Chapter 5

When Naomi woke up again, she was already in the hospital. For a moment, everything felt surreal. Her hand instinctively moved to her now-flat belly, and a sharp pain pierced through her chest. The baby was gone. "Bed 23, where are your family members? We still need payment for your treatment. You've been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning, and you'll need to cooperate with the police investigation. I'm sorry… we couldn't save your baby," the nurse said, noticing she was awake. Naomi's fingers trembled as she picked up her phone and tried calling Cassian. His phone was turned off. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. Since leaving last night, he hadn't responded to any of her calls, nor had he attempted to contact her even once. He had once promised that he'd be there the moment she needed him. But now, he had ignored her calls just to stay with Rayna. "I have no family. I'll pay myself," Naomi replied weakly. "You can't get out of bed. I'll handle it for you. Just rest." The nurse gently stopped her. After making her notes, the nurse walked out of the ward. She couldn't help but sigh. "Women really do live such different lives… "There's one woman who just had signs of a threatened miscarriage, and her husband panicked. He booked out an entire VIP floor and flew in a top medical team from across the world overnight to protect the baby." She glanced back at Naomi. "And then there's this poor woman. She suffered a miscarriage from poisoning, and not a single family member was by her side." Naomi heard every word. She knew the nurse was talking about Cassian and Rayna, but her heart no longer stirred. Afterward, Naomi asked to be transferred to a VIP ward. During her hospital stay, she hired someone to test the liquid residue on the glass shard. She was determined to find out who had poisoned her. Cassian had never contacted her during her entire hospital stay. She returned to the Whitaker residence, retrieved the ring Elena had left her, and stored all valuable keepsakes in a permanent safety deposit box. She planned to sell the villa and never return again. Afterward, she filed to legally change her name. She was going to make sure Cassian would never be able to find her. When Naomi returned home, she found Rayna curled up on the couch in her blanket, snacking and watching a drama. Her brows furrowed slightly, but before she could say a word, Rayna jumped up from the couch. "Naomi, you're back! Have you eaten yet? Cassian went out to buy a cake. Do you want him to bring you a slice of chocolate cake?" Rayna beamed, her eyes unable to hide the smugness behind her smile. "Why are you touching my things?" Naomi's expression turned cold as her gaze swept over the messy coffee table, and she felt uneasy. She never liked anyone touching her belongings, and she hated it even more when someone messed around in her home. Cassian knew her habits well. Hence, he rarely brought people over, and even when he did, he always ensured everything was clean and in order. Now, he was permitting Rayna to relax in her spot, enjoy her blanket, and indulge in her snacks... "Naomi, are you mad? Here, I'll give it back to you. Go ahead, pick them up." With a slight smirk, she dumped the chips onto Naomi's body. Naomi was momentarily stunned. Just as she was about to say something, Rayna dropped to her knees and started tidying up the scattered mess. "I'm sorry, Naomi. I was so hungry I thought I might faint. That's why I ate your snacks. Please don't be angry. I'll clean everything up right now," she said, her eyes turning red with unshed tears. "Honey, what are you two doing?" The unexpected turn took Naomi by surprise. It was only when she heard Cassian's voice behind her that all the pieces finally fell into place. Naomi turned around just in time to see him looking at Rayna on the floor, and she clearly caught the flicker of pain in his eyes. "I shouldn't have touched Naomi's things without her permission," Rayna choked out, head lowered. "Yeah, she hates it when others touch her stuff. And why is the living room such a mess? Take your cake and go. Don't come to my house again." Cassian frowned. Rayna froze for a moment. Then, she slowly stood and took the cake Cassian handed her. Suddenly, whether by accident or on purpose, she stumbled and lunged toward Naomi, who lost her balance and fell backward along with Rayna. In a flash, Cassian stepped forward, catching Rayna tightly in his arms. Naomi fell to the ground with a big crash just inches away. The back of her head slammed into the edge of the shoe cabinet. Blood poured instantly from the wound as dizziness swept over her. The last thing she saw before blacking out was Cassian holding Rayna tightly in his embrace.