Chapter 3

A sharp pain suddenly shot through the back of my hand as a thin needle quickly pierced my skin.

The nurse's voice was sharp with impatience."Stop!"

She even pressed down harder, a deliberate warning.

"What rotten luck. They get to tend to Mr. Knight's wife, and I'm stuck with a blind nobody."

"If only she'd put in a good word for me with Mr. Knight, I wouldn't have to look at pathetic patients like you ever again..."

The sound of a glass vial shattering on the tile floor cut her off.

"Who's there? Oh, Mr. Knight, what are you-"

Her voice shifted from irritation to a tremor of fear.

Gabriel's voice, cold with fury, filled the room. It chilled me to the bone.

"Fuck off. Don't let me see you again."

A warm, familiar warmth enveloped me. The man's body seemed to tremble slightly, his voice filled with guilt.

"I'm sorry, Nora. I came too late and let you suffer. I'm sorry..."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

Compared to having my corneas and uterus removed, this grievance was nothing.

But he seemed extremely remorseful, holding me so tightly I could barely breathe.

"I don't want to stay in the hospital. I want to go home."

The man's warm breath blew on my neck.

"After the doctor checks you over, I'll take you home."

He didn't know that the home I meant wasn't his villa, but the prestigious Harper family estate far away in the capital.

Years ago, when there was turmoil within the Harper family, my father hid me in Chicago to avoid danger, but someone still found out.

When I was cornered in an alley, Gabriel appeared and took a fatal knife wound for me.

That moment, love at first sight became real for me.

Later we attended the same university and started dating, spending every day together. Everyone around us envied our relationship.

That's when Lily appeared too.

I pitied her for eating only bread for every meal, sympathized with her talent, so I sponsored her.

Lily was deeply grateful to me, and we became inseparable best friends.

I just didn't know when she and Gabriel ended up in the same bed, or when Gabriel fell in love with her.

Gabriel tucked the hair by my ear, his voice more tender than ever before.

"Nora, let's have the wedding tomorrow as planned, okay? I really want to marry you soon and make you Mrs. Knight."

The wedding I once dreamed of now seemed like a nightmare.

I shook my head gently. "No."

Gabriel didn't expect me to refuse. He released me and explained with rare patience,

"I know you're scared. Don't worry, I'll arrange everything properly. I guarantee no one will dare gossip about you. Lily will be your bridesmaid to help you."

"Our officiant will be Damien Harper, head of the capital's Harper family. I promised you the grandest wedding."

At my brother's name, my fingers tightened around the man's sleeve.

The Harpers didn't know I was in Chicago. They certainly didn't know Gabriel Knight's fiancée was me.

Years ago, I'd refused a marriage contract to a billionaire's son. I left home in a rage and never looked back.

A sick, hollow feeling swelled in my chest. I couldn't bear to picture Damien's face if he saw me like this.

My arm suddenly felt heavy, accompanied by a clear, anxious female voice.

"Nora, I was so worried. From now on, I'll be your eyes. I'll take care of you... always."