Chapter 6

Cecilia strutted in, looking refreshed with her flawless makeup—a stark contrast to Adrianna, whose body was completely wrapped in bandages. "I heard you were badly injured," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with unmasked malice. "These past few days, James hasn't left my side. He feeds me himself, tucks me in to sleep…" She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "And here you are, lying in bed with no one to even come check on you. How pitiful." Adrianna turned her head away, refusing to look at her. "Do you need some help?" Cecilia suddenly reached out and pressed hard on Adrianna's fractured leg. The searing pain made Adrianna immediately push Cecilia away. Stumbling back a few steps, Cecilia dropped to the floor in disbelief. "How dare you push me?" She got to her feet and dusted off her skirt. "James treats me like a princess," she said through gritted teeth. "He cares for me like I'm some fragile treasure, and yet you still dare treat me this way? Just you wait." With that, she glared at Adrianna and slammed the door shut. Adrianna's chest tightened. A sudden sense of premonition gripped her. Less than ten minutes later, James kicked the door open. "Adrianna!" His eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed her by the throat. "Ceci came to see you, and you let some thugs assault her?" Adrianna's eyes widened. "I didn't—" "You're still denying it! If I hadn't arrived in time, she would've been…" James inhaled sharply, his gaze turning as cold as ice. "I know you like me, but I've said this countless times—I hate you. "And if you hurt Ceci… I'll loathe you." Adrianna hacked violently, tears blurring her vision. "I… really didn't…" "Very well." He suddenly smiled, but it was a smile that sent shivers down her spine. "If you won't admit it, then I'll repay in kind." He clapped his hands, and five burly men filed in. Adrianna's pupils were blown wide. "James, what are you doing?" "What do you think?" He stared at her coldly. "You dared to hurt Ceci, so now you must pay the price." Adrianna struggled to get out of bed, but her fractures left her immobile. "Are you insane? If you touch me, you'll ruin the partnership between our families for good!" "I'm willing to go against the Quinnen family if it's for Ceci's sake," James said, turning to leave. "Have fun." "James! Are you really going to be this cruel?" she cried out. James paused, looking back at her. "Since you're afraid, I'll give you a chance. Promise me you won't choose me as your fiancé on your birthday, and I'll let you go today." "I wasn't going to choose you anyway!" Adrianna's voice was hoarse. "I'll choose anyone else but you!" His expression darkened. "You won't choose me? Do you think I'll believe that?" He sneered. "You've been chasing me all your life—you were in love with me for years. If you're going to be this stubborn, don't blame me for being ruthless." The moment the door shut, the five men closed in on her. Overwhelmed by despair, Adrianna closed her eyes as the sound of tearing fabric filled her ears.