All Chapters of Venus, So Close Yet So Far: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

8 Chapters

Chapter 1

The sound of ragged breathing from inside made my whole body tremble. Each muffled gasp felt like a blade driving straight into my heart."When Venus dies, I'll make it up to you with a grand wedding," Michael murmured, his arm wrapped around Nancy's waist as he moved with increasing force."Okay… okay…" Nancy answered between broken breaths.By the time I came back to myself, two streaks of tears had already dried on my face. So it had all been nothing more than a performance—an act staged just for me.The thought left me suffocating, my body shaking as I swallowed back sob after sob.Suddenly, the sound of footsteps behind me made me jump."Madam, why are you here?"The Dalio family's longtime housekeeper had appeared without warning.The two inside the room clearly heard the noise as well. The intimate sounds stopped abruptly.Flustered, I explained, "I came back to get something."Under the housekeeper's watchful gaze, I raised my hand and knocked on the door."Come in."

Chapter 2

The next day, my bedroom door was pushed open. Nancy walked in as if she owned the place."You saw everything yesterday, didn't you? I'm the one Michael truly loves. I won't beat around the bush. I need you to leave Michael. You know he only married you so he could be with me openly."My brows knit together. "Then why don't you tell him that yourself?"A flicker of embarrassment crossed her eyes before she let out a cold laugh."Back then, you saved Michael's life. He's always felt indebted to you for that. Originally, I didn't care much about titles or status, but…" She placed a hand over her slightly rounded belly and continued, "I'm pregnant. My child must be the next heir of the Dalio family. A legitimate heir."It felt like I'd been struck hard. A chill spread through my entire body.She… was pregnant?My mind drifted back to three years ago—to that first night Michael and I had been wrapped up in each other, inseparable. He had kissed my lower abdomen so gently."Venus, l

Chapter 3

Hearing my cries, the old housekeeper opened the door for me. I seized the chance and rushed straight to the hospital.The moment I reached the front desk to inquire, the nurse spoke anxiously, "We haven't been able to reach you. The patient only has one last breath left."At her words, tears spilled from my eyes. I followed her toward the ICU.As we passed a consultation room, a doctor said impatiently, "If you'd come any later, the wound would've healed on its own."At that moment, Michael spotted me and stepped into my path."Who gave you the nerve to sneak out?"As if he'd found an outlet for his anger, he grabbed my wrist tightly, refusing to let me go.Nancy, who was following behind him, immediately spoke up, "Venus, you even followed us to the hospital? What are you trying to do?"My mother was still waiting for me—I couldn't waste time here."Let go. I need to see my mother."A mocking smile appeared on Michael's face. "Your mother's been lying there for years. What'

Chapter 4

When I woke up, the first thing I saw was the hospital ceiling.A figure walked into the room. Thinking it was Michael, I didn't even bother to look up."You're finally awake."There was a trace of gentleness in the voice.Realizing it wasn't Michael, I slowly lifted my head."Oh, it's you."The person standing before me was Dan Washington—my longtime rival and former classmate from medical school. You could say half of my academic success was thanks to him.As his gaze swept over the wounds covering my body, a flicker of pain crossed his eyes."If I'd known, I wouldn't have given you those three days back then. I wouldn't have let you handle things on your own. Look at you now—how badly you're hurt. This is my family's sanatorium. You can recover here in peace."What exactly happened to you during your time with the Dalio family?"Confusion and concern filled his eyes, his brows drawn tightly together."I don't want to talk about it."I slumped against the bed, unwilling t

Chapter 5

It didn't take long for Dan to bring me news."Your mother's body is in the morgue at Attessa Hospital, but…"He trailed off mid-sentence, rubbing his fingers together again and again, clearly hesitant.Anything concerning my mother set my heart on fire. I urged him anxiously, "But what? Just say it."Dan sighed and finally continued, "Michael is guarding the place. My people can't get your mother out."…On the day I jumped, Michael rushed back to the villa the moment he heard the news. All he found was a pool of blood on the ground.He immediately ordered his men to search."I want to see her alive—or her body if she's dead."When Nancy caught wind of it, she pushed open the door to his study. A cup shattered at her feet."Are you all useless? You can't even find one person? Get out—all of you!"Veins bulged on Michael's forehead, his gaze sharp enough to kill.Forcing herself to stay composed, Nancy stepped inside. Trying to ease the tension, she smiled."Venus is just

Chapter 6

Half a year later, a nurse knocked on my door."You've fully recovered. You can be discharged."After thanking her, I began packing my things. Just then, a bouquet of violets appeared at the doorway, swaying slightly.I didn't even need to guess—it had to be Dan. I didn't bother looking up.Seeing my lack of reaction, he immediately puffed out his cheeks in mock grievance."I came to celebrate your discharge, and you won't even look at me? I even brought your favorite violets."With that, he wiped at nonexistent tears."Alright, alright. Thank you, Dan."I leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek.His earlier pout vanished instantly, replaced by a grin he couldn't suppress as he eagerly took the luggage from my hands.Now that I was healed, I couldn't bear to leave my mother in the morgue any longer. It was time to lay her to rest… and to finally face everything."It's time to go," I said seriously.The thought of seeing Michael again made my hands tremble uncontrollably.

Chapter 7

"Is that your doing?" I stared at Dan, eyes wide."As if I have that kind of power." Dan looked at me with a teasing glint, clearly trying to pique my curiosity."Tell me or don't."I had already cut all ties with the Dalio family—I had no interest in whether they lived or died.Seeing how indifferent I was, Dan lost the urge to keep me in suspense. He began recounting everything that had happened during this time.After returning, Michael had someone investigate. It didn't take long before a report was placed on his desk.I heard that after reading it, he flew into a rage and smashed his entire office to pieces.Then he went straight back home to confront Nancy.She let out a mocking laugh, shrugged nonchalantly, and admitted it without hesitation."That's right. I arranged Larry's car accident."Michael glared at her, disbelief written all over his face."Why? I need an explanation."Nancy burst into laughter, as if she'd just heard the greatest joke in the world."Why e

Chapter 8

In the blink of an eye, a familiar Rolls-Royce surged forward from behind, cutting between me and the car speeding straight toward me. A crash rang out sharply, and chaos erupted on the scene.The driver immediately pulled over and dialed 911. Dan and I threw open the doors and rushed out.The moment I saw that car, my heart tightened. I hurried to check who was inside. Forcing open the warped door, I found exactly who I feared—Michael.Both Dan and I were doctors; we knew emergency procedures well. No matter how much I despised him, I couldn't just stand by and let Michael die. We quickly assessed his injuries.A shard of glass had pierced his abdomen. Blood soaked through his clothes in an instant as it poured out. Dan pressed hard against the wound, trying desperately to stem the bleeding.Michael seemed to sense his time was running out. His voice trembled."Venus… I'm just glad I made it in time."I tore strips of fabric and tried to bind the wound as tightly as I could.

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