Chapter 4

I woke up with a strong metallic taste of blood in my mouth.

Julian Moretti was sitting on the couch beside my bed, staring at me.

The so-called "victim" I had supposedly hurt.

"Why you?" he asked, a bit confused. "I watched the footage, and it was that idiot Colin who did it."

I stared at the ceiling, feeling a dull ache in my insides. "Does it matter?"

"My sister thinks you're asking for it. She said the way you looked at her gun was like staring at a lifeline." He leaned forward. "If it was that green tea brother who hurt me, why is your wife saying it was you and throwing you under the bus?"

I closed my eyes. "Julian, the answer to that is pretty clear, isn't it?"

He was silent for a long time.

Then I heard him whisper, "That old woman doesn't love you, does she?"

I didn't answer.

Surprisingly, he looked almost sympathetic. "Those controlling capitalists are the worst! Don't worry, I'll have my sister hide you, and you won't have to go back!"

I didn't take him seriously, but his genuine tone gave me a flicker of warmth.

"Sure, if I get the chance."

If I don't die first.

...

The next three days were surprisingly calm.

The Moretti family's hideout wasn't a prison; it felt like a sanctuary.

At least no one was forcing me onto an operating table.

Seraphina Moretti wasn't the bloodthirsty monster I'd heard about. In fact, she was almost coldly gentle. She would firmly hold me down for IVs and demand I drink those nutritional shakes with a straight face.

On the morning of the third day, the day I was to return to hell, Seraphina walked into the guest room. A personal makeup artist followed her.

"Sit up," she ordered softly.

The makeup artist began to apply special effects makeup, creating realistic bruises and scars on my face.

"If I send you back looking like a beaten mess, your high-and-mighty wife should feel guilty, right?" Her voice had a gravelly edge to it.

"You want her to feel sorry for me?" I asked, puzzled.

"I care about my reputation. And..." She reached out, her calloused fingertip gently lifting my chin, her deep black eyes locking onto mine. "I won't allow the person I'm treating to appear too pathetic in front of others."

When I looked in the mirror, the man staring back looked like he'd been through hell, completely masking the pallor of organ failure.

This was the kindest lie anyone had ever told for me.

"I have to go," Seraphina glanced at her Patek Philippe watch. "I need to catch a flight to Geneva. I'm bringing back a top hematologist who can handle your issues."

My heart skipped a beat, a painful and useless flutter.

"I'll be back soon," she promised.

She gave me one last deep look before turning and striding out.

...

When that black SUV dropped me off at the Cross estate, Audrey was standing on the steps.

She didn't ask if I was hurt; she just frowned and looked me up and down, taking in the "bruises" on my face.

"The Moretti family really is barbaric," Audrey scoffed, her eyes devoid of any pity. "At least it's just superficial wounds. I've arranged tomorrow's surgery. Your vitals must stay stable."

"Go inside and get some rest. Don't mess up Colin's plans for tomorrow!" my father added coldly from behind.

A wave of nausea hit me.

"I'm heading to my room," I said.

My legs felt like lead. This luxurious mansion was suffocating.

As I reached the staircase, I glanced toward the master bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar.

Audrey was sitting on the large sofa, with Colin pinned beneath her.

She was gently stroking Colin's hair, her movements filled with affection and protectiveness.

I accidentally stepped on a creaky floorboard.

Colin jumped back like a startled deer, his fear exaggerated.

"Oh my God," he exclaimed, terrified. "Audrey, is my brother back? Is he going to freak out and hit me again?"

Audrey immediately stood up, shielding him behind her. When she turned to me, her gaze was icy.

"What are you sneaking around for?" she snapped. "Haven't you done enough damage to Colin? Get to the guest room and sleep! I won't let you come near him before the surgery. I won't allow you to put any psychological pressure on him!"

I stood there, feeling no emotional rise or fall.

No jealousy, no anger, just a deep, exhausting weariness.

"Audrey, this is my master bedroom."

She frowned, pointing coldly toward the end of the hallway. "Since you've signed the divorce agreement, Mr. Cross, please recognize your current status."

I turned and walked toward the guest room.

Ten minutes later, the door to the guest room swung open.

Colin walked in, shutting the door behind him. His previously timid expression instantly morphed into a malicious sneer.

He surveyed the bare guest room like a victorious king. "You never know how to back down, do you, bro? You're always too independent, too smart. It makes Audrey think you don't need her. Show some weakness, and you'll get everything!"

"Is that what you want, Colin?" I leaned against the headboard, feeling a pain in my insides. "My wife? My life?"

"I want everything you have," he whispered, his eyes cold and cruel. "And tomorrow, I'm going to take the only valuable organ from your body. The best part is, it'll be Audrey who personally carves it out of you."