Chapter 5
Stella's POV
The termination was handled smoothly. Though the penalty was a huge sum, my prize money and endorsements over the years were enough to cover it.
That afternoon, I returned to the villa and started packing my belongings.
I packed clothes, rackets, and trophies into boxes one by one, my movements efficient and resolute.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to find Serena standing outside with several shopping bags, smiling innocently.
"Stella, Lucas said you were resting at home today, so I came specially to see you."
Serena spoke while walking right in uninvited.
She placed the shopping bags on the sofa, deliberately revealing a dazzling diamond bracelet on her wrist.
"Stella, do you think this bracelet is beautiful? Lucas specially accompanied me to the mall today to pick it out. He said I wear it better than you ever could."
I glanced at the bracelet. It was the one I'd chosen last month, planning to use as an engagement gift.
"Done showing off? Then get out."
I couldn't even be bothered to give her an extra glance and continued packing.
Seeing my reaction, Serena bit her lip, malice flashing in her eyes.
"Stella, actually you packing up and leaving is the right thing to do. Lucas doesn't love you at all. He's just used to you throwing yourself at him. Now that I'm back, you should have known to make way."
I stopped what I was doing and looked at her coldly.
"Serena, do you think picking up garbage I threw away is something to be proud of?"
"You!"
Serena was livid.
Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the villa.
Several extreme fans wearing masks and carrying banners broke through the residential security and rushed toward the main gate.
"Stella! You match-fixing fraud! Give us back our hard-earned money!"
It turned out my loss in the French Open finals had caused some underground gambling extremists to lose money, and they'd come for revenge.
The situation instantly spiraled out of control.
At that moment, Lucas's car pulled up at the villa entrance. He'd just gotten out when he saw the chaotic scene.
"Lucas! Help!"
Serena screamed in terror, stumbling as she ran outside.
An extreme fan holding a glass bottle filled with unknown liquid aimed viciously at Serena and me.
"Go to hell!"
In that critical moment, Lucas rushed over.
I was closer to him. I thought he'd pull me aside.
But Lucas walked right past me. He pulled Serena into his arms and shoved me out of the way.
"Serena, watch out!"
I was shoved off balance and fell hard onto the gravel driveway.
The bottle of unknown liquid splashed onto the wall beside us, releasing a pungent acidic smell and instantly corroding the paint. It was sulfuric acid!
If I hadn't reacted quickly and rolled to the side, that sulfuric acid would have splashed directly on my face.
But my right wrist slammed hard against the sharp corner of a step when I fell.
Piercing pain instantly engulfed my entire body. I broke out in cold sweat and nearly passed out from the agony.
Security finally arrived and subdued the extreme fans.
Lucas nervously checked over Serena in his arms.
"Serena, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Serena cried, her face covered in tears.
"Lucas, I was so scared."
After confirming Serena was unharmed, Lucas finally turned to look at me, sitting collapsed on the ground.
I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes.
"Stella, are you okay?"
Lucas walked over, looking down at me from above, his tone carrying irritated explanation.
"You react fast and have good physical conditioning. Serena's body is weak. She couldn't dodge. I could only protect her first."
I raised my head, looking at this man I'd loved for seven years.
The excruciating wrist pain reminded me that my professional career might truly be finished because of that push he just gave me.
No anger. No hysteria.
"I understand."
I steadied myself against the wall and struggled to my feet, not sparing Lucas another glance as I limped back into the villa.
In that moment, I didn't know if panic surged in his heart.
I only knew that something was completely leaving me.