Chapter 7
After a few days in the hospital, Brad never showed up again. The only thing he did was have his assistant send a message: take care of yourself and come back to work when you’re ready.
Christine didn’t force herself, either. She stayed until she felt truly recovered–no more pushing her exhausted body past its limits.
Meanwhile, the company group chat was blowing up with gossip about Brad and Ava.
He’d rented out Disneyland for a whole week just to celebrate her birthday. Fireworks lit up the sky three nights in a row.
He’d brought her along to a big family dinner, and even handed her the heirloom bracelet reserved for his future wife.
Then he bought land to build a private ski resort, naming it after Ava__
Christine scrolled through all the updates, feeling nothing at all.
After she was discharged, she went right back to work, same as always, focused and meticulous. If something came up that required Brad’s attention, she’d just ask the secretary or another colleague to handle it. She managed to carve out a rare week of peace–until Brad called her again.§
She delivered the files he’d asked for, ready to leave, when he called her back.
*I have a meeting. Ava doesn’t like eating alone. Stay and keep her company.”2
Christine’s face stiffened. She was about to say no when Ava, without missing a beat, started giving her orders.
“I’m craving shrimp. Peel a plate for me.“2
Brad closed his office door, and Christine swallowed her words. She headed to the dining table, peeled the shrimp, and as soon as she finished, Ava had someone bring over a huge plate of walnuts and a spiky jackfruit.2
“I want fruit after lunch. There aren’t any tools here, so use your hands.“%
Christine glanced at the hard shells and sharp spikes. Her heart sank. She knew Ava was doing this on purpose.£
But she went along with it anyway.
By the time she finished cracking walnuts and prying open the jackfruit, both hands were covered in stinging cuts, blood seeping from her fingers. Still not satisfied, Ava sent her to the kitchen for soup.
The soup was fresh off the stove–so hot it turned Christine’s hands bright red. The pain was too much; the bowl slipped, and scalding soup spilled all over her.
Steam rushed up, and in seconds, angry blisters bubbled up on her hands. She bit down hard on her lip to keep from crying out.
Ava grinned at the sight of Christine slumped on the floor. But as soon as the study door opened, she wiped away her smile and put on a show of concern.
“Brad said you were capable. How could you mess up carrying a bowl of soup? You even burned my hand!”
Brad rushed over, worry written all over his face.%
“Where did you get burned? Let me see–does it hurt?”
Ava held up her hand, red from where she’d pinched it herself, and managed to squeeze out a few tears.
“A few drops splashed on me. I hope it won’t leave a scar.“%
“How could you be so careless? Ava’s been pampered her whole life and never been hurt. I just asked you to bring out soup and you managed to scald her. Why didn’t you keep your distance?“%
Brad’s face darkened as he scolded Christine. But when he saw the burns on her own hands, he couldn’t bring himself to be too harsh. He just scooped Ava up and went to treat her injury.%
Before leaving, he glanced back and noticed Christine still standing there, dazed.
“Corne with us to the hospital. You need your burns looked at too.“%
Christine could only grit her teeth and follow them out to the car.
Brad drove fast, tense and distracted. Ava kept letting out little whimpers, not wanting him to realize she was faking. He kept looking over at her, worry eating him up.
He was so distracted, he never saw the sports car barreling toward them.%
There was a sickening crash. The cars collided head–on.
Christine’s body slammed into the door. Pain exploded everywhere, so sharp it felt like her insides had been torn apart. Blood welled up. her whole world fading into red.
She started to shiver uncontrollably, and as she forced her eyes open, she saw Brad carrying Ava out of the car.
Chapter 7
Sirens wailed somewhere in the distance. Through the blur, she heard two urgent voices:
“Sir, this lady just fainted from shock, but the woman in the back seat is bleeding badly and her injuries are critical. If she doesn’t get to the hospital right away, her life could be in danger.“)
