Blaire's POV
The doctor carefully removed the bandages from my eyes and gently massaged specific pressure points on my forehead and the back of my head. My mind was still foggy from the lingering effects of the surgery, but then something incredible happened. Slowly, faint light began to filter through my vision.
Blurry shapes and colors followed, as if I had seen the world again for the first time.
“Oh my God... I’m not blind!” I gasped, my voice filled with disbelief.
My heart raced as I turned to the doctor, my excitement bubbling. “I can see! I can actually see!”
The doctor smiled, his appearance striking yet calm. He had this quiet confidence about him that I couldn’t quite place. Something familiar about him was there, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
“Blaire, do you recognize me?” the doctor asked, his grin widening.
“I'm Julian. Julian Young.” His voice was gentle, completely opposite of what I expected from someone with his bold, good looks.
'Julian Young...'
The name hit me like a ton of bricks.
It clicked.
'Julian.'
My mind raced. The student I’d helped was the one I had guided through such a rough time years ago.
Julian continued, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now, it’s my turn to return the favor.”
I still couldn’t quite wrap my head around it.
He paused for a moment before adding, “I overheard Henry and his cronies planning to throw away your cornea. So, during your surgery, I didn’t actually touch your eyes. I just activated a few pressure points to blind you temporarily. It wasn’t permanent.”
The weight of his words sank in. 'So that’s why I hadn’t truly lost my sight...'
But then, the horror of it hit me. Henry’s betrayal had been planned from the start. It wasn’t just carelessness. It was all deliberate.
Julian kept going, explaining further. “When Henry asked for your cornea, I soaked two plastic pieces in water and handed them over. They’re useless, and he didn’t know that. Now, you’ve got a chance.”
I felt my thoughts spiral. "But...Henry and his people—they had connections everywhere. They controlled everything in this city. Running away wouldn’t work. It'll be hard to escape."
Julian squeezed my hand gently, his gaze locking with mine.
“Blaire, if you trust me, if you cooperate with me, I’ll get you out of here. I promise I can take you far away.” His words were like a weight on my chest, heavy and final.
But then, something else pulled me back. 'But what about my upcoming play?'
“I’ve got to finish my play,” I said, my voice firm despite the emotions swirling in me. “The premiere of The Sapphire Blade is on June 20th, at the biggest theater in the city. I’ve been working toward this moment for three years and need to see it through.”
Julian’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing in concern. “That means you’re stuck with Henry for another month. Hm, that’s going to be tough.”
I could feel my heart sinking. But there was no way around it. 'The Sapphire Blade' was my life. I’d built it from the ground up, poured everything into it. I couldn’t just abandon my team.
After a deep breath, I made my decision. I would keep pretending to be blind. It was the only way to keep Henry from suspecting anything.
The door to my hospital room opened, and Henry walked in, his usual smug grin replaced with a look of concern.
“What are you doing?” he asked, noticing me staring blankly at my phone.
I tilted my head, pretending to be lost in the moment. “I don’t know. I was just tapping the screen. I can’t see anymore…”
Henry’s face twisted in shock as he rushed over to me. Grabbing my phone, he flipped through my photo album with rising panic.
“Baby, you accidentally deleted all our photos,” he said, his voice trembling.
I intentionally wiped them. I didn’t want any reminders of him. Of us.
“Oh? Really?” I said, sounding uninterested. “That’s too bad. But even if I kept them, I wouldn’t be able to see them again, would I?”
Henry flinched at my cold words. He quickly looked down, avoiding my now-blind eyes.
“I’ll take care of you, I promise,” he said softly.
Inside, I could feel my heart ache, but I couldn’t let him see it. My lashes fluttered, and hot tears slipped from my eyes—eyes that couldn’t see anything.
I quickly blinked them away.
Henry, in his usual overbearing way, asked, “What’s wrong? Are you upset?”
“No, I’m fine.” I shook my head slowly, forcing a soft smile to mask the emptiness inside.
Henry seemed anxious, gripping my arm tightly and asking over and over, "You alright, baby? With me here, being blind ain't that bad. You can’t just give up!"
I couldn’t help but scoff inside. Henry was putting on this big show like he actually gave a damn, but I knew better.
Deep down, I couldn’t help but wonder what was next on his list.
My kidney?
My heart?
He played the part of the doting boyfriend so well, it was almost convincing.
Almost.
I shook my head again and said, "Don’t worry, I’m not giving up. I still want to see the premiere of The Sapphire Blade."
Then, he said, “Speaking of the play, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Since you’re blind now, why don’t you give the lead role to Vivian?”
