Chapter 3

Once my crew had a mission to focus on, they finally stopped thinking about revenge.

They didn't understand why I chose to endure it all.

Only I knew that the armory's master control for the explosives was still in Simon's hands. Once I got it, I'd be gone.

I stayed in the hospital for a week. During that time, Simon kept sending me messages.

"Ivina, why are you suddenly hospitalized?"

"Rest up and come home soon. Luca's an idiot. He knows nothing. You're the best underboss I could have."

"Why aren't you replying?"

I responded with a perfunctory "Okay", then ignored him and fell into a deep sleep.

In the seven years I had been with Simon, I had been running nonstop. I couldn't even remember the last time I had truly slept.

When I woke, sunset painted the sky outside, and the pleasant scent of food filled the room.

"You're awake?" Simon's deep voice came from beside me.

I turned sluggishly. He was sitting by the bed, and a cart beside him was covered with delicate dishes.

"When… did you get here?" I tried to sit up.

He stood and helped me, letting me lean against his shoulder. "Since the moment you started talking in your sleep about how much you loved me."

His actions and words made my stomach turn. I raised a hand to push him away.

"So eager, huh?" Simon teased, raising an eyebrow as he undid two buttons and let out a chuckle. "Go on, touch me."

He used to tease me like that all the time, and I would blush.

But this time, I pulled my hand back coldly. "Is something wrong?"

His smile faded. He buttoned his shirt again and sat back down. "Yes. My wife got hospitalized and didn't tell me. And now she's giving me a cold shoulder."

"Ivina."

Simon took my hand. His eyes were filled with genuine confusion. "Did I do something to upset you? Don't hold it in. It's not good for you or the baby."

Then, he lowered his head and pressed his cheek against my stomach. His voice softened as he asked, "Is she kicking me? Do babies kick at three months?"

My throat tightened as I stared at the crown of his head.

Who was he putting on this act for? Ever since the day he betrayed me, there had been no going back.

When I didn't respond, Simon held me tighter.

He was never a patient man, and his temper started to show. When he looked up again, his expression had darkened.

"Ivina, you know I hate women who make people guess instead of speaking up," he said coldly.

I looked away. "Oh, yeah? I thought you liked women like that."

The moment the words left my mouth, I bit my lip. That was too impulsive of me.

Simon straightened and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. Through gritted teeth, he hissed, "What did you say?"

I'd had enough pretending. I slapped his hand away and raised my voice. "I said, you must like women like that. Otherwise, what's with that young lady?"

His hand trembled, and the arrogance drained from his posture.

"I-It's not what you think." He loosened his grip and sank into the chair.

Then, something clicked in his head. His gaze turned sharp. "You already knew, so why didn't you ask me? Was it you who abducted Giara a few days ago?"

I pressed my lips together, knowing I couldn't admit it.

For the first time, I lied to Simon. "No. I just found out about her, then got sick and ended up here."

He visibly relaxed. He took a bowl of cream mushroom soup from the cart and brought it to my lips.

"Sorry, babe. I shouldn't have doubted you. I'll explain everything about her later."

I kept my mouth shut, refusing to eat. He put down the bowl, broke off a piece of bread, and held it to my lips.

"Ivina, stop sulking. Even if you're mad, you have to eat for our baby. She's hungry. If you don't like Giara, I'll send her away before the wedding. But you have to promise me one thing."

Simon gripped my shoulders, his expression deadly serious. "Don't lay a hand on her. She doesn't know anything. She's still young."

"Of course," I heard myself say, my voice distant and hollow.

Satisfied, he pulled me into his arms and whispered sweet nothings meant to comfort.

My body went rigid as I listened.

Just then, his phone buzzed. After a quick glance at the screen, Simon immediately let go of me and stood up. "I have an urgent family meeting. I'll get going now. Rest well, okay?"

But that caller ID flashing across his screen was "Babe".

I lay back on the bed, covering my eyes with one hand. A laugh broke out of me and turned into tears that wouldn't stop.

How pathetic. For a moment, I'd actually hoped for an explanation, that maybe it had all been a misunderstanding.

…

After another week of rest, I was discharged early because I was eager to go home.

But the moment I stepped outside the hospital, a sharp pain struck the back of my head.

Everything went dark. In a daze, someone clamped a hand over my mouth and nose and dragged me away.