Chapter 4

To prevent Oliver from tampering with the situation, I turned around and went to another hospital for a medical assessment.

After meeting with the lawyer, I went home to pack my things. To my surprise, Jade was also at home.

Usually at this time, she was either working overtime or accompanying Oliver to his favorite restaurant. Now that I had withdrawn, she somehow did not focus on enjoying their alone time together.

"What? Were you afraid that I'd steal something, so you came back to watch me?"

Jade froze, never expecting the usually gentle me to speak so sarcastically. "Damian, you've changed a lot over the past few days."

I walked past her and silently packed my things. On the day of the trial, the law would give me a fair verdict.

Jade let out a long sigh and grabbed me. "Don't do this. Be good."

I had been exercising regularly for years and was strong. I did not want to hurt her and could only watch her carefully as she applied ice packs to my wounds.

It did not matter, as I had already done the injury assessment.

"Does it still hurt?"

The more I ignored her, the gentler she became. "Damian, I had no choice when we were in the hospital today. The influence of public opinion is too great. If I didn't do this, the people at the hospital would also misunderstand Oliver. He's your mentor. You made a mistake, so I have to help you uphold matters in a manner that respects your mentor."

I smiled, but I no longer felt any emotion. "Are you done? I need to get back to packing."

Jade paused, a flash of impatience crossing her delicate made-up face. "Are you still going to make a scene? We've been together for five years; we've met each other's parents and we're about to set a wedding date."

I shook my head, my voice calm. "There won't be a wedding. After all, we'll be busy dealing with court proceedings; where would we find the time?"

Jade froze, the lecture she was about to give me was stuck in her throat. Instinctively, she reached for her phone.

I glanced over; sure enough, it was her chat with Oliver. I remarked kindly, "No need to ask him for advice on how to placate me. I'm not throwing a tantrum this time; I'm serious. Jade, enough with being a trio. You two can finally enjoy life as a couple."

Jade stared at me in astonishment. "You were snooping on my phone? Damian, do you realize that's an invasion of privacy?"

I pursed my lips and smiled. "In that case, feel free to go ahead and sue me. Ms. Swanson."

...

As soon as I stepped out of the residential complex, a crowd of reporters swarmed me with their microphones thrusted at me.

"Mr. Lake, there's a new rumor claiming you're the one who came between Ms. Swanson and Dr. Graham. Please give us an explanation!"

I instinctively stepped back but lost my footing, slamming the lower half of my body hard against the stone steps.

Pain instantly washed over me.

Someone shouted, "Blood! He's bleeding heavily down there!"

In the split second before I lost consciousness, I saw Jade's face pale as a sheet. "Damian!"