Chapter 2 It Hurts

"I won't let you live in peace!"

Ethan stood directly behind Ashley. The faint scent of lemon from her hair stung his nose. He hissed in disgust, waving a hand as though trying to brush away poison. With a vicious smile, he gripped the handles of her wheelchair and spun it violently.

"Ah!" Ashley cried out, her voice strained. Her face turned deathly pale as both hands clutched the metal armrests.

Ethan let out a hollow laugh. He spun the wheelchair again and again, savoring the panic plainly written across Ashley's face.

"Please... Someone... Nurse? Doctor?" Ashley whispered frantically. Her thin fingers trembled as they searched blindly through the empty air.

"Who's there? Is someone else here?" Ashley asked anxiously, reaching out without direction. "Doctor?"

Ashley tried to push the wheels herself. Ethan stepped forward, blocking her path with his tall frame. The sudden jolt ripped the IV from the back of her hand. Fresh blood dripped onto the pristine white floor. Ashley winced in pain, clutching her injured hand.

"Who are you?" Ashley asked softly. Her bloodied fingers accidentally brushed against Ethan's slacks.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" Ethan slapped her hand away with brutal force. Then he lashed out with a powerful kick, sending the wheelchair hurtling across the room until it crashed into the edge of a metal hospital bed.

Ashley's fragile body was thrown from the chair, hitting the marble floor with a heavy thud. She groaned in pain and slowly crawled forward on her elbows, desperately searching for something to hold onto.

"Blind?" Ethan muttered with cruel amusement. He watched her struggle to move her legs. "Paralyzed too? Perfect. You deserve every bit of it."

"Let her go, or I'll report you for attempted murder!"

Victoria's sharp voice stopped Ethan just as he reached the doorway. He slowly turned, a mocking smile curling across his lips, making the corridor feel suddenly suffocating.

"Go ahead and report me," Ethan said coldly. His icy gaze settled on Victoria. "Let the public know your own brother imprisoned the woman who murdered his fiancée."

Victoria glared at him. "She just woke up from a coma! She's blind and paralyzed, Ethan!"

"She's faking it!" Ethan strode toward her, closing the distance. His towering presence radiated pure intimidation. "That woman is using amnesia and her disabilities to escape the death penalty!"

"That's enough, Ethan!" Julian cut in firmly, stepping between Ethan and Victoria. "This is my hospital. You can't do whatever you want here."

Ethan arched a brow. "I funded the new wing of this hospital, Julian. I have every right to stand on every inch of ground where that murderer still breathes."

Ashley ran her trembling fingers across the cold floor. Blood continued dripping from the torn IV site, staining the white marble.

"Doctor... Victoria...?"

A rough hand suddenly seized Ashley's wrist. Ethan had returned to the room. He gripped her tightly and yanked her frail body upright until she was forced into a sitting position.

"Ah... It hurts..." Ashley whimpered. Tears streamed from her unfocused, sightless eyes.

"This pain is nothing compared to what Chloe suffered while she burned alive inside that car!" Ethan shouted inches from her face. "Open those blind eyes and look at me!"

"I don't know who Chloe is," Ashley whispered hoarsely. Her breathing came in quick, frightened gasps. "Please... let me go..."

"What a pathetic lie!" Ethan shoved Ashley's face aside, sending her crashing to the floor once more. He straightened calmly and adjusted the sleeve of his suit without the slightest hint of compassion. "You won't leave this hospital until I allow it."

Victoria rushed over and dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around Ashley's trembling body.

"You're insane, Ethan! Get out, now!"

"The police investigation will be finished this week," Ethan said flatly, ignoring his sister's outburst. His eyes remained fixed on Ashley's broken figure lying helplessly on the floor. "And when they hand you over to me, your real hell will finally begin."

"Excellent. In less than a month, I'm confident you'll be able to walk again." Julian helped Ashley back into her wheelchair. "How's your chin? Does it still hurt?"

Ashley shook her head. "Victoria already put some ointment on it. It's fine," she replied, gently touching the bruise on her chin. "Will I really be able to walk again, Doctor?"

"Absolutely. Your bones are healing very well."

"I'm so happy to hear that."

It wasn't just a polite response. Ashley meant every word. The quiet relief shining through her pale face made that unmistakably clear.

"Once your legs recover, the police will take you into custody. Do you really remember nothing about your family?" Julian asked carefully.

"I'd like to go back to my room. Is Victoria still here with us?" Ashley quietly changed the subject.

Julian and Victoria exchanged worried glances.

"I'm right here," Victoria said, stepping forward to take hold of Ashley's wheelchair. "You must be exhausted."

Ashley gave a small nod.

"As soon as you're healthy enough, the police will arrest you."

Ashley let out a long breath. Her expression grew somber. It was the first time Victoria had seen genuine sorrow settle over the beautiful woman's face.

Ashley possessed an extraordinary grace. Even Victoria, as another woman, admired her quiet composure. When the doctors informed Ashley that she had completely lost her sight, she hadn't broken down in hysterics. Julian and Victoria had prepared themselves for the emotional reaction that usually came with such devastating news. But Ashley was different. She remained calm, never asking a single question.

"If you need anything, just tell me," Victoria offered sincerely. She couldn't bring herself to turn her back on Ashley.

"You're too kind."

Ashley smiled faintly.

"I'm only like this with you," Victoria admitted honestly.

Ashley let out a soft laugh, revealing a row of perfectly straight teeth. It was the first time she had laughed since being admitted to the hospital.

"I'm about to become a convicted criminal, Victoria."

"So you're admitting you deliberately rammed Chloe's car?"

"Yes," Ashley answered coldly. "I did it on purpose."

Victoria froze where she stood.