I was like a hollow shell as he helped me back to the room.
"Does it hurt?"
His tone carried a note of reproach.
"You're so stubborn. Let me put some ointment on that."
The concern in his eyes didn't look fake.
He carefully lifted my shirt and applied the medicine with gentle hands.
A few days ago, I never would have believed he could hurt me like this for someone else.
But the reality was right in front of me.
The one who loved me—it was him.
The one who hurt me—also him.
Maybe, if I just told him the truth, things wouldn't have to end this way.
Clinging to that last desperate hope, I looked steadily at Charles.
"Do you know? Five years ago, I was actually the one who—"
The phone on the dresser buzzed relentlessly.
He picked it up, glanced at it for a moment, and that warm smile spread across his face again.
"Hmm? What were you saying?"
"I was the one who saved—"
Before I could finish, he cut me off.
"I need to go to the study. Something urgent came up."
His tone was casual.
"I'll come back to keep you company later. You can tell me then, okay?"
He leaned down and kissed me, just like always. His smile was gentle.
But his attention never left his phone. Not once did he spare me a glance.
Forget it.
Charles, you and I were never meant to be.
Two hours later, he fell into a deep sleep in my arms.
I slipped out of bed carefully and left the room.
The house was silent, the night deep. This was my best chance to escape.
Even without evidence, I had to go to the police.
I couldn't let Grandpa suffer for nothing. I couldn't let the people who hurt him walk free.
The night air bit cold against my skin as I rushed to the nearest police station to file a report.
After I finished giving my statement, Charles appeared.
He draped a coat over my shoulders.
"I'm so sorry about this."
He offered the officers an apologetic smile.
"My wife hasn't been well. She's been under a lot of stress lately, and her mental state has become... unstable. I apologize for the trouble."
He sighed, the picture of a weary, concerned husband.
"It's so late. I took my eyes off her for one moment, and she slipped out."
The officers exchanged glances, their gazes shifting between us.
I fought back immediately, my voice rising.
"He's lying! My grandfather is still in the hospital—go see for yourselves!"
"He's in on it too. Don't believe a word he says. I'm telling the truth. Freya forced the demolition and had people beaten!"