Chapter 3

“No wonder Carlton said there was no need to call a doctor and just let Flora deliver the medicine!” A boy suddenly pointed at the medicine box and said, “This is so well-prepared, it has everything!” “Don't you know? Flora is famous in the circle for being a model girlfriend,” another person laughed. "Last time I went to Carlton's house for breakfast, she made more than 20 kinds of breakfast dishes, and every shirt was hand-washed... She practically worships Carlton like a god.” Amidst the commotion, Carlton didn’t glance at Flora once. Calista stood up and smiled at Flora: “So you’re Carlton’s girlfriend. I’ve heard a lot about you. My name is Calista.” “If you and Carlton end up together, we’ll be family. We should get along well.” “Didn’t Calista come back because she had a fight with Earnest?” someone complained. “How can you be family now? Are you going to forgive him so quickly?” “Yes, Calista, you can’t forgive Earnest so quickly.” Flora noticed that everyone present seemed to know about Carlton’s feelings for Calista, so they were secretly creating opportunities for him. Calista smiled: “We've been together for so long, and we have an engagement. The argument was just a momentary outburst; we'll eventually reconcile.” Flora clearly saw Carlton's eyes darken, and he forced a self-deprecating smile. “No, no, Calista, you can't forgive him so easily. Men should be made to suffer a bit so they know their mistake!” These young men continued to persuade her, ”Besides, finding someone else is also a not bad try..." “Enough.” Carlton suddenly interrupted, “We've had enough fun. Let's all go.” He turned to Calista: “I'll take you back to rest.” “No need. I'll take a taxi back myself.” Calista smiled at Flora, “Your girlfriend is here, so I won't disturb your private time.” Carlton hesitated. Flora knew he wanted to spend more time with Calista but couldn’t find a reason. “Calista, let’s walk you home together.” Flora suppressed the bitterness in her heart and spoke up, “I heard Calista’s family grows epiphyllum. Would it be okay to take a look?” Calista smiled and nodded, “Of course.” Carlton frowned at Flora, clearly not understanding her intentions. Once everyone had left, Calista stepped out first. Carlton suddenly grabbed Flora: “She’s my future sister-in-law. She’s not that kind of woman. You…” Flora froze. Did he think she was going to Calista’s house to cause trouble? All these years, she had never interfered with his relationships with other women. How could she possibly harm Calista, the person he cared about most? Did he really think she was that kind of person? Or was it that... he loved Calista too much to tolerate her being hurt in any way? Her heart felt as though it were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain making it hard for her to breathe. Just as she was about to explain, Calista's screams suddenly echoed from outside: “Let go of me!” Carlton’s expression changed abruptly. He rushed out and saw a drunk man grabbing Calista’s wrist. “Looking for death!” He grabbed a wine bottle and smashed it on the man’s head, then punched him repeatedly in the face. The drunk man’s face was covered in blood, but Carlton was like a madman, even pulling out a fruit knife— “Splash!” The knife tip pierced the drunk man’s palm, and blood gushed out. Flora had never seen Carlton like this before. Usually, he was always indifferent, letting his bodyguards handle anything that came his way. But now, the violence and madness in his eyes were almost overflowing. Seeing him about to stab the man in the chest, she feared it would escalate the situation, without thinking, she grabbed the blade with her bare hands! “Enough...” she said, her voice trembling with pain, “Calista just fell. Take her to the hospital first...” Carlton snapped back to reality, dropped the knife, and rushed to check on Calista's injuries: “I'll take you to the hospital right away!” “Check on Flora first,” Calista frowned, “her hand is badly injured.” Carlton froze for a moment, glancing at Flora’s bleeding hand: “You can go to the hospital by yourself. Calista has always been afraid of pain. I’ll take her first.” After saying that, he picked up Calista without hesitation and left. Flora stood there, blood dripping from her palm. “Damn it! You crazy bastard, you almost killed me for a woman...” The drunk staggered to his feet, “I thought she was your girlfriend, but she's not? Then I'll kill your woman!” He grabbed a bottle and smashed it hard on Flora's head! “Bang!” The first bottle hit Flora's head, shattering glass fragments everywhere, and warm blood trickled down her forehead. She went black in the eyes, before she could react, the second and third bottles came crashing down. Screams erupted around her: “Murder!” “Hey man! Your girlfriend is injured!” Flora knelt on the ground, warm blood blurring her vision. In the haze, she saw Carlton holding Calista walking further and further away, not once looking back.