Chapter 9

Maverick turned toward Nicole abruptly, shock apparent in his eyes. "Nicky, you—" Nicole interrupted him. "After all, she's your lawful wife." "No! Nicky, listen to me!" Maverick panicked, hurriedly grabbing her wrist. "I only married her to save you! It's just a title. It means nothing. In my heart…" Nicole thought to herself, "It means nothing? Then why did you keep hurting me for her? Why did you choose her when it came down to life and death? Why were you so frantic when she fell into the water? And why did you send people to rip out all my fingernails just to avenge her?" Nicole took a deep breath, as if afraid that her emotions would completely collapse the next second. She gave him an excuse that sounded reasonable enough. "I'm tired and want to be alone. Since she's looking for you, there must be something important. You should go check on her. Otherwise, she'll just come here and disturb me. I need some peace." Hearing this, Maverick finally relaxed a little. He tucked the blanket around Nicole, his voice gentle as he said, "Then… I'll go check on her. I'll be back soon to keep you company." "Mmm," Nicole responded softly and closed her eyes. The moment the hospital room door shut, her eyes flew open. She stared at her hands, wrapped in thick bandages. The burning pain reminded her of the torture she had endured, and exactly who it came from. No longer able to hold it in, she pressed her arm tightly over her eyes. All the pain, humiliation, anger, and despair she had suppressed for so long erupted like a volcano as she sobbed violently. It hurt so much… Why did loving someone lead to an ending like this? She didn't know how long she cried before her phone suddenly vibrated. It was Chloe, who had sent her a video. In the video, Maverick and Chloe were tangled together in bed again, their movements more intense than before. Between gasps, Chloe said, "Maverick… last time you said you only slept with me because of the antidote… Then, what about this time? What is it for this time?" Maverick paused briefly, then grew rougher. His voice was cold and impatient. "To make sure you stop bothering me! I still need to take care of Nicky." Chloe seemed provoked. She suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around him and cried out near his ear, "Maverick, you asshole! You clearly love me!" The next second, Nicole saw clearly the shift in Maverick's expression. The coldness and impatience vanished, replaced by surging love so intense it nearly overflowed. His movements became even more fierce. He lowered his head to kiss Chloe, then leaned close to her ear, losing control as he whispered, "Yes, I'm an asshole. So don't even think about escaping me for the rest of your life." The video ended abruptly. Nicole stared at the darkened screen, feeling as if her soul had already left her body. She couldn't even cry anymore. When pain reached its extreme, it turned into numbness. That night, Maverick never returned to her hospital room. He stayed with Chloe. The next morning, Nicole received a message on her phone. Her overseas visa had been approved. She stared at the message, a faint glimmer flickering in her lifeless eyes. She immediately rang for the doctor and nurses. Ignoring their advice, she insisted on being discharged. Then, she returned to the villa and quickly packed all her documents and a small luggage. Dragging her suitcase behind her, she took one last look at the place that had held so many of her smiles and tears. Then, she turned away, got into a taxi, and headed for the airport. Meanwhile, Maverick didn't get out of Chloe's bed until well past morning. She clung to him, refusing to let him leave. Though he kept a stern expression, there was a trace of reluctant satisfaction in his eyes. Still, he pushed her away. "Stop it. I need to go check on Nicky." He straightened his clothes, composed himself, and went next door. When he pushed the door open, the room was empty. He froze. He called a nurse over and demanded an explanation, only to learn that Nicole had discharged herself without authorization, despite her severe injuries. She was hurt so badly. How could she just leave? This was absurd! Frowning, Maverick pulled out his phone and called Nicole. But what greeted him was a cold, mechanical female voice. Each word struck his ear with cruel clarity. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service…"