TILL DEATH DO WE PART

ACCIDENT

~ Private Hospital Ward ~

It had already been over an hour since Krishna had regained consciousness, and yet, Eric had not made an appearance. She kept glancing toward the door, hoping he might show up, but each passing minute only brought more silence. Instead of Eric, it was Brigid who eventually walked in, holding a covered food tray and wearing a soft, welcoming smile.

“Krishna, you're awake,” Brigid said gently, stepping into the room. “I came in a few minutes ago, but you were still sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to wake you.”

Krishna sat up slowly, her body still heavy with exhaustion. She rubbed her temples and glanced around the pristine white room, trying to get her bearings. “What… what happened? Why am I in a hospital?” she asked, her voice raspy with confusion and faint fear.

Brigid’s expression shifted slightly, sympathy softening her features. She placed the food tray on the bedside table. “You collapsed, Krishna,” she said quietly. “You passed out from hunger. Apparently, you hadn’t eaten for quite some time. The doctor said you were severely dehydrated and malnourished. Honestly, it’s no surprise considering how Mr. Lynchard treats his employees.”

Krishna’s brows furrowed in frustration. “But I didn’t do anything,” she muttered, clenching the blanket between her fingers.

“I believe you,” Brigid said with a sigh, brushing her short brown hair behind her ear. “Eric... Mr. Lynchard has a reputation for letting his temper get the better of him. He punishes first and asks questions later, even when people are innocent. It’s cruel, but… it’s just the way he is sometimes.”

Krishna stared at her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not fair.”

Brigid gave her a kind smile, trying to lighten the mood. “I figured you'd be starving by now, so I brought you something special for lunch. Since you skipped breakfast, I made sure this meal was extra tasty—just for you.”

Krishna’s eyes lit up like a child being offered candy. “Really? What did you make, Brigid?” she asked eagerly, shifting upright in bed with newfound energy.

Brigid chuckled and began arranging the containers on the small rolling table. The aroma quickly filled the room—warm, savory, comforting. “It’s called Adobo,” she said with a little pride in her voice.

Krishna tilted her head curiously. “Adobo? What’s that?”

“It’s a traditional Filipino dish. My mom used to make it all the time when I was a kid,” Brigid explained, handing Krishna a spoon. “It’s made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic… a perfect mix of savory and tangy. I’ve perfected the recipe over the years. Go on, have a taste.”

Krishna didn’t need to be told twice. She scooped a spoonful of the tender meat and rice and took a bite. The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes fluttered shut in bliss. “Oh wow… Brigid,” she gasped. “This is… this is amazing. I could eat this every day!”

Brigid smiled proudly. “I’m glad you like it.”

Krishna looked up mid-bite and mumbled through a mouthful, “But I don’t think Eric would let me.”

There was a short, awkward cough from across the room. Brigid’s eyes widened slightly, and Krishna froze as she slowly turned her head.

Sitting silently on a small sofa by the window was none other than Eric Lynchard himself.

His expression was unreadable, his arms crossed. Krishna’s breath hitched—she hadn’t noticed him come in.

Eric watched her for a moment, a strange emotion flickering in his eyes—something between guilt and discomfort. “Finish your food so we can leave,” he said gruffly, his voice cutting through the air like ice.

Startled by his sudden presence and stern tone, Krishna jumped in surprise. The movement caused her to lose her balance, and she slipped off the bed, landing on the floor with a dull thud.

Eric blinked, trying—and failing—not to laugh. A small, amused chuckle escaped his lips before he cleared his throat and stood up, immediately regaining his cold, composed demeanor.

That laugh… it was the first time Krishna had ever heard him make that sound. She stared at him, stunned. For a brief second, he had seemed almost… human.

“When she’s done, bring her to the car,” Eric told Brigid curtly, not bothering to look at Krishna again. With a sharp turn, he left the room.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Krishna remained on the floor, letting out a soft sigh. “Even with a contract binding us together, he can’t even pretend to care,” she whispered bitterly, before pushing herself up.

She returned to her seat and resumed eating in silence, her thoughts spinning.

Looking up, she caught Brigid’s gaze and suddenly pouted, her eyes wide with mock innocence. “Promise me something?”

Brigid raised an eyebrow. “What now?”

Krishna lifted her pinky. “Promise me you’ll teach me how to make Adobo. I need to know how to recreate that delicious masterpiece.”

