Three Years as His Kept Woman

Chapter 7 Gone Before Dawn

Adrian took Vivian to the hospital. Before leaving, Vivian deliberately glanced at Lucia as if showing off her victory.

Lucia stared blankly at the ashes before her, her heart throbbing painfully again and again. She knelt there until late into the night.

A light rain began to fall from the dark sky.

Martha felt sorry for her and quietly came outside with an umbrella. But the moment she approached, Lucia suddenly collapsed forward. Martha panicked and hurried to catch her. Lucia's whole body was burning hot. She was clearly running a fever.

"Lucy, you can't stay out in the rain like this."

She tried to help Lucia inside. At that exact moment, Adrian and Vivian returned from the hospital and saw everything.

Martha immediately pleaded with Adrian. "Ms. Hart has a fever. Please stop punishing her."

Adrian ignored her completely. His gaze stayed fixed on Lucia.

"Do you admit you were wrong?"

Lucia's breathing was weak. When she spoke, her throat burned with pain. Yet her eyes remained stubborn.

"I already told you. I did nothing wrong."

More than anger, Adrian now felt shock.

"You used to be so obedient. When did you become like this?"

Vivian leaned closer into Adrian's arms. A bandage wrapped around her head, and her voice sounded lazy.

"Adrian, I think you've spoiled her too much. That's why she's become so arrogant. This time you should teach her a lesson so she remembers her place."

Adrian thought about it for a moment. Then he silently accepted Vivian's suggestion.

Martha stood nearby, anxious and helpless. "Sir, Ms. Hart is burning with fever. She needs to go to the hospital immediately."

Adrian's expression remained icy, and even his eyes were cold.

"She will keep kneeling. She can get up when she begs for forgiveness."

He looked at Martha again.

"You are not allowed to take her to the hospital. You are not allowed to give her an umbrella. If you disobey me, you won't find another job anywhere in Harborfell."

Lucia forced a small smile at Martha, telling her not to worry. With Adrian's threat hanging over her, Martha had no choice but to leave reluctantly.

Vivian slowly extended one foot toward Lucia.

"My shoes are dirty. Wipe the mud off."

Lucia froze for a moment.

Adrian urged impatiently, "Hurry up. That's your patron's order."

Lucia took a deep breath. She pulled her sleeve tight and bent down to wipe Vivian's shoes.

Halfway through, Vivian suddenly pulled her foot away.

Lucia lost her balance and fell straight onto the ground. Mud splashed across her face and clothes.

But Adrian still was not satisfied. He stretched out his own foot.

"Keep wiping."

Lucia felt her vision slowly blur. She forced herself to crawl closer to Adrian and began wiping his shoes little by little. Several times her hands slipped off the leather.

Lucia kept taking deep breaths, trying to hold back her tears, but a few drops still fell.

Fortunately, the rain hid them.

For some reason, Adrian seemed restless. He suddenly pulled his foot back.

"You look disgusting like this."

Then he wrapped an arm around Vivian and led her inside.

Lucia remained kneeling outside in silence. She dug her nails into her thigh, forcing herself to stay conscious.

'Just endure a few more hours. It will all be over.'

The next morning, Adrian woke unusually early. A strange unease lingered in his chest.

When he walked into the yard, Lucia was gone.

Only a ring lay on the ground. It was the one he had once given her.

Adrian walked over and picked it up. His fingers trembled slightly.

He turned to Martha.

"Where is Lucy?"

Martha sighed softly before answering.

"Ms. Hart left… at dawn."