Chapter 3

Susanna's POV

Unable to fight back at all, I was dragged into the interrogation room.

The first lash of the whip sent black spots dancing across my vision. My mind drifted to the night Lorenzo had flown halfway across the country to rush back to me, all because I had a nightmare. For the next seven days, he had remained by my side to lull me to sleep.

As the second lash landed, I bit my lip so hard that the metallic taste of blood instantly filled my mouth. I could almost hear his gentle words back then, when he had been injured protecting me.

"I'll always protect you. I won't allow a single bit of harm to come to you. I'll take on all of your pain and suffering."

Then came the third lash, the fourth…

Every lash seemed to strike right into my soul, causing an agony a thousand times more painful than the sensation of my skin splitting open in bloody lines.

On the 19th lash, I vaguely heard Lorenzo calling my name, but by then, I couldn't tell if it was reality or just my imagination.

Unable to hold on any longer, I fell unconscious. But right before the darkness took me, I saw Lorenzo anxiously pulling me into his arms.

However, using the last bit of strength I could muster, I shoved him away as hard as I could.

"Lorenzo Gallo, in two days, you and I will have nothing to do with each other ever again!"

That was the last thought that swam through my mind before everything went dark.

…

When I woke up again, Lorenzo was sitting by my bed.

He didn't bring up my punishment, nor did he mention anything to do with Elena. However, I still heard from the housekeepers that he was preparing for his and Elena's wedding.

Nonetheless, he resumed his past gentle demeanor as he took good care of me. Every spoonful of hot oatmeal he fed me, he would blow on it to cool it first before carefully bringing it to my lips.

Whenever I moved at night, even when it was just the slightest twitch of my fingers, he would jolt awake in a panic and grip my hand. Only once he had confirmed that I was fine would he dare to shut his eyes again.

Besides that, every time the doctor came to give me an anti-inflammatory injection, Lorenzo would hold me in a tight embrace while gently covering my eyes with a hand. In a low, soft voice, he would murmur, "Don't look. It'll be over soon."

Yet, after I was discharged from the hospital, he immediately threw himself into the wedding preparations again.

To prevent me from causing trouble again, he confiscated my phone and had men stand guard outside to keep an eye on me 24/7. Despite the expansive villa, only one housekeeper had been left behind to look after me.

Regardless, I didn't protest. I simply packed my things quietly.

…

On the day of the wedding, my phone was returned to me. It was full of pictures Elena had sent me.

Among them was one of Lorenzo in a dashing suit as he tenderly slid the ring onto Elena's finger. Another photo showed the couple in a passionate embrace, kissing while the guests showered them with blessings and congratulations.

Every photo seemed to drive yet another dagger deep into my already battered heart.

At that moment, a call from an unfamiliar number lit up my phone screen. My hands trembled as I swiped to answer the call.

"Good day, Ms. Conti. I'm the person in charge of contacting you from Howardson University. Your boarding procedures have been completed, and the car to the airport is already waiting for you outside."

Silently switching off my phone, I then turned to grab my packed suitcase. As I stepped out of the villa, the sun shone down on me dazzlingly. It was a bright and sunny day.

Without looking back even once, I made my way toward the car waiting by the road.

"Lorenzo, let's not meet again for the rest of our lives. You go your way, and I'll go mine…"