Brigid laughed softly, amused by her sincerity. “Alright, I promise.” She hooked her pinky with Krishna’s.

“Even if that grumpy head says no?” Krishna added with a teasing smile.

Brigid rolled her eyes. “I don’t know who you’re calling grumpy head, but sure. I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die—well, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea.”

“Then let’s go. I’m guessing the ‘grumpy head’ is already waiting.”

~ 6:25 PM – Apex Café ~

Dressed in a crisp all-white ensemble, Tristan stepped into the warmly lit interior of Apex Café, the bell above the door chiming softly behind him. He checked his phone and read the latest message:

“Come upstairs. Someone’s waiting.”

His brows furrowed slightly. He had been unsure about coming here in the first place. Something about the entire situation felt… off. Still, curiosity pushed him forward.

As he climbed the stairs to the upper floor, another message buzzed in:

“Wait there. A waitress will take you in.”

Soon enough, a young waitress approached and gestured for him to follow her. She led him down a short hallway to a closed door. Without a word, she opened it.

Tristan stepped inside and stopped cold.

Sitting in front of him, legs crossed and posture composed like she owned the entire building, was none other than Nancy.

His face twisted in disgust. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He turned to leave immediately. “b***h, why the hell did you call me?”

Nancy didn’t flinch. She glanced lazily at her manicured nails, unbothered. “Aw, were you expecting someone else?”

“I should’ve known. Let me guess—you want to scam me? Or maybe use me to get closer to Eric? Either way, I’m not interested.” His voice was sharp with fury, and he made a move toward the door.

“I said I just want to talk!” Nancy called out, her tone suddenly sweeter.

But Tristan wasn’t listening. “Save it. I’m out of here.”

He was nearly at the door when her voice dropped to a sinister tone. “Tsk. I thought I could do this the easy way… Looks like Plan B will have to do.”

Before Tristan could process her words, she clapped her hands twice.

The door burst open, and four masked men rushed in. In seconds, they had him pinned. One of them pressed a white handkerchief soaked with chloroform to his nose.

Tristan thrashed, trying to fight back, but it was too late.

His vision blurred. The last thing he saw was Nancy’s triumphant, wicked smile.

~ Eric’s Penthouse ~

Krishna walked through the penthouse like a ghost, heading toward the guest room—her so-called sanctuary and prison. But just as she reached for the door, Eric’s voice rang out behind her.

“You need to learn your place.”

She froze.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Krishna asked, her voice sharper than usual. She couldn’t explain it, but something inside her had snapped.

Eric stepped closer, arms crossed. “I see you’ve found your voice,” he said with mock amusement. “Starting to get a little bold, aren’t you?”

Krishna turned to face him fully. “Maybe I have. And maybe someone once told me to stop letting people walk over me.”

Eric raised an eyebrow. “Are you arguing with me?”

“And if I am?” she asked, defiance in her eyes.

His expression darkened. “Then get out.”

Krishna blinked, startled. “You… you’re kicking me out?”

“You think you can stand on your own two feet? Then prove it,” he snapped. “You’re no longer my problem.”

Without warning, he grabbed her roughly by the hair and dragged her toward the entrance. Before she could fight back, he shoved her out of the door.

Krishna landed hard on the concrete, pain shooting up her knee. Blood oozed from a fresh cut, tears pricking her eyes. She looked up at him from the floor.

“But… what about the contract?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“I don’t need a contract to feed a stray dog,” Eric growled. “Get lost.”

With those final cruel words, he slammed the door in her face.

~ Down the Street ~

Krishna wandered the empty streets, her hospital gown now soaked from the sudden downpour. Thunder roared above her as the rain fell in steady sheets, masking her tears.

She had nowhere to go. She couldn’t return to the Martins. Nancy and Sonia would devour her alive. She had no friends, no family. Nothing but herself… and now not even a roof over her head.

She turned a corner and began to cross the street, eyes downcast. She never saw the car speeding toward her until it was too late.

The vehicle slammed into her with terrifying force. Her body was flung several feet, landing with a sickening thud on the wet asphalt.

The driver didn’t stop. Instead, the car reversed for a second, then sped away into the night.

Now lying in a pool of her own blood, the world spinning, Krishna looked up at the stormy sky. The cold rain mixed with her tears as everything around her went quiet.

With her final breath, she whispered a single name.

“…Eric.”

And then, everything faded to black.