Chapter 2

Lily's POV

After hanging up, the hospital room door swung open. Before I could react, someone pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Lily, I didn't know you came to the casino that day."

Harrison's voice was as gentle as always, but it only made me feel cold and hopeless.

I pushed his hands away.

"Mr. Quinn, you're already someone else's husband. Please show some restraint."

Harrison's hands froze mid-air, panic flashing in his eyes. He quickly grabbed my hand.

"Lily, I only married Vivian to save her. You're the only one in my heart."

"Don't worry, I've already filed for divorce. Our wedding will still happen in a month as planned."

As he finished speaking, Vivian burst through the door, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing Harrison, she threw herself into his arms, eyes red.

"What am I going to do? My mother's critically ill. The doctor said she only has a month left. Her dying wish is to see me get married."

She then turned to me and grabbed my hand.

"I know this is all my fault, but please, can you lend him to me for just one month? I just want my mother to pass away in peace."

I looked at her:

"Let go of me. This is Harrison's business. It has nothing to do with-"

Before I could finish, Vivian suddenly stumbled backward.

Before I could react, a force shoved me aside. I fell from the bed.

My barely healed wounds tore open again. Bright red blood soaked through my hospital gown, shockingly vivid.

Vivian leaned against Harrison, looking pitiful.

"I just wanted to honor my mother before she dies. Why did you push me?"

Harrison held her hand tenderly, but when he looked at me, his eyes held only coldness.

"Lily, when did you become so callous and cruel? Vivian just wants to give her mother peace before she dies. What's wrong with that?"

The word "cruel" pressed on my chest like a boulder, suffocating me.

I clenched my palms, swallowing the metallic taste in my throat.

"Aren't you two already married? Why are you asking me?"

Harrison froze, guilt flashing in his eyes, but he quickly covered it up.

"Lily, I already explained. The marriage license was forced by circumstances. Can you stop being so aggressive?"

"Now, apologize to Vivian immediately!"

I struggled to pull myself up from the floor and looked at him.

"I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?"

Harrison stared into my eyes, his anger intensifying.

"Lily, it seems I've spoiled you too much, turning you into this."

He waved toward the door, and two subordinates walked in.

"Lock her and her dog in the snake house. When she admits her mistake, let her out."

Hearing "snake house," my eyes widened in horror.

This area bordered mountains where snakes were common. Harrison had once organized people to capture them and release them in the wild.

"Harrison, you can't do this to me! You know I'm terrified of snakes!"

But he didn't even glance at me, walking out with Vivian in his arms.

"I'll go with you to see your mother. With me there, she'll be at ease."

Watching his retreating figure, I fell into complete despair.

Soon, I was dragged into the snake house.

Pushing open the door, the entire room was filled with snake cages, densely packed with writhing serpents.

My whole body trembled. I could barely stand.