Chapter 4

Chloe POV

"Watch out!"

Along with Seraphina's startled cry, the cup of scalding coffee splashed entirely onto my right hand.

Searing pain instantly struck. I jerked my hand back, watching my pale skin visibly redden and rapidly blister.

For a jewelry designer, the right hand is everything.

The room instantly descended into chaos.

Hayden practically reflexively stood up, pulling Seraphina into his arms and frantically checking her over.

"Seraphina, are you okay? Did you get burned?"

Seraphina hid in his embrace, eyes red-rimmed, like a frightened rabbit.

"I'm fine... Hayden, I didn't mean to. I just didn't hold the drawings steady..."

"It's okay, it's not your fault."

Hayden softly comforted her, only then turning to look at me.

Seeing my severely swollen right hand, his brow furrowed tight, but his tone carried reproach.

"Chloe, how could you not even dodge a cup of coffee? Seraphina's timid. Don't scare her."

I trembled from the pain, my left hand gripping my injured right wrist tightly.

I looked at Hayden's face full of concern for Seraphina, hearing his victim-blaming accusations, suddenly feeling like even breathing tasted of blood.

I couldn't dodge? Seraphina deliberately pushed the cup toward me!

The surrounding wealthy people started chiming in too.

"Exactly, Chloe. Seraphina just got back to the country. Why are you pulling that face?"

"It's just a burn, not like your face is ruined. Do you have to be so dramatic?"

"I think she's just jealous that Seraphina gets to marry Hayden. She's deliberately playing the victim."

Every sentence a knife, every word condemning.

This was the man I'd loved wholeheartedly for three years. This was the circle I'd once tried so hard to please.

In front of Seraphina, even my breathing was wrong.

"Hayden, don't blame Miss Blake."

Seraphina peeked out from Hayden's arms, looking at me pitifully.

"Miss Blake, I'm sorry. Is your hand okay? Should I take you to the hospital?"

"No need."

I said.

I didn't look at Seraphina's fake face, nor did I look at Hayden.

I straightened my spine and, forcing myself through the agonizing pain in my hand, walked step by step toward the door.

"Chloe, stop right there!"

Hayden shouted sternly.

"Seraphina is apologizing to you. What's with that attitude?"

My steps halted.

I slowly turned around, my gaze calmly sweeping across Hayden's face. I smiled.

"What attitude does Mr. Holloway want from me? Should I kneel down and thank Miss Vale for gracing me with this cup of hot coffee?"

"You!"

Hayden's face turned iron.

"The ring design is ruined. Miss Vale should find someone else."

With that, I walked out of the room without looking back.

The moment the door closed, I heard Derek's voice from inside.

"Hayden, Chloe's hand looks pretty badly burned. She makes her living with her hands..."

"She won't die."

Hayden's cold, hard voice penetrated the door and struck my heart.

"Her temper's getting worse and worse. It's all because I've spoiled her. Let her cool off for a few days on her own."

I closed my eyes as tears finally fell.

I took a taxi to the hospital alone.

In the emergency room, the doctor treated my blisters while giving me stern instructions.

"Second-degree burns. This hand can't touch water for at least a month, and you definitely can't hold a pen to draw. If it gets infected, it could scar, or even affect the nerves."

"I understand. Thank you, doctor."

After treating the wound, I left the hospital.

The night wind cut through me, bone-chillingly cold. I took out my phone and looked at the countdown on my calendar.

Five more days.

Hayden, you'll never control me again.