###Chapter 7
When I rushed into the VIP hospital room, Riley was lying on the bed. Doctors surrounded her as blood flowed slowly through the IV into her arm.
I grabbed Darren’s sleeve. My voice was hoarse. “Please. Give the blood to my mother. Riley doesn’t need it. My mom is dying.”
He shook my hand off with eyes that were cold. “You still dare to beg me? Vexia, when you drugged Riley, did you think about this day?”
I was stunned. “Drugged her? I didn’t!”
“Stop pretending!” Darren shouted. “She almost went into shock. The doctors found sedatives in her blood. If it wasn’t you, then who?”
On the hospital bed, Riley looked weak and pale. But in her eyes, there was triumph.
Her voice trembled softly. “Darren… don’t blame Vexia. She just loves you too much. Give the blood to her mother. I don’t have parents anyway. My life doesn’t that important anyway…”
Darren held her tightly. “Don’t say that.”
Then he turned to the doctor and said firmly, “Keep going. Continue the transfusion. Not a single drop less.”
My legs finally gave out and I fell to my knees as I grabbed the fabric of his pants. “Darren, my mother is dying. She’s the only family I have left. I’m begging you.”
He looked down at me without mercy. “Apologize to Riley.”
I clenched my teeth. Then I lowered my head and slammed my forehead against the cold tile floor. Again and again. The sound echoed sharply each time.
“I’m sorry… It’s my fault… Please save my mother…”
Blood and tears covered my face. I could barely kneel straight.
For a brief second, something flickered in Darren’s expression. He was about to speak, but suddenly Riley’s body jerked. Her eyes rolled back as she began to shake.
“Riley! Doctor, save her!” he panicked and pushed me away as he rushed to her side.
I tried to stand and beg again, but he pushed me hard.
“Get away!”
I hit the wall and could only watch as doctors and nurses surrounded the woman who was acting.
After a long time, a doctor came to me. His face showed pity.
“Miss Solmere, I’m so sorry. We did everything we could, but your mother… didn’t make it.”
Just like that, my last hope was gone.
I slowly stood up as I stared at the hospital bed. Darren was helping Riley sip water with tender eyes.
Hatred sank deep into my bones. I would never beg again. I would make them pay.
***
I walked into the stairwell and dialed a number.
“Luciel,” I said, trying to steady my voice. “Can you come a day earlier? The day after tomorrow.”
“Vexia? Your voice doesn’t sound right. What did Darren do to you?” Luciel’s voice became tense at once.
Hearing this, I couldn’t hold back any longer and started crying loudly into the phone. After I finished telling him everything in broken pieces, he only said one short sentence.
“Wait for me.”
***
I had no idea how I returned to that empty house.
Grief brought a high fever, swallowing my whole body.
In my half-conscious state, I felt someone enter the room. Darren placed two urns of ashes and an ultrasound photo beside my bed.
His voice came through the darkness.
“Remember, these three lives were all lost because of you.”
He paused for a moment. “Tomorrow, the bodyguards will escort you away. It’s for your own good. And for Riley’s safety.”
After some time, the door opened again. Riley walked in and put a bouquet of lilies beside my pillow. Her breath brushed past my ear.
“Do you really think you can come back? Let these flowers send you off.”
I was severely allergic to lilies.
The strong smell entered my nose. My throat tightened instantly, as if invisible hands were choking me. I couldn’t breathe.
I clawed at my neck and fell off the bed, gasping like a fish thrown onto dry land.
And she left with a proud face.
Outside, the banquet had already begun. Music and laughter filled the air.
Through the half-open door, I saw Darren kiss Riley’s stomach gently.
“You’re carrying my heir. You’re incredible.”
Riley leaned into his arms, but her eyes turned toward me as I struggled on the floor.
She smiled as she said, “As long as you want, I can give you more children.”
The guests raised their glasses and congratulated them. No one knew that just behind one door, a murder was happening quietly.
Is this how everything would end?
Bang!
Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a loud bang.
A tall figure rushed inside through the noise and music.
Luciel.
He dropped to his knees beside me and quickly placed medicine under my tongue. Then he lifted me into his arms. His hold was strong. Steady. Warm.
“Vexia. Look at me. Breathe.”
The medicine started to work. Air finally rushed back into my lungs as I clutched his shirt and forced myself to breathe again and again.
“Take me away from here.”
I looked toward the bright and noisy party outside. Only cold resolve in my eyes.
Darren, your celebration has just begun.
And I will personally give you the most unforgettable gift of all.
