Chapter 4

Fortunately, my bodyguards quickly tackled him to the ground.

I looked down at him like he was a raving lunatic and said coldly, "She got shot? Go to a hospital. What the hell does that have to do with me? Did I pull the trigger?"

Cole glared up at me, looking like he wanted to rip my throat out.

"If you hadn't humiliated her yesterday, calling her mother a home-wrecker, she wouldn't have run out in tears! She wouldn't have crossed paths with those thugs! You wanted her dead all along, didn't you?"

"I'm telling you, if anything happens to Vivian, I will make you pay with your life!"

A mocking smile played on my lips.

"With what army? You think you can take on my men alone?"

Suddenly, a cold, imposing figure stepped into the hangar, backed by a massive horde of armed mafia soldiers. It was Killian.

"What if he has me?"

Cole spat in disgust, "Don't waste your breath on her. Vivian is bleeding out, we can't delay. Drag her to the hospital for a transfusion!"

"You're the one who caused this, Elena. Now you're going to pay your debt!"

I had only traveled with a small security detail for this low-profile flight.

My men were quickly outnumbered and disarmed. Cole grabbed me roughly by the neck, shoving me face-first onto the cold concrete.

The rough ground scraped my cheek raw. Tears of pain welled in my eyes, but I kept my gaze locked on Killian.

"Killian Hayes. I'm only going to ask you one thing."

"Are you seriously telling me you can't see through her pathetic act?"

Killian closed his eyes. When he opened them, the last shred of hesitation had vanished.

"I know."

It was laughably pathetic.

They both knew she was playing them like violins, yet they were entirely willing accomplices.

But why did they have to drag me down to hell with them?

On the way to the hospital, Killian let out a soft sigh.

"You regressed too, didn't you?"

I let out a dry, mocking chuckle.

"Whether I did or didn't, what difference does it make? You never choose me anyway."

"I'm sorry."

I turned to look at him, finding the entire situation absurd.

"Is your 'sorry' going to mend my broken bones, Killian?"

He suddenly leaned in and kissed me forcefully, murmuring against my lips, "Elena, just bear with it one last time."

"It's just a blood transfusion. You won't die."

"After this is over, I'll marry you. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

I curled my lips into a cold smile and said nothing.

Once we arrived at the hospital, I was dragged straight into the transfusion room.

As my blood drained through the tubes into the sterile bags, I felt the strength slowly leaving my body.

Meanwhile, Killian and Cole had already rushed to the operating theater door, frantically pacing.

"How is Vivian?"

No one cared if I was dizzy. No one cared how dangerously pale my face had become.

By the time the nurse started on the second bag, my vision began to blur.

The nurse looked at me with deep concern.

"Sir, this lady has severe anemia. If we draw any more, her life will be in critical danger."

Hearing this, Killian frowned. He walked over and grabbed my hand, trying to offer some empty comfort.

"Vivian’s surgery isn't over yet. Just hold on a little longer, Elena."

I stared up at the harsh fluorescent lights of the ceiling, feeling an overwhelming wave of exhaustion.

"Killian. After today, let's just let each other go."