Chapter 5
701 Words
After that day, Killian disappeared completely.
Five days later was Clara Pierce's birthday. Half a month earlier, she had made it clear that Liora was expected at the family banquet—and Liora never broke her word.
At six sharp that evening, she arrived at the Pierce residence.
Felix Pierce's face darkened the moment he saw her alone.
"Where's that bastard? I heard Lila went to your house to harass you a few days ago. Did he go with her?"
Liora greeted the elders with calm composure. "Yes. Lila was carrying Killian's child. She lost it, unfortunately. Right now, Killian is probably still at her bedside—or perhaps… if he's even in any condition to care."
The room erupted in shocked murmurs as the elders exchanged glances.
Felix felt his dignity take a blow. He slammed his hand on the table. "Drag that disgrace back here! Tell him I won't hesitate to make Lila disappear—just like before!"
Within minutes, Killian appeared at the banquet entrance, bringing Lila with him.
He stood protectively before her like a lion shielding its cub, ready to face anything for her.
Hand in hand, they knelt before his parents. "Mom, Dad," Killian said firmly, "Lila has done everything you asked. Why won't you accept her? All she wants is to stay by my side—even as an adopted daughter, even if she never becomes my wife!"
"You fool!"
Clara slammed her hand on the table, her face full of anger. "Killian, how can you say something so selfish? Do you even care about Liora? Don't tell me you've felt nothing for her in five years of marriage!"
Hearing that, Liora instinctively looked at Killian.
Their eyes met.
Killian hesitated.
Had he truly never felt even a trace of attraction toward her?
Sensing his hesitation, Lila suddenly threw herself at Liora's feet and burst into tears.
"Liora, this is all my fault! Please spare Killian! I'll do anything as long as he can be happy!"
Liora looked down at her, momentarily speechless.
So now she was the villain keeping them apart?
A cold laugh escaped her lips. "Lila, weren't you just saying you'd take my place as Mrs. Pierce and claim everything I have? Changed your story now that we have an audience? Shall I bring out the surveillance footage?"
Lila's face went pale. "That's not what I meant!" she cried.
Suddenly, she grabbed Liora's foot and jerked it toward herself as if she were about to be kicked—but Killian moved instantly, pulling her into a tight embrace from behind.
The sudden movement sent Liora crashing to the floor, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.
"She's bleeding—her head and… her lower body! There's blood everywhere!" someone shouted.
Killian turned and saw Liora lying in a pool of blood, her face as pale as marble. Without hesitation, he pushed Lila aside and rushed to Liora.
As he gathered her in his arms, he froze—she felt terrifyingly light.
When had he last held her like this?
Panic twisted his face as he shouted, "Call a doctor! Now!"
Liora's cold gaze fixed on him.
For the first time, his panic was for her.
And yet, her heart remained unmoved.
Taking a deep breath, she forcefully pushed him away.
"Don't touch me! Your touch disgusts me!"
"Liora…"
For the first time, there was a trace of softness in his voice.
"Please. Just listen to me. Let me take you to the hospital. You'll be fine."
Liora said nothing, turning her gaze away.
Just then, an ambulance arrived—and Lila suddenly collapsed.
"Help! Lila fainted!" someone cried.
The arms holding Liora vanished.
She watched, hollow-eyed, as Killian rushed to Lila without hesitation.
He scooped her up protectively and headed for the exit—then paused.
He glanced back at Liora, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
"Liora… Lila just had a miscarriage. She's still in danger. Just… hold on a little longer, okay?"
Liora bit her lip until she tasted blood, her body trembling.
"Tell me, Killian," she said, her voice shaking, "if you knew I also had a miscarriage seven days ago… would your choice still be so easy?"
- Writer
