Chapter 5

Daisy's POV

Sean's casual dismissal crushed the very last ounce of my dignity into dust.

The high-society crowd dispersed with mocking smiles, leaving only the catering staff clearing dirty plates.

A young waitress walked over and draped an oversized cleaner's jacket over my torn clothes.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up, wrapped the jacket tightly around myself, and walked out of the hotel lobby, stepping gingerly on bruised feet.

Outside, rain was pouring in sheets, slamming violently against my body.

Soaked to the bone, the alcohol allergy triggered a splitting headache and violent stomach spasms, making every step a struggle.

A sleek black sedan rolled up beside me. The window slid down, revealing Sean's tense jawline.

"Get in."

Acting as if he didn't exist, I dragged my leaden legs forward into the downpour.

Sean shoved the door open, caught up in a few strides, and clamped his hand around my wrist.

"I said get in. Can't you hear me?"

I stopped and turned to look at him, my face as white as paper.

"I wouldn't dare trouble you, Mr. Vance. I'm just a hired interpreter on payroll. I don't belong in your car."

Seeing the chilling detachment in my eyes, Sean's fingers tightened involuntarily.

"I didn't handle the search well tonight, but Madison just got back. I owe her too much from the past, and I can't let her feel slighted."

"Whatever you suffered tonight, I'll compensate you for it later. Don't throw a tantrum in public."

I yanked my wrist out of his grip with all my strength, taking two steps back to put distance between us.

"You're overthinking it, Mr. Vance. I'm just a working girl. I have no right to throw tantrums at you or your future wife."

"I didn't know my place before. From today on, I will remember that I am merely an interpreter. I will never interfere with your personal life again."

Looking at my deadpan eyes, Sean's voice grew irritated.

"You know that's not what I meant!"

"I only said those things to humor Madison in front of her friends. In my heart, you—"

I couldn't hear whatever came next.

The raging fever and severe allergic reaction overwhelmed my nervous system completely. Darkness rushed in, and I collapsed straight into the flooded street.

When I opened my eyes again, harsh white hospital lights stared back down at me.

My soaked clothes had been replaced with a striped hospital gown. The cuts on my temple and arms were treated with iodine and wrapped in thick gauze.

A nurse was adjusting my IV drip. Seeing me wake up, she glanced down with a warm smile.

"You're awake? Your boyfriend stayed by your bedside all night. He only stepped out a minute ago for an urgent call."

I moved my parched, cracked lips, my voice raspy and barely audible.

"He's not my boyfriend."

Between Sean Vance and me, from the moment that mistake happened five years ago, it was destined to stay hidden in the dark.

Aside from the employer-employee relationship on my contract, he had never given me a single promise.

Before, I was the fool lying to myself in the mud.

Now, all I wanted was to sever every single tie and leave clean.