Chapter 4
The next day, Kate showed up at the villa where our wedding had taken place, looking for me. I was coming down the stairs when she caught me halfway.
“Claire, I heard Claude locked you up. I came especially to give you a break.” At that moment, she was like an angel to me p>
I knew she and Claude were in love, but she seemed harmless. I was too soft-hearted and wanted to step aside for them.
“Kate, thank you. I owe Richard a lot and wanted to pick him up from jail. After all, I’m his only family in this world p>
Kate patted my head and said, “I know it’s hard on you. I’ve talked to Claude. It’s not your fault you ended up in his bed. You’re innocent. I don’t mind it. You only need to tell Mrs. Hart you’re divorcing Claude p>
I didn’t know how to respond. I knew Claude disliked me. A forced relationship is never sweet, but Kate’s open desire for me to end my marriage was still upsetting.
I wanted the divorce, too. It was better to part ways amicably than stay with someone who resented you. But Gabrielle objected, even threatening to take her life as a way to repay my parents’ kindness if I went through with the divorce.
I hesitated, “I p>
“I know it’s tough, but you won’t be happy with Claude. Claude will only torment you. I can’t stand to see it. Is there anything you’re struggling with? I can help you escape from the Hart family.” Suddenly, she grabbed my hand tightly, looking at me with determination. I was moved, yet still hesitant. “Kate, I p>
Before I could finish, Kate stumbled backward, pulling me with her as we tumbled down the stairs.
I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen and couldn’t scream before I heard Claude’s anxious voice. “Kate p>
He rushed over, pushing past me to lift Kate, who had injured her arm.
“Claude, it’s not Claire’s fault. I just lost my balance. My arm hurts so much. I can’t lift it.” Kate leaned into Claude’s embrace, her voice sounding weak.
Claude said gently, “You’re too kind. I saw it. She pushed you. And you’re still defending her p>
He turned to me, his gaze as cold as ice, “If anything serious happens to Kate’s arm, I’ll send you back to the orphanage p>
Then, he said softly to Kate, “I’ll get you to the hospital p>
“Claude, take me with you. My stomach hurts so much.” I felt something bleeding out of me, the pain almost suffocating. “Please take me with you p>
“Claire, you’re still pretending even now?” He lifted Kate and stepped over me.
I couldn’t care less about them leaving. The pain made me curl up, blood pooling beneath me. “Help… someone, please help me p>
Time went by until I woke up. I was still on the floor, the blood dried around me. I barely managed to use the stair railing to pull myself up. The villa was empty except for the servant at the door, who was instructed not to let me out.
“I need to get to the hospital.” I staggered to the door, pale as a ghost, the servant scared and ready to take me to the hospital.
But just as I stepped outside, Claude returned with Kate, who was fine after the check-up, ready to take care of her.
When Claude saw me trying to leave, his face darkened. “Didn’t I say you couldn’t leave this house without my permission? Take her back!” His eyes were filled with rage, fearing I was going to Richard.
I begged. “I’m bleeding p>
Claude glanced at me, annoyed. “Why didn’t you say you were hurt sooner p>
Looking again, he added: “The blood’s dried. There’s no need to go to the hospital now p>
“I want to go to the hospital.” I insisted because my stomach felt strange, and I had missed my period for a week.
“It’s just a little blood. There’s no
need to be so dramatic. Go upstairs. Or are you looking for an excuse to see your old flame? You can’t forget him. Claude’s words were harsh.
en
Kate intervened, “Claude, don’t be so hard on Claire. You’re scaring her p>
Claude waved his hand. “She dared to push you down the stairs. A little injury is just her playing the victim. Not sending her to prison is the kindest thing I’ve done for her p>
The pain in my abdomen was intense, but Claude’s words pierced my heart even more, overshadowing the physical pain.
I slowly went upstairs, leaning on the stair railing for support.