Chapter 8
C
化油金 19 min left
Jake, who was on top of me, suddenly froze. Just as I was about to check what was happening, the police outside shouted.
“Jake Gordon, you’re suspected of drugging and trafficking. Please cooperate with our investigation immediately!”
Hearing this, Jake cursed, “Fuck.”
As he tried to escape, the door was already kicked open by the police. The lead officer quickly subdued Jake, pinning him to the ground so he couldn’t move.
It wasn’t until I was taken to the hospital that I learned Maddox had saved my life.
Despite my rejection, he was still somewhat reluctant to let go, thinking he might as well watch me get home safely. He happened to witness Jake drugging me.
He immediately called the police, who found records of Jake purchasing drugs and quickly dispatched officers to his rented house, preventing the worst outcome.
In the hospital room, Maddox’s voice was filled with concern: “Ruby, you must be terrified. I’ve already asked our professor for leave. You should rest well for the next few days.”
1/4
11:18
Chapter 8
I thanked him, my feelings incredibly complicated.
19 min left
I once thought saying goodbye was the best solution for Jake, but I never imagined he would be so obsessive.
Due to the international nature of the crime, Jake was
immediately deported. According to the police, he would likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
When my parents heard the news, they were extremely worried and bought me the earliest flight home.
As soon as I landed, my sobbing mother embraced me tightly: “Ruby, thank goodness you’re okay! I was so worried about you!”
I gently patted her back, comforting her: “It’s over now, Mom. I’m fine.”
While resting at home, I gradually learned about Lacie’s situation from friends.
After Jake left for abroad without notice, she tried desperately to find his whereabouts but couldn’t, so she stayed at Jake’s place, living off her limited savings.
When she learned Jake had been imprisoned, she was so shocked that she was hospitalized and lost the baby.
2/4
11:18
Chapter 8
19 min left
Though she survived, her health was ruined. Without income to pay hospital bills, she was even forced out of the hospital.
When I heard the news, I felt nothing, just looking at the messages Maddox sent me.
Whether she lived or died had nothing to do with me. The pain I suffered in my previous life could never be repaid by them in this lifetime.
The police told me that since Jake was locked up, he kept asking to see me, saying he wanted to apologize in person.
I refused every time.
A belated apology is useless, especially when the harm he caused me will never disappear.
After learning I had returned home, Maddox frequently sent me messages of concern. I understood he liked me, but I was now afraid to enter a new relationship.
Even my mother noticed my hesitation.
She sat beside me and gently advised, “Ruby, you’re not the one at fault. You don’t need to wonder if you weren’t good enough, nor worry about being hurt again.”
“What matters is that you find happiness.”
3/4
11:18
Chapter 8
19 min left
I took a deep breath, and in that moment, I seemed to let go of the past.
Smiling, I nodded and told Maddox when I’d be returning to the lab.
Half a month later, just off the plane, I saw Maddox waiting at the airport entrance with flowers in hand. I couldn’t help but smile.
