Chapter 2

Actually, Giselle was wrong. I didn't hate her—I envied her. I envied her for having so much love.

Just like now, when people were seeking me out for revenge, all because she had been hurt. They were either her admirers or her family. They didn't care about the truth—only that I had wronged her.

They cornered me, threatening and kicking me.

"How dare you kidnap Giselle? Look at yourself. You're not even worthy! If anything happens to her, I'll make sure you suffer!"

"She's probably some messed-up mute with issues. Hey, you! Stay away from Giselle!"

I curled up on the floor, trembling.

Jasper's secretary found out what was happening and rushed to the stairwell.

"Ms. Greene, are you okay?" she asked.

I asked her where Jasper was—did he know they were bullying me?

The secretary hesitated, finally telling me to leave the hospital.

I laughed bitterly.

I wasn't mistaken.

Those shoes I had seen stepping into the stairwell earlier and then leaving were definitely Jasper's. After all, I polished his shoes every night until they shone. How could I be wrong?

He had come but had let them take out their anger on me.

The needle mark from the blood draw began to ache again—a sharp, cutting pain.

I should have just left, but my feet carried me to Giselle's ward instead.

Through the glass of the VIP room, I saw Jasper holding a bowl of soup. He blew on it gently, occasionally testing the temperature with a spoon until he was sure it was cool enough.

We had been together for a year, and he had never treated me this way.

Sure, he would sometimes "serve" me food. It was always cold and detached, as he ordered the housekeeper or someone else, "Aurora is too thin. Give her more meat."

I would look at the meat on my plate, not upset that he forgot it made me nauseous, but just happily thanking him.

As it turned out, the difference between liking me and loving her was vast.

I couldn't bear to watch any longer, so I pulled out my phone and sent Jasper a message.

I informed him I hadn't kidnapped Giselle and that I would investigate to prove my innocence. I also told him I didn't need his money anymore since I had won a scholarship. I told him I was tired and suggested we break up.

Jasper's phone buzzed. When he saw it was a text from me, he didn't bother to open it.

When I didn't receive a response, I left on my own.

-

I tracked down the two guys from my hometown, and they agreed to meet.

The meeting spot was a fancy club.

As soon as I entered the private room, they grabbed me and pinned me down. They looked delighted.

"Aurora, you really had the nerve to come here on your own. You're like a walking cash machine for us! Perfect! We were just wondering how to get our next payday!" one of them said.

They connected a video call, shoving my head toward the screen.

They asked gleefully, "Ms. Ackley, we got her. What's next?"

Giselle looked down with a grin. "Aurora, why do you think you're so capable? Trying to prove your innocence to Jasper? He doesn't even care that you've been kidnapped.

"Because we're getting engaged."

She seemed in a great mood, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Just keep an eye on her and don't let her run off. Do whatever you want beyond that," she said dismissively.

The two men exchanged a glance before smiling and dragging me toward the bathroom in the suite.

After what had happened last time, I had come prepared.

When I saw things going south, I quickly pulled my homemade pepper spray from my pocket and sprayed it directly into their faces.

As they screamed and clutched their eyes, I grabbed my phone and fled the room.

Before I could even celebrate recording the evidence, I ran straight into someone in the hallway. He was wearing the club uniform, with a black mask covering his face. He was also tall and broad-shouldered.

I figured he must be a security guard.

His watch fell to the floor with a sharp sound.

"You knocked my watch off," he said, frowning.