Chapter 2

When Zoe woke up, she was met with the glaring white of the hospital ceiling. "Zoe, how are you feeling? Are you still in pain?" A familiar voice rang in her ears before a gentle face with soft facial features entered her sight. Eyes red-rimmed, Luke Stanton was sitting by her side. It looked like he'd been keeping watch over her for a long time. "...Luke?" The memories before she lost consciousness slowly pieced themselves together. She forced herself to sit up and asked, "Were you the one who saved me?" Luke nodded. His voice sounded like he was still trying to recover from the lingering fear. "I kept trying to call you, but couldn't get through. When I rushed to the Holt residence, I learned that you were locked in the freezer…" Halfway through his words, the TV in the ward suddenly switched to reporting breaking news… "Holt Corporation and Vance Corporation officially announced their wedding alliance today. Mr. Alder Holt and Ms. Elara Vance shall hold their wedding next month…" On the screen, Alder stood in a sharp, tailored suit and wore a stern, unreadable expression. Beside him, Elara held his arm as a bright, radiant smile lit up her face. They were the picture-perfect couple. Luke immediately grabbed the remote and turned the TV off. The room fell into a brief silence for several seconds before he exhaled deeply and turned to her. "Zoe, I know everything that's happened recently. You couldn't escape, but now that Alder has lost his memory… Let me take you away, alright?" His voice was soft but resolute. Zoe lowered his gaze and mumbled, "Thank you, Luke. I've started getting ready for the procedures needed to go abroad. The Holt family's power is rooted in politics, and he can't leave Cerulea." She paused and added, "But once I'm abroad, he'll never be able to find me again." A flash of relief flickered in Luke's eyes as he instinctively reached out and held her hand. "That's great! Let's handle the paperwork together!" She stiffened slightly and pulled her hand back. Realizing he'd overstepped, Luke quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I just… got too emotional." After a brief pause, his warm, sincere eyes met her gaze as he said, "But I hope you understand how I feel. You must be able to tell by now, can't you?" Zoe stayed silent and did not answer. Of course, she knew. From the very beginning when Alder began forcing his way into her life, Luke had always been quietly helping her. He once even offered to take her away, but she knew better than anyone how ruthless Alder could be. She'd tried to escape more than ten times but never succeeded. The longest she'd ever lasted on the run was ten minutes before getting caught again. There was once a man who simply flirted with her at a bar. The next day, he disappeared from the city without a trace. Alder's reach extended everywhere. There had been no escape for her, and she dared not inflict Luke, either. That was why she'd never responded to his feelings. Closing her eyes, her fingers trembled slightly as she said, "Luke, I…" Sensing what she was about to say, he intercepted. "I'm not asking for an answer now. I just want to tell you…" He took a deep breath and continued in a soft yet firm voice, "Once you leave this place, you can finally live a life of your own. You can work your favorite job, travel to places that make you happy, and… fall in love again. "I'll be happy for you even if it's not with me. All I want is for you to return to a normal life and not let this past year ruin it." He gave her a small, bitter smile. Zoe was stunned, and her eyes gradually welled up with tears. After a long pause, she whispered, "Thank you. Once I leave this place, I'll start fresh. I'll travel, work, and fall in love." She turned her eyes to the warm sunlight outside the window. Luke finally relaxed. The tension in his expression melted away into a gentle smile as he offered, "Let me come with you while you handle the paperwork." That afternoon, he tagged along while she completed her expedited visa process. "The visa should be ready in two weeks. Enjoy your trip," the staff said as they handed her her ID card. Stepping out of the embassy, Zoe let out a long breath. Sunlight spilled over her face, and for the first time in what felt like forever, a sense of lightness returned to her chest. Luke drove her back to the Holt residence. Along the journey, he chattered happily about all the plans they'd make abroad. He told her that once her visa came through, she should leave first. His family had business abroad, so he would apply to be transferred over. "Don't feel pressured, Zoe. Our family is planning to expand overseas anyway. It isn't just for you," he added for fear that she might turn him down. When the car pulled up in front of the villa, Zoe was about to step out when Luke suddenly called out to her, "Wait." He reached out and gently tucked a messy strand of hair behind her ear. His movements were so gentle that it was as if he were handling something fragile. Zoe instinctively raised her head and froze. Not far away, a pair of cold, sharp eyes stared straight at her from the top of the stairs. Alder stood there in a suit. His eyes gave off an unspoken air of authority.