Chapter 2

Jenna Frost POV

The next day in court.

I stood in the witness box, reading the script Peyton had prepared for me.

"I admit, there was a misunderstanding in my previous accusations against Dr. Carmen. My mother's physical condition was complex, and the surgery itself carried extremely high risks..."

I held back the burning in my eyes. Each word felt like biting my own tongue.

Carmen was released in court.

Outside the courthouse, I watched the reporters surge forward, and tears immediately welled up. I sobbed in front of the cameras.

"I just wanted to save lives. I never imagined I'd be so misunderstood. It's all my fault. I've already decided to resign."

At these words, all the microphones turned toward me.

"Miss Frost, why would you falsely accuse a dedicated doctor trying to save lives?"

"Because of your false accusations, the already tense doctor-patient relationship has gotten even worse. Don't you feel any guilt?"

The interrogating voices drowned me like a tide. I opened my mouth to say something, but was hit in the face by an egg thrown from somewhere in the crowd, forcing me to close my mouth.

The sticky egg white sealed my eyelashes.

Then water bottles, rotten vegetables, even fists-all came raining down on me like hail.

I instinctively looked toward Peyton, but only saw him carefully shielding Carmen in his arms as he led her away.

I instantly lost all strength, letting myself lose consciousness amid the barrage of punches and kicks.

When I woke again, I was in a hospital room reeking of disinfectant.

I moved slightly. My entire body hurt like it might fall apart. My forehead had been stitched up, and my vision was blurred.

A familiar figure stood by the bed, his voice devoid of warmth.

"You're awake? Should I get a doctor?"

I had no strength. I shook my head slightly.

Peyton looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"I'll handle the reporters. I'm sorry, I didn't expect this to happen."

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see him.

He paused, reaching out as if to touch my bandaged forehead.

But I instinctively turned my head away.

Finally, he tucked in my blanket, his voice lowering.

"Carmen is timid. She was frightened this time. Don't... hold it against her."

I snapped my eyes open and stared hard at him.

He used my brother's life to force me to settle, trampled my dignity and my mother's life to protect another woman, and now he was telling me not to hold it against her?

My heart felt like it had been violently torn open, with cold wind rushing endlessly inside.

I suddenly felt it was all so meaningless.

After much deliberation, I slowly lowered my gaze and finally said those words.

"Peyton, let's divorce."

At this, Peyton's hand paused as he poured water, his eyes complex as he looked at me on the bed.

I closed my eyes, not wanting him to see the tears in them.

"Throwing a tantrum again? Jenna, I thought after yesterday, you would've learned."

For the first time, I felt I'd never truly known Peyton.

The Peyton of the past would fly back from abroad just because I'd cut my finger.

But now, when I was physically and mentally exhausted, he only said I was "throwing a tantrum."

I swallowed the sob in my throat.

"Fine. I won't mention divorce."

Peyton's expression eased slightly, and I continued.

"But I want to see Wade. At least let me know he's safe."

"You can, but not now."

He stood and adjusted his cuffs.

"Once this matter completely blows over and the media stops targeting Carmen, I'll naturally let you see him."

"Oh, and Carmen was frightened. I'm not comfortable with her living alone, so starting today, she'll be moving into the villa."

"No! I..."

I refused, but before I could finish, Peyton cut me off.

"I'm just informing you. If you dare leave, don't blame me for breaking your brother's legs!"

With that, he turned and left the hospital room without looking back.

I lay powerlessly on the cold hospital bed, sudden sharp pain radiating from my forehead.

I couldn't hold back anymore and curled up, sobbing.

For the first time, I regretted saving him years ago.