side. For three whole years, I stayed with him. I helped him through rehab step by step until he could stand again. Selene, we're about to get married. You shouldn't have come back."

With a slight gesture from her, two burly men rushed in from outside.

"Grab her."

Vivian picked up a glass of red wine, swirling it as she walked toward Selene.

Selene was restrained by the men, unable to move. Her mouth was forced open, and the crimson liquid was poured down her throat.

It did not take long for something to feel wrong. She lifted her head in disbelief, staring at Vivian. "Why did you drug me?"

'I'm no longer a threat to you…'

Vivian's smile was both beautiful and unhinged. "Because once I film you sleeping with another man, Adrian will never love you again."

Selene's heart sank, pain spreading through her chest. She struggled desperately against the men's grip and broke free, running toward the door with all her strength.

'Run! Run!'

She could not let herself be caught. Her breathing grew heavier as heat spread through her body. She stumbled into a suite at random and locked herself inside.

"Noir Lounge, fifth floor suite. Bring the medication."

She did not know how much time had passed before a familiar figure appeared before her, backlit so his face could not be seen clearly.

Selene rushed forward, grabbing his hand, relief washing over her features.

"Ryan… you're finally here."

The man stiffened. A shadow of anger crossed his face as he gripped her chin, his voice tight with restrained fury. "So eager to get involved with another man?"

Feeling the force of his grip, Selene forced her eyes open slightly. "Adrian?"

Adrian stared at her stunned expression, an unnamed rage burning through his restraint. "What? Disappointed to see me?"

Selene shook her head, her eyes reddened. She instinctively leaned toward the coolness of his arm.

It was her Adrian. Her fingers traced the line of his nose and the contours of his face, sensing his momentary stillness, the way his breath caught.

Then suddenly, a sharp pain surged through her heart. Her haze cleared for a brief second. Selene quickly pulled her hand back from his chest.

Love and restraint tore at her thoughts. A pained sound escaped her throat. She couldn't let Adrian find out about her heart, not even the slightest chance.

She took out her phone and opened her chat with Ryan Cross, needing the medication immediately, but before she could type a single word, the phone was snatched away.

Smash! It was hurled against the wall, shattering into pieces as it fell to the ground. Selene looked up, meeting a pair of eyes burning with anger.

"Selene, are you really that desperate? Why look for someone else when I'm right here?"

"No… no…"

Seeing her only shake her head with tear-filled eyes, Adrian finally snapped.

"Impressive, Selene. I really want to hate you to the bone!"

His fist slammed into the wall beside her ear. Then he turned and walked out, leaving the suite filled with nothing but her ragged breathing.

Tears mixed with warm blood from her nose, dripping onto the floor. Her heart throbbed painfully under the strain.

In her haze, she felt a pair of broad hands brush over her forehead and cheeks. The burning heat was replaced by a chilling coolness. Her breathing gradually changed.

When she opened her eyes again, she was in a hospital room filled with the sharp scent of disinfectant. Ryan was the only one by her side.