Chapter 4
685 Words
The car stopped in front of a villa on the outskirts of the city.
"Ms. Lewis, this way."
The bodyguard opened the car door, polite in tone but firm in a way that didn't allow argument.
I pulled the corner of my mouth into a bitter smile, but no sound came out.
I got out and walked inside. In the garden below, dark figures in black could be seen patrolling.
The windows were custom-made, only able to open a c***k.
There was no way out.
Brian had made up his mind to lock me up before the wedding.
I suddenly gagged. "Ugh..."
I didn't know how long had passed. Maybe minutes, maybe hours.
I curled up in a corner while cold water ran over me. Like this, I could wash away ten years of what I thought was love.
My vision kept going dark. Then everything disappeared.
When I came to again, my phone was vibrating. I forced myself over and answered with trembling hands.
There was no voice on the other end.
Only restrained breathing and the muffled sounds of bodies colliding filled the room.
A woman's moans rose and fell, soft and unsteady, tangled with a man's heavy breathing.
"Brian... mmm... you're so good..."
They were actually...
"Ah—"
The sound stopped for a second.
Then Brian's voice came through, hoarse and satisfied, laced with cruel amusement.
"Oh? Cheryl? Still awake this late? Listening in? How is it? Your best friend sounds pretty good, doesn't she?"
The call ended.
I immediately doubled over and vomited violently.
Everything spun. My world collapsed right in front of me.
When I woke up again, everything was white. The smell of disinfectant filled my nose.
"Awake?" A deep familiar voice came from beside me.
I turned my head stiffly.
Brian was sitting on the sofa next to the bed, holding a file, reading it calmly.
As if the man who had humiliated me last night was just a nightmare.
He closed the file and naturally placed the back of his hand against my forehead.
"Fever's gone."
I just stared at him.
Something about my gaze seemed to make him uncomfortable. He looked away and handed me a glass of water.
I didn't move.
His brows tightened. "Cheryl, don't be difficult. You were unconscious for a day and a night. You're seriously dehydrated."
I used all my strength to ask, word by word. "Why... didn't you just let me... die there?"
His body visibly froze for a split second.
Then Brian warned me in a cold voice, "Don't say things like that. The wedding is tomorrow. All the guests are invited. The media is ready. I don't want any accidents. Tracy won't threaten your position. You're still the legally married Mrs. Scott. What happened last night... was my fault."
For once, he admitted it. But it sounded more like a favor than remorse.
"Once you recover, I'll take you to Eurepica. Buy you every new collection from your favorite brand. Okay?"
He reached out, like he used to, trying to pat my head.
I jerked away. "Don't touch me."
Brian's expression finally darkened.
"Cheryl, my patience has limits. You don't have a choice. Tomorrow, you will show up at the wedding looking perfect, and you will smile through the ceremony."
He turned and walked toward the door.
"Rest well. The styling team will come this afternoon for your dress and makeup fitting. Don't cause me any more trouble."
The room fell silent again.
I lay on the hospital bed. Slowly, I picked up the knife from the table and without hesitation pressed it against my wrist. Blood splattered across my body.
I stared at the distant ceiling and slowly closed my eyes. Maybe dying like this wouldn't be so bad. At least I wouldn't give Brian what he wanted.
Through the blurring vision, I saw people rushing in.
*****
Not long after he left, Brian received a call.
"Mr. Scott, your wife... she slit her wrist."
His expression went blank for a split second.
Then he turned and ran back without hesitation, panic flashing across his face.
- Writer
