Chapter 8

Aidan’s secretary hurried into his office as soon as he arrived the next morning. “Second Young Master, the hospital just called and said that Madam…” Aidan immediately looked up and cut the secretary off coldly: “There’s no need for you to tell me anything about her in the future.” Sensing the warning tone in Aidan’s voice, the secretary replied curtly: “Yes, Second Young Master.” He then turned around to walk out of the door. Just as he was about to, however, he heard Aidan throw his pen against his table in frustration - the latter exclaimed: “Hang on a second - isn’t she in prison? Why did the hospital call then?” The secretary turned back around and informed: “Second Young Master, Ma...Miss Harvey attempted suicide in prison last night.” Aidan’s expression turned even more serious at this revelation - despite his best efforts, he couldn’t quite conceal the concern in his voice: “Is...is she dead?” “No, she’d been resuscitated...the hospital called to ask you what you would like to do about her.” Aidan couldn’t hold himself back from letting out a sigh of relief when he heard this news - he loosened his tie and asked monotonously: “Why did she try to commit suicide?” “The prison officers reported that Miss Harvey is so accustomed to the high life that she simply couldn’t stand being in prison - alas, I’ve yet to confirm the details. However, I’ll be sure to acquire them as quickly as I can as long as you say the word, Second Young Master…” Aidan’s face hardened as he thought about just how much his mother had suffered - he replied coldly: “No, that’s alright, that wouldn’t be necessary - send someone to warn that woman. Tell her that if she dares to try and attempt suicide again, her father and brother will die together with her.” A woman like her should be locked in prison and reflect upon all of her sins. “Yes, Second Young Master.” And so, the message was conveyed to Eliana. Aidan did not know just how much his words had shooked Eliana. She now did not dare to attempt suicide ever again for the fear of implicating her father and brother. Due to her suicide attempt, Eliana was punished by being tortured even more severely when she returned to prison - old scars burned into her skin, only to be replaced by new wounds every day; they didn’t seem to stop coming. Soon enough, Eliana grew numb to everything - she no longer tried to resist or put up a struggle against her captors; she simply let herself be used and abused, at the complete and utter mercy of her captors. Eliana continued to live like this for the next two years...she’d been completely emptied and hollowed out, so much so that she could no longer remember what it felt like to be alive. Her pride and dignity were completely gone - nevertheless, Eliana hung in there, hoping that her suffering and pain would mean that her father and brother would be spared and granted a peaceful life. … One day, the door of the cell that Eliana had been living in for the past two years abruptly swung open to reveal a figure standing there. “Come out, Eliana.” the figure stated curtly. Eliana obliged; she got up from the ground numbly and heaved her weary body out of the cell, bracing herself to be pelted with blows and sharp insults - only to realize that she’d been given a change of clothes before being sent out of jail. Huh? What’s going on? I still have a year to serve before I may be released from prison… “You’d better behave yourself when you’re out.” The prison warden warned her. Eliana felt raindrops littering all over her body as soon as she walked out of the prison gates; badly traumatized from being forced to work in the rain even when she was unwell and in no condition to be doing any sort of labor, she couldn’t help but shudder and think about just how much she hated the rain now. Just then, a bright light shone directly onto Eliana - it was the headlights of a car. This must be the doing of the prison wardens...what are they trying to play at this time? Just as she was deep in her thoughts, a figure exited the car and approached Eliana, holding an umbrella for her. “Miss Harvey - long time no see.” Eliana immediately took a step back as soon as she realized who the man was. It was Robert Clements, Aidan’s housekeeper. “Second Young Master is waiting for you inside the car - please get inside.” Eliana furrowed her brows: “Was he the one who’d bailed me out?” Instead of replying, Robert bowed respectfully without saying a word. Eliana clenched her fists slightly. Just as I was wondering what would happen if I were to run away...it looks like there’s not going to be any sort of escape after all. And so, resigned to her fate, Eliana relented and got into the stretch limousine, sitting on the opposite side of Aidan - the latter looked as stoic and indifferent as always, not even batting an eye when she entered the vehicle. He studied Eliana silently - even though she’d always been thin, she looked even frailer and weaker than usual. While she’d always been fair, she now looked so deathly pale that she appeared to be ill and malnourished. There were scars littered all over her face - she looked so different from how she used to look like that Aidan would never have recognized her had he not known who she was in the first place. Eliana used to look at Aidan as though he’d plucked the stars in the night sky for her - alas, she now refused to even look at him in the eye. Her eyes were dull and downcast, with not the slightest bit of life or vigor in them… As the car started to drive away from the prison, Eliana piped up: “What do you want with me?” She questioned in a hoarse voice. Aidan scoffed coldly: “It’s been two years since we’d last seen each other - it looks like you’ve gotten smart.” Eliana snorted - alas, she did not say anything in response. I feel sick to my stomach just by talking to him. Aidan felt infuriated by the way that Eliana was acting. Just then, he threw her a document and demanded: “You’d better read it through and sign it.” Eliana opened the folder and scoffed as soon as she realized what was inside. It was a liver donor agreement.