Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Ryan struggled through his pain, trying to hold Coral tight.
I stared at them numbly, staggering backward as if all my strength had suddenly drained away.
Taking advantage of my distraction, Ryan kicked me hard in the ankle. Intense pain shot through me, and I collapsed to the ground.
I curled up in agony, clutching my ankle and struggling.
Even though I no longer loved Ryan, I still felt a stabbing pain in my heart at that moment.
Ryan forced himself up and grabbed my throat, glaring at me with vicious eyes.
Let me tell you something, Claire Reed. I want you dead. I want you to have nothing. I want you to wish you
vere dead.”
I’ll be honest with you-Coral and I have been together since we were kids. If it wasn’t for your money
elping me achieve my dreams, do you think I would have married you? Don’t kid yourself!”
he pressure on my neck increased, and a powerful suffocating sensation overwhelmed my brain.
My face burned as it turned red, and I could clearly feel death approaching.
yan laughed maniacally, triumphantly announcing that my time had come.
ust then, a gunshot exploded through the air, the bullet tearing into his shoulder blade.
right red blood splattered across my face.
mmediately after, a group of men in black rushed in. Leading them was a young man who quickly pproached me, kicked Ryan away, and helped me to my feet.
Miss Reed, I’m here on Mr. Beaumont’s orders to rescue you.”
Coral stared blankly at the sudden change of events, completely frozen in shock.
I gave her a cold glance before slowly walking out of the auction hall with the man’s support.
The crowd at the entrance parted to let us through.
Their eyes watched me in terror.
67 19
Chapter 8
In the main hall stood another group of people surrounding a man with refined features but a cold
expression.
Theodore Beaumont.
Ten years without seeing him, and he hadn’t changed at all.
When he saw me, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly in a long absent smile.
Claire, back then you refused our arranged marriage, insisting on freely choosing to marry that worthless
han. Do you regret it now?”
en years ago, my family had arranged this marriage for me, but I had stubbornly chosen Ryan instead.
he man I was supposed to marry was Theodore Beaumont, heir to the neighboring country’s Beaumont
amily.
had run away from the engagement ceremony. When I contacted him now, I wasn’t completely confident
e would show up.
ut he actually came.
describable shame and pain surged through me.
ears fell uncontrollably.
heodore quickly walked to my side and pulled me forcefully into his arms.
Don’t cry anymore, Claire. It’s all over now. I told you back then that I respected your decision, but I would ways wait for you. Don’t be afraid. I’m still here.”
stayed nestled in Theodore’s embrace, unable to speak.
hen I just let myself cry freely, releasing everything.
