Chapter 3

Outside the door, the kidnapper's curses and screams echoed. It sounded just like everything I'd endured over the past three days.

In less than ten minutes, it fell absolutely silent outside.

It took everything I had to stop myself from trembling.

Abigail returned to my side carrying the scent of blood. She leaned down and kissed my forehead.

She whispered gently, "Don't be afraid, honey. I'll make anyone who dares hurt you pay dearly."

I struggled to keep my body from shaking, but I didn't have time to wipe away the tears at the corners of my eyes.

Abigail froze and asked in a slightly shaky voice, "Honey, w-when did you wake up?"

The panic and anxiety in Abigail's eyes were on the verge of spilling over.

Clenching my teeth, I replied softly, "Just now. The pain woke me up. Why was it so noisy outside? Was someone causing trouble?"

Abigail relaxed visibly and said gently, "Yeah. There was a mad dog running amok and biting people. I had someone put it down."

Just as she reached out to hug me, Noah's anxious voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Lorne, I'm so sorry I came so late. I heard the kidnappers broke your legs. I don't think you'll ever be able to perform on stage again. This is such a pity, but it's okay. I'll perform for you from now on."

After saying those heartless words, Noah slowly walked over to me. He took one glance at my face and suddenly took several steps back.

He exclaimed, "Ah! Lorne, y-your face…"

Abigail shot to her feet and immediately covered his mouth, signaling him not to say another word.

I took a deep breath, touched my face, and pretended to ask curiously, "Hmm? What's wrong?"

When Noah saw my face covered in scars, a flicker of delight flashed through his eyes. Holding Abigail in his embrace, he shook his head at me.

He said, "Nothing… It's nothing. Get well soon, okay? Do you want to come to tonight's award ceremony with us?"

I knew Noah had brought it up on purpose. He was obviously flaunting the fact that he'd effortlessly taken over my position as principal performer.

Abigail frowned slightly and hurriedly explained, "Honey, I forgot to tell you about tonight's award ceremony. I figured you weren't in any condition to go with your legs like this, so I arranged for Noey to attend in your place. You don't mind, do you?"

I was disabled now. Even if I went, I'd only embarrass Abigail.

Before I could answer, Noah suddenly stepped forward and grabbed the carved emerald pendant around my neck.

He praised in delight, "Wow, Lorne. Your emerald pendant is so beautiful. Can I borrow it for one night so I can look a little more presentable?"

This emerald pendant was my family's heirloom. It was also the only keepsake Mom had left me. There was only one like it in the entire world—it was priceless.

Perhaps realizing how inappropriate he'd been, Noah let go of the pendant and said awkwardly, "Please don't be mad at me, Lorne. My family's poor, so I've never seen such a beautiful pendant before."

Abigail's expression darkened slightly.

After thinking for a long moment, she spoke with some hesitation. "You're right. That was my oversight. I didn't prepare any jewelry for Noey. Honey, just lend him the emerald pendant for one night."

I let out a cold laugh. "Since when do you get to decide what happens to my belongings?"

Abigail's expression turned visibly grim and displeased.

Sensing the tension, Noah took Abigail's hand and said with a dismayed expression, "It's okay. I don't deserve something that valuable anyway. I just thought that, seeing as I'm the troupe's principal performer, I would embarrass Abby if I dressed too plainly…"

Before he could finish, Abigail stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.

She ordered, "It's just a pendant. I'll buy you ten more tomorrow. How's that?"

I shook off her grip, barely suppressing the fury surging inside me. My face devoid of any expression, I took the emerald pendant off my neck.

With a faint smile, I said, "If Noah likes it that much, then he can have it."

Noah happily reached out to take the pendant.

But the instant he reached out for it, I let go.

The emerald pendant fell straight to the floor with a sharp clack. It shattered into countless pieces, just like the ten years of love between Abigail and me.

In that single instant, it broke apart until it was completely beyond repair.

Abigail's eyes widened, and she gasped dramatically in shock.