"Audrey..." Duncan’s voice was faint, as if he could collapse at any moment.Lucy had been raped by over ten men before Duncan arrived, and now she could barely stand. Blood was still flowing between her legs, and though she wanted to reach out to him, her body simply wouldn’t obey.Outside, the sound of sirens wailed closer, but Duncan didn’t seem to hear them. His cold, deathly gaze was locked on Peter’s lifeless body, eyes wide open in eternal shock. Just as Duncan was about to strike again, a police officer grabbed his arm, and Duncan collapsed against him, exhausted.Lucy let out a sigh of relief and, with what little strength she had left, managed to whisper to the officers, "It was them... they tried to extort us... it was all them..." She knew that if she didn’t explain now, Duncan could be blamed for everything.The police, taking in the scene, quickly called for an ambulance.Duncan, struggling to move, made his way to Lucy’s side and held her close. "I’m sorry, I’m so s
In psychology, it's often noted that people who experience extreme trauma may subconsciously block out their most painful memories, retaining only the happier ones. However, certain triggers can bring those painful memories rushing back. It seems that Duncan was experiencing this very phenomenon.Josh patted Duncan on the shoulder. "You're not well. I'll arrange for a therapist to see you tomorrow."Duncan still hadn’t moved on from Audrey's death. He was stuck in that moment, and if this continued, it would destroy him.Duncan rubbed his temples and waved Josh off. "No need; I'm fine. I want to go see Audrey."Josh wanted to insist, but Duncan had already turned and was heading out the door.When Duncan arrived at the cemetery and saw that there were no flowers left at Audrey's grave, he felt a deep sense of guilt. He had failed in his responsibilities as her husband. For months, he had forgotten her, leaving her to rest here all alone.The more he thought about it, the more he
Audrey's love for Duncan was boundless, unyielding even in the face of insurmountable odds. Yet she had underestimated his determination...The night air was thick with tension in the dimly lit hotel room."It's been years, Miss Lyons. Your enthusiasm is quite... eye-opening," Duncan remarked, his eyes brimming with mockery.Audrey's face stiffened, then she looked up at him, her expression filled with anguish. "Duncan, I know you're still angry that I left when you were struggling a year ago, but...""Enough!" Duncan cut her off sharply. "I don't want to hear a single word of your explanations, Audrey." He pulled away without hesitation, his cold gaze and chiseled features making him look even more striking in his tailored suit."Duncan..."Before Audrey could finish, Duncan threw a credit card at her face with a sharp slap."That's your payment for tonight. Know your place. To me, you're nothing but a cheap escort, Audrey."Audrey looked at the tall, handsome man before her,
"Gentle, Duncan," Audrey whispered."Gentle? How can that satisfy you?" Duncan growled, one hand pinning Audrey against the vanity, the other gripping her hair. "Look at yourself. Calling you an escort is too generous!"Audrey gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her face a picture of allure tinged with despair. She managed a bitter smile.Once, Duncan would fret over the slightest frown on her face or the tiniest scratch on her skin. Now, every word he spoke felt like a dagger in her heart.But she had to accept it. No matter how much it hurt, she had to stay. She didn't want to leave with regrets. She didn't want to spend her final days without a trace of him in her life.After he finished, Duncan threw Audrey to the floor in disgust and left without a backward glance.It felt like an eternity before the pain in Audrey's body began to subside. She struggled to her feet, her blurry vision catching sight of a large clump of hair on the floor. Her frail body swayed unsteadily.
Heather watched with smug satisfaction as Audrey, once proud, now humbly served her tea and water."Ex-girlfriend? So what? I'm the one Duncan's marrying now. Audrey will never be more than a dirty secret," Heather thought triumphantly.She reached for the glass, but in the next moment—"Ah! Audrey Lyons, are you trying to scald me to death?" Heather jumped up from her chair, the sudden movement causing hot water to spill onto her hand.Audrey was splashed too, her brow furrowing slightly.She knew Heather had done this on purpose.But Audrey didn't care about Heather's tricks. Her only concern was Duncan.So she didn't explain or argue. She simply turned to go upstairs."Audrey, I can't believe you're so vicious. Are you upset that Duncan and I are together? Don't forget, you were the one who ran off with another man a year ago, abandoning Duncan when his company was struggling," Heather cried, her hand turning red, tears welling up in her eyes."I didn't," Audrey stopped, cl
Audrey looked at Duncan without saying a word, while his anger reached a boiling point."Apologize! Audrey, are you incapable of understanding English?!" Duncan roared."Fine, I'll apologize," Audrey suddenly realized he wouldn’t let this go easily today.Heather sauntered over, clinging to Duncan's arm, her low-cut Versace dress revealing more than it concealed. "Duncan, my hand hurts so much.""Apologize; this is my last warning," Duncan ignored Heather, his gaze fixed on Audrey."I'm sorry.""Louder!""I'm sorry!""Who are you apologizing to?"Audrey's voice was already quite loud, but Duncan was still unsatisfied.With a thud, Audrey fell to her knees on the marble floor. "Miss Leverton, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have thrown hot water at you. It's all my fault, it's my fault!"She then repeatedly knocked her forehead on the ground. It split open, blood streaming down her already gaunt face, creating a pitiful sight."Are you satisfied now?" She looked up at him, her eyes f
Just as the suite door opened, a familiar and incredibly angry face appeared before Audrey.How did Duncan end up here?Duncan stared at the two people embracing intimately, his face ashen. He had come looking for her because he couldn't let her go, and now all his worries had turned into a joke!A complete joke!"Duncan, it's not what you think..." Audrey frantically broke free from Josh's embrace, shaking her head repeatedly as she tried to explain."Audrey, are you still trying to deceive me at a time like this?" Duncan yanked her away from Josh's side.Josh held onto Audrey's other hand, refusing to let go. "Let her go!"Duncan's eyes were cold, as if he might draw a knife and stab someone at any moment.A year ago, it was this man who had run away with her, and now they were still together! Perhaps it was time to settle that old score.With this thought, he kicked Josh in the stomach. Josh stumbled back, releasing Audrey in the process."Are you insane? What right do you
"Audrey, he's getting married. The engagement ceremony is in three days. How can you be together after that? Please listen to me - come with me for treatment. I've contacted the best hospital. I believe we'll finally find out what's wrong. We can save you. Please, just listen." Josh placed his hands on Audrey's shoulders. She was so thin, looking as if a breeze could knock her over.Audrey brushed his hands away. "Stop trying to deceive me, Josh. We haven't found the cause in a whole year - why would we find it now? I'm grateful for everything you've done this past year. I know you did it all for my sake.""But returning to him was my choice. Yes, he's getting engaged in three days. I'll leave then, but not for treatment. I'll find somewhere where no one knows me and quietly die. I'm tired, so very tired. I can't take any more of this."With that, she rushed out.Josh crouched on the ground, defeated. The woman he loved wouldn't stay, no matter how much he gave.Her heart was comp