When I saw the black Rolls-Royce parked outside the estate walls, I instinctively picked up my pace.
Still, before I could step out the gate, two of Damian’s men appeared out of nowhere. They seized me, one on each side, and dragged me back into the villa.
In the study, Damian had me tightly bound, and ordered someone to gag me with a cloth.
The family doctor arrived shortly after. He inserted a thick needle into my arm. The syringe was almost as wide as a baby’s forearm.
After drawing a full vial of blood, the doctor headed for the door. Through the half-open door, I heard him speak quietly to Damian.
“Mr. Grant, while Miss Turner and Miss Lane do share a rare blood type, Miss Turner has had asthma since childhood. What you’re doing could very likely trigger shock…”
“Don’t waste my time with hypotheticals.”
Damian’s voice was cold and unflinching.
“Your job is to stabilize Serena’s condition. I’ll handle everything else.”
After a while, the doctor came back. He inserted a thick needle into my arm again.
Damian’s footsteps were light and steady. He stood in front of me. His expensive leather shoes were still perfectly polished. I kept my eyes closed as I was afraid to look up.
“Does it hurt?” Damian gently lifted my chin. His fingers brushed across my split lip.
His tone was almost tender.
“Just bear with it for a little longer. It’ll be over soon.”
A bitter laugh slipped from my throat. I muttered two words, “Forget it.”
Let this blood be the price I paid for the love he once gave me.
By the time twenty ounces had been drawn, my lips had turned purple. My body was cold, and I was gasping for air.
I thought that was the end of it. However, just then, Serena started coughing from the master bedroom.
Damian had been about to pull me into his arms, but that sound changed everything.
Without a second thought, he stopped the doctor from removing the needle and ordered him to draw double the amount.
The doctor was horrified. He reminded him in a low voice, “Mr. Grant, if you do that, she might suffer long-term damage.”
The air stiffened for a moment before Damian replied, “Serena is pregnant. She’s the priority.”
“But…” The doctor tried to protest.
I interrupted him. My voice was hoarse and trembling, “Just do it. Once you’re done, let me leave.”
Damian looked at my paper-white face, rubbed his brow, and said coldly, “Are you done throwing your tantrum yet?
“You’d really leave me over something this small? Even after you lied to me…”
I never got a chance to respond. The moment Serena cooed his name from the bedroom, he left without a second thought, quick and light on his feet.
I watched him from behind and remembered how much we used to love each other.
During the first snow of a previous winter, I had a high fever and was slipping in and out of consciousness. Damian had driven through the night just to get to me. He carried me into the hospital on his back, fed me medicine, and never left my side.
He once said to me, “You’re the most important part of my life.”
I believed him.
He used to kiss me like he was losing his mind, pressing me against the tall window and whispering in a husky voice, “Let’s stay like this forever. Just the two of us, okay?”
