Chapter 8

The next three days were a living hell for Zoe. She knew Elara asked for her company just to torment her more conveniently. Under the scorching sun, she was made to run back and forth between dozens of pastry shops. At the jewelry store, she was ordered to hold up jewelry cases weighing over ten pounds for hours on end. Her arms shook from exhaustion, but Elara wouldn't let her rest. The worst of it was when Elara "accidentally" spilled scalding coffee on her barely-healed back. Fresh blood immediately soaked through her dressings. Zoe endured it all in silence and reminded herself that she would be leaving in no time—until that day at the bridal boutique. "My legs are so sore from trying on dresses for so long. Massage them." Elara frowned as she pointed at Zoe. Zoe had barely approached when Elara kicked her to the ground and stomped on her hand. The pain shot straight to her heart as she screamed. One by one, Elara's heels ground into her knuckles. The agony blurred her vision, and cold sweat drenched her back. Yet, Elara smiled sweetly. "It hurts, doesn't it? Well, I find it pretty satisfying." Just as Zoe was about to pass out from the pain, the boutique door swung open. "Elara," Alder called out as he stood at the entrance. No one knew how long he'd been there, but he'd seen everything. Elara's expression shifted immediately as she rushed into his arms and hurriedly explained, "Alder, don't misunderstand! I got mad because she placed a thumbtack in my shoe—" "You don't have to explain," he said, cutting her off. His gaze swept indifferently over Zoe's bleeding hand. "She's just a maid. You're the Holts' future lady, so handle her however you like." He lowered his head and kissed Elara's hair. "Your feelings are all I care about." Elara beamed in delight. "Wait a bit. Let me try on the dress for you." After she disappeared into the fitting room, Zoe struggled to sit up when a loud bang came from nearby. "Oh, no! Ms. Vance fell down the stairs!" a shop assistant screamed. Alder's expression fell. He rushed over and scooped up Elara, who was now covered in blood. As he hurried past Zoe, he didn't even bother to spare her a single glance. As Zoe watched him leave, an old memory resurfaced in her mind for some reason. Back then, even if she'd just nicked a finger, he would hold her hand in panic before disinfecting and bandaging her wounds with care. Now, even if her fingers were crushed and bloody, he wouldn't even bat an eye. Her heart throbbed as if it'd been torn open, but the pain was so numb now that it barely registered. Suddenly, her phone rang. Zoe reached out with trembling, bloodied hands and tapped on the answer button. "Ms. Holt, your documents for leaving Cerulea are ready. You can come collect them now." In that moment, tears nearly spilled from her eyes. She could finally leave! She immediately grabbed a cab and rushed to pick up her passport and ticket, not even bothering to treat her injuries. As long as she left Cerulea, everything would be over. Zoe packed up and got ready to leave the Holt residence. But before she could exit the house, a group of guards barged in and grabbed her shoulders. Were they Alder's men? Why was he sending people after her? Her heart leapt to her throat. Could it be that he'd regained his memories?