Chapter 9
When Calista opened her eyes again, she realized she was back in her own bedroom.
Her entire body ached like she had been hit by a truck. The sharp pain between her legs was the worst, a cruel reminder of everything that had happened at the restaurant the day before.
She forced herself to sit up. Just then, her phone buzzed.
A message from the visa center lit up the screen, “Your visa has been approved. Please collect it tomorrow.”
A wave of long–overdue relief washed over her.
Finally…
She could finally leave.
Calista endured the discomfort and started packing her things.
She placed her essentials into the suitcase one by one, careful to move quietly so she would not draw any attention.
Suddenly, the door slammed open with a bang.
Estelle barged in, trailed by a group of servants. “My diamond necklace is missing! Someone in this house took it!”
Her sharp gaze swept the room. “Search everything!”
Calista stood off to the side, watching silently as they tore through her belongings with zero care.
BOOL
She was not worried as she knew she had not stolen anything.
Until…
“What’s this?”
Estelle yanked a white dress from the bottom of the closet. Her face darkened immediately. “I knew there was a thief in this house!”
She tossed the dress at Calista. “Who told you could steal my clothes? Where’s the necklace? Where are you hiding it?”
Calista clenched her fists. “I didn’t take anything of yours.”
“Oh, you didn’t?” Estelle let out a mocking laugh. “Did you buy this dress, then? Do you even know what brand this is? It costs a fortune. Can you afford that?“.
Calista’s voice was soft but steady as she replied, “Eric bought it.”
Estelle’s face froze, then she raised her hand and slapped Calista hard. “Say that again!”
Calista’s head snapped to the side, and a trickle of blood appeared at the corner of her lips.
Just then, the door opened, and Eric walked in. “What’s going on?”
“Eric!” Estelle rushed into his arms, tears streaming down her face. “Did you really buy her this dress? Didn’t you say she was just a tool? Why would you give her a dress from the same brand as mine?”
She looked up at him, eyes filled with hurt. “Just answer me one thing- was it a gift from you? If it was, then we’re done.”
The room went silent as if the air itself had frozen.
Calista held her breath as she fixed her gaze on Eric.
He looked at her for a moment, his gaze unreadable. Finally, he said, almost casually, “No.”
It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her.
That one word from Eric sliced right through her.
She saw the relief wash over Estelle’s face and the smug little smirk forming at the corners of her lips. Then, she saw her open her mouth and said…
“Someone drag this thief out. Make her stay in the rain all night outside. the villa!”
The bodyguards moved at once, grabbing Calista roughly.
She twisted in their grip, eyes searching for Eric–but he just looked away, unmoved.
The rain came down hard.
Calista knelt on the cold stone ground, rain soaking her hair and clothes.
Her knees had long since broken open, blood mixing with rainwater beneath her.
As her vision started to blur, she thought she saw her father standing in the rain, his hand reaching toward her. “Calista, come home with me…”
“Dad…” she murmured faintly before everything went dark.
When she opened her eyes again, all she could see was blinding white.
“Are you awake?” The doctor walked in holding a chart. “I have good news. You’re pregnant.”
3771%
Calista felt like she had been struck by lightning. Her hand instinctively moved to rest on her flat stomach.
Just then, the door swung open. Eric and Estelle entered, one after the other.
“Really?” Eric’s voice held a rare hint of excitement as he stepped quickly to her bedside. “Are you sure?”
The doctor nodded. “Six weeks along.”
Suddenly, Estelle broke into sobs.
“Estelle?” Eric turned to her immediately.
“You had a baby with her?” Estelle’s voice trembled through her tears. “Does that mean I’m losing you?”
Eric pulled her into his arms without hesitation and said softly and reassuringly, “Of course not. I only had this baby with her, so you could raise it.”
He wiped away her tears gently. “With this child, everything will finally fall into place. We can finally get married.”
“Really?” Estelle sniffled.
“Of course,” Eric murmured, kissing the top of her head. “When have I ever lied to you?”
He comforted her for a long while before suggesting a short trip to help her unwind.
Before they left, he gave the servants strict instructions, “Take good care of her. Nothing must happen to the baby.”
Lying in bed, Calista listened as their footsteps faded down the hallway.
扫屋
with resolve.
She would not give birth to this child.
While the servants were distracted, she slipped away quietly and headed. straight to another hospital.
“Are you absolutely sure you want to terminate the pregnancy?” the doctor asked seriously. “The baby is developing well.”
Calista nodded firmly. “Yes. I’m sure.”
The sound of cold instruments rang in her ears, and she bit her lips tightly
As the sharp pain gripped her abdomen, she seemed to hear Eric’s cold voice in the haze, “Have the baby, and then you can go.”
Now, the child was gone.
And she could leave too.
When Calista was helped off the operating table, her face was ghostly pale.
A nurse guided her to the recovery room and handed her a warm glass of water. “Rest for about half an hour before heading out.”
By the time she stepped out of the hospital, the sun was shining brightly.
Calista, still weak, made her way straight to the visa center.
After collecting her visa, she returned to the house, picked up her already- packed suitcase, and left behind a simple note.
“Eric, I’m leaving. The baby is gone. Please find someone else to complete
the deal.”
As the taxi carried her toward the airport, Calista quietly watched the scenery blur past the window.
“Goodbye, little one who was never meant to be.
“Goodbye, ten years of foolish hopes.
“Goodbye, Eric.”
2347
