Chapter 5

The moment the gun was pointed at me, I reacted on instinct and twisted to the side. Still, the bullet tore through my shoulder. Warm blood soaked through my coat almost instantly. A sharp, burning pain followed a second later, like my flesh had been ripped apart.

When I woke up in the hospital, the smell of antiseptic stabbed my nose. I shifted my gaze, and the first thing I saw was a pale-faced Victor.

“Rachel, you’re awake!” he said as he rushed forward, his voice filled with shock and relief.

“Does it hurt?” His eyes reddened, full of concern. “Thank God it wasn’t fatal. While you were unconscious, I wished so badly that I could take your place.”

Instead of reacting to his concern, I asked weakly. “What about Sophia?”

Victor frowned, his gaze flickering.

“I’ve had someone keep an eye on her. Rachel, don’t worry. I’ll make her pay for hurting you.”

I nodded slowly.

Seeing that, Victor leaned down and tucked the blanket around me. “Get some rest. I’ll get you the best doctors.”

Then, he turned and left the room. However, just moments later, I heard Sophia’s voice outside.

“You lied to me. She’s not just your subordinate. Otherwise, how could she walk in and out of your study whenever she wants? Are you going to punish me for her? How exactly do you plan to make me pay? Shoot me?”

Victor’s low voice followed. “Of course not. You’re the most important person to me. You’re my future Donna. How could I hurt you? She’s risked her life for me for years. I have to give her a reason. Otherwise, how else will she keep working for me?

“Sophia, I admit she used to be my lover, but she was in prison for three years. You know me. I’m a bit of a clean freak…”

Their voices faded into the distance. Then, a young nurse walked in, pushing a cart to change my dressing. She couldn’t help but comment, “That couple in the hallway has such a good relationship. You can tell they’re deeply in love.”

As she skillfully unwrapped the bandage, she added, “I hope I can marry a man who loves me just as much one day.”

I closed my eyes, speechless.

In the two weeks I was in the hospital, Victor didn’t show up once. However, every day, he sent me countless messages.

[Rachel, I miss you so much. I wish I could fly back to you right now.]

[How’s your recovery? Don’t rush to leave the hospital. Your health matters most.]

At the same time, Sophia also texted me.

[Victor won’t let me visit you. He says you’re dangerous. He’s afraid you might hurt me. After all, you spent three years in prison. Just hearing that is terrifying. Victor hasn’t touched you since you got out, hasn’t he? Do you know why? It’s because he thinks you’re dirty.]

Finally, she sent a selfie with Victor lying naked beside her, his face peaceful, sleeping like a child. I closed the chat, and not a single tear fell. I knew then that I was going to leave for good.

I pulled out the IV catheter and discharged myself from the hospital. Just as I was done packing and was about to leave, the door to my hospital room was pushed open. A man in an expensive, tailored suit walked in.

The moment I saw his face, I froze. Why was he here?