Chapter 9

“Killer?” Catherine grabbed Elizabeth's weak wrist and let out a cold laugh. “You know why I didn't just finish you off on the operating table? ‘Cause that'd be too easy. I want to see you suffer, watch you fall apart, dying a little every day.” Worse than death. Yeah, that's exactly what I've been living. “Why... why!” Elizabeth leaned her head back and let out a broken, painful wail. But Catherine wasn't about to let her off the hook just yet. “Heard you got locked up over those photo proofs? God, you're so dumb. You walk right into every trap I set.” She giggled behind her hand, smug and nasty. “Took me forever to find a girl who looked like you from a certain angle. Had her take those bed pics. Then I hired a private eye to tail you two all night until he snagged that perfect misangled kiss photo. Even got the hotel check-in records ready. You really think I'd use something as lame as a Photoshop fake?” “And tell me, Elizabeth—how does it feel being blamed by the one you love the most? How's it feel knowing your baby got choked to death, your womb ripped out? He'll never believe you. Not ever. Ha!” Elizabeth's eyes burned blood-red, fury rushing to her brain so fast it was like her veins were on fire. Her frail body suddenly exploded with energy, and she lunged, slamming Catherine down to the ground and wrapping her fingers tight around her throat. One thought was screaming in her head: Kill her. Kill her now! Completely off guard, Catherine tumbled, caught mid-celebration. She snarled, slamming her foot hard into Elizabeth's stomach and kicking her to the side. The pain made Elizabeth's whole body twitch, but she gritted her teeth and sprang again. Nothing else mattered—she had to get justice for her babies. Catherine gave a terrified scream, about to fight back, but then she spotted someone out of the corner of her eye. In a snap, her expression flipped. She stopped resisting and choked out softly, even with Elizabeth's hands still at her neck, “I'm sorry, Elizabeth... it's my fault. I couldn't save your child... I'm so sorry...” “Stop!” William's yell cut through the chaos as he rushed over, yanking Elizabeth off her. “What the hell happened—Eliza...” He froze when he saw her face. Her hair was a mess, eyes wild like a cornered beast in its final moment, full of agony and pure hatred. William's heart sank. Elizabeth looked like she'd used up every drop of strength. The next second, she collapsed backward onto the bed like all the fight had drained out of her. “Eliza, talk to me—are you alright?” He took a step forward, trying to check on her, only to have her turn away coldly, her hatred and indifference crystal-clear. His hand hung in the air for a second, before slowly pulling back, frustration tightening his brows. “I get that you're not well right now. But let's talk when you're feeling better, okay?” Elizabeth felt like her whole chest was bleeding. She looked away, refusing to meet the eyes of the man she once loved to the bone—now the one she hated most. The room went ice-cold. Catherine climbed off the floor, brushing herself off, as William shot a glare in her direction. “Catherine, what the hell just happened between you two?” Elizabeth tried to kill her... Catherine's smile twitched. She saw how William hadn't defended her earlier but rushed to check on Elizabeth instead. Her teeth clenched in silent rage. She lowered her head, putting on her best softspoken act. “I'm sorry. I couldn't save the baby. That's why she lost it...” Just the mention of the baby sent a sharp pain through William's chest. His face softened. He bent down and said gently, “Eliza... what's done is done. Focus on getting better first. If you still want a kid later, we can adopt one once you're healthy again.”