Chapter 4

Elena POV

The basement laboratory of the Cross estate never saw daylight.

The air reeked of sharp alcohol mixed with various high-concentration synthetic compounds.

The bodyguard threw me inside, then locked the heavy metal door from the outside.

"Mr. Cross says if you can't finish the perfume, you don't need to come out."

The bodyguard's cold voice came through the door crack.

I lay on the ice-cold tile floor, clutching my lower abdomen, gasping for breath.

The warmth between my legs continued, but I didn't dare think about what it meant.

I gritted my teeth and used the edge of the lab table to pull myself up, bit by bit.

I couldn't collapse. Jamie's life was still in Damien's hands.

Even if it killed me, I had to finish this perfume first.

For the next three days, I stood at the lab table day and night.

To achieve the ultimate olfactory experience, perfumers can't wear gloves while working.

We have to use our fingertips to feel the temperature and texture of the essential oils. High-concentration acidic solvents and volatile chemicals mercilessly corroded my hands.

My once slender, fair fingers were now swollen and red. In some places, the skin had started peeling and bleeding.

Every time I touched a glass vial, it felt like needles piercing my skin.

But I didn't care about the pain. I just mechanically measured, mixed, shook, and sniffed.

The dragging pain in my abdomen grew more intense. I forced myself to keep going with high doses of painkillers.

When the medication kicked in, I'd have brief hallucinations. I'd find myself back ten years ago.

Back then, Damien had lost his sight in a car accident. His temper was explosive, like a wild animal. He smashed everything in his room.

I was the one who stayed by his side every day, using lavender and cedarwood aromatherapy I'd blended myself to slowly calm his rage.

I even damaged my vocal cords rescuing him from a fire. For half a year, I couldn't speak at all.

But when he finally removed his bandages and regained his sight, the person standing before him was Lily White.

She wore the same clothes as me. She sprayed on perfume I'd created. She effortlessly took credit for everything I'd done.

The timer's beep pulled me back to reality.

The last drop of Bulgarian rose essential oil fell into the flask. The liquid turned a mesmerizing pale gold.

It was done.

I slid to the floor, completely drained. I looked at the bottle of perfume that contained all my heart and blood, and smiled bitterly.

A few hours later, the metal door opened.

Damien walked in. Without even glancing at me, he grabbed the perfume from the table.

"Tonight is Lily's celebration party."

He tossed out the words.

"You're her assistant. You have to attend."

I didn't even have the strength to refuse.

That evening at eight, the city's most exclusive hotel.

Elegant guests mingled. Champagne flowed.

Lily wore a designer gown and priceless jewelry. She looked like a noble princess surrounded by admirers.

The captivating scent she wore was the fragrance I'd created with my life's blood.

Camera flashes exploded. Praise filled the air.

"Miss White, this perfume is absolutely stunning! You truly are a genius in the perfume world!"

Lily leaned sweetly against Damien, her smile radiant.

"Thank you, everyone. I really have to thank Damien for all his support."

I stood in the corner wearing a cheap black work suit, invisible. I was even holding Lily's backup heels for her.

My hands were covered in rashes and cuts. Every tiny movement sent sharp pain through them.