Chapter 8

Mia breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor said it was just a flesh wound instead of a bone injury. She returned home once the wound was bandaged. The living room was cluttered with luggage of all shapes and sizes as the day of departure was around the corner. She rested for two days. During that period, she told a few close friends about her upcoming move abroad, and they organized a farewell dinner for her. Everyone was emotional at the dinner. They were reluctant to say goodbye and asked her to stay in touch after she left. It was almost midnight when the gathering finally ended. After seeing everyone off, Mia settled the bill and returned to the private room to grab her bag. On her way out, she walked past a neighbouring room and heard a few familiar voices. "Liam, how does it feel to win over your first love?" The door was slightly ajar. She could clearly hear Liam's joyful voice inside. "It feels like, even if I die now, I'd die with no regrets." A wave of laughter erupted in the room as soon as his words rang out, followed by a teasing question. "What about that childhood sweetheart of yours?" There was a long pause before Liam finally spoke. His tone was lazy and casual. "Her? She's great in bed." "She comes when called and leaves when told. There are no strings attached. Damn, Liam. We're all jealous of you." Another round of laughter followed. Liam raised his eyebrows without saying a word. "But now that you're engaged with Riley, what do you plan to do about your childhood sweetheart?" "It'll be a clean break. My heart only has room for Riley—I don't want anyone else." He was so resolute that everyone started praising his loyalty and devotion. Mia clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned pale. She had thought this situation couldn't hurt her anymore. However, it still tore her apart to hear those words from him. It turned out that their over 20 years of relationship, those late-night calls, the hand-holding, the kisses, and the nights spent together all came down to one conclusion—she was good in bed! She bit down hard on her lip to keep the surge of bitterness at bay before she turned around and walked away with a heavy heart. The sky had started to rain. She lowered her head and stepped into the downpour before someone blocked her. Riley stood in front of her and was flanked by four or five other girls, glaring at her without saying a word. Mia said nothing. She was about to hail a cab when Riley suddenly grabbed her wrist. "I always felt like something was off between you two. Now I get it. You're disgusting. I didn't know you had been sleeping with my boyfriend for such a long time." Her tone was laced with such venomous resentment that Mia's face turned visibly pale. She tried to explain, but Riley didn't give her the chance. She looked at her with a mocking expression. "Whatever. The past is in the past. But now that we're engaged, how dare you still chase after him? Do you really enjoy being the pathetic little mistress who can't show her face?" Mia's chest tightened as she took in a deep breath. "I'm not anyone's mistress, and I wasn't here to see Liam…" Riley shot a look at the girls around her before she could finish. "Drag her inside and bring over some beggars." The others caught on immediately. They grabbed Mia and began pushing her toward the stairs. "What are you doing?" Mia's heart trembled slightly as she struggled hard to break free, but she was outnumbered and overpowered. She was forced into the innermost private room and locked inside. It wasn't long before a girl returned with a homeless man beside her. Riley clapped her hands and stepped aside with a sneer. "She's desperate and won't even charge you. Have fun," she said as she instructed someone to close the door. In the narrow and suffocating space, the filthy man's eyes gleamed as he lunged forward. Mia clawed and kicked, resisting with all her strength. Yet, it was useless. The man was far stronger than her. Her dress was immediately torn apart, exposing a large area of her skin. His foul breath, reeking of sewage, filled the room as he pressed closer. Mia was filled with terror and rage. Her hand landed on an ashtray, and she smashed it against his head without hesitation. The man collapsed instantly with a loud thud. Having narrowly escaped, she grabbed her phone and bolted out. At the staircase, she ran into Riley, who hadn't gone far. Riley's expression shifted when she saw her running out. She quickly grabbed her wrist. "How did you get out?" She caught a glimpse of someone coming around the corner just as she was about to drag her back into the room. Her expression shifted instantly, and she suddenly threw herself backward and tumbled down the stairs. Liam walked out just in time to witness the scene and was utterly in shock. He rushed over and scooped Mia into his arms. When he saw the bruises all over her body, his eyes were filled with rage as he turned to Mia. "Mia! Why did you push Riley?"