Chapter 3

When I woke up, both Pearson and Ivy were by my bedside.

The side of my face was wrapped in gauze, and my abdomen ached with a dull pain.

Pearson trembled as he held my hand, saying softly, "I'm sorry, Zoe. The doctor said your ovaries were damaged. You'll never be able to have children of your own."

Pearson's words hit me like a blow to the head. I opened my mouth but didn't even have the strength to speak.

Ivy's eyes were red as she hesitated. "It's all my fault for being afraid of blood. Pearson made a big deal out of it and insisted I get in the ambulance first. The doctor said if you'd come earlier, there would have been hope."

Pearson disagreed. "You're pregnant. It's right to be careful."

Ivy comforted me. "Zoe, you don't need to be too sad. The doctor said I'm pregnant. I'll let you be my baby's godmother, okay? Since you can never get pregnant again anyway, you can just come back to the villa with us and help me take care of—"

Before she could finish, I slapped Ivy.

Pearson grabbed my hand, furious. "Zoe Harper, are you crazy? Ivy was trying to comfort you, and you hurt her? Apologize to Ivy!"

I said coldly, "Impossible."

Pearson's grip became even more brutal, but even though the pain nearly crushed my wrist bone, I refused to back down.

Pearson threw my hand away and suddenly sneered. "Zoe Harper, you really think I have no way to deal with you? Let's see just how stubborn you can be!"

With that, Pearson took Ivy to find a nurse.

I recovered from the pain, got up, changed clothes, and went to see my mom.

My mom had a bad heart and was receiving long-term treatment at this hospital.

Just as I was about to enter her room, someone covered my mouth with brute force and dragged me to the hallway. The person violently slapped me.

I was knocked to the ground, followed by fists and feet raining down on me like hail.

"Damn it, you little bitch hid pretty well. If it weren't for Mr. Pearson, I wouldn't have been able to catch you two!"

"You've made quite a bit off men these years, haven't you? Spit it all out and go back to the village to get married. Try running again and I'll beat you to death!"

Hearing my stepfather's curses, I instantly felt like I'd fallen into an ice cave, cold as death itself.

I hugged my head and curled up numbly, taking the beating. Tears poured out in large drops.

So the person who pulled you from the abyss also knows best how to push you into hell.

My mom heard the commotion and tried to rush over to protect me, but my stepfather kicked her away.

She had an acute attack. My stepfather tried to go after her again, but I desperately held onto his legs, refusing to let go no matter how much it hurt.

Seeing Pearson watching coldly from the crowd, I finally broke down.

"I was wrong. I'm sorry. Please, let my mom and me go!"

Pearson waved his hand, and my stepfather was taken away.

He sighed and helped me up. "Wouldn't it have been better to apologize earlier? Why make yourself so miserable?"

"You hurt Ivy's feelings. Tomorrow's wedding will be mine and Ivy's now. Be a good bridesmaid and make amends."

"Remember to hide your wounds. Don't scare her. I'll cover all the medical expenses for you and your mom."

I clenched my fists but weakly nodded.