Chapter 4

Chloe’s father and Julian were close family friends.

Fifteen years ago, Chloe’s parents died together in a car accident. Before they passed, they entrusted Chloe to him.

My mind replayed all of it.

But just then, I heard the sound of footsteps.

I turned back, terrified, to see it was the same men who had violated Chloe that night.

I tried to stand, but my legs had no strength.

I could only lie on the ground, inching forward, crawling with my body.

Just as car lights appeared in front, I didn’t even have time to scream for help.

I was dragged into the alley.

In despair, I furiously clawed at the ground, but it was useless.

I could only watch, helpless, as one man after another assaulted me again.

My lower body started bleeding again.

After the last man left his mark on me, a large crowd suddenly swarmed in.

They immediately started snapping pictures with their cameras.

Reporters.

Frantically, I grabbed the tattered jacket from the ground to cover myself, but it was too damaged to conceal my whole body.

“Stop! Please, stop taking pictures!”

The reporters’ eyes showed a flicker of sympathy, but their hands didn't stop.

And then, Julian finally arrived, late.

His face was cold. He immediately ordered the four men to be apprehended.

Then he slowly crouched down and lifted me into his arms.

As he walked past the reporters, admiring glances fell upon me, and envious whispers floated in the air: “How lucky she is! Even after all this, Mr. Julian came to rescue his wife himself.”

Those voices clearly articulated the bitterness in my heart.

But who knew all this pain was Julian’s doing?

Until Julian carried me back to the car, I didn’t say another word.

He looked at me silently, then made a call.

“It’s handled. Thanks for the idea.”

The person on the phone was my own brother – Leo.

“No problem, brother-in-law. Harper made such a mistake; she should pay the price.”

I understood. So, the idea to send me to that alley tonight was Leo’s.

Leo, whom I had practically raised myself! Just because he liked Chloe, he would destroy me like this?

I listened to their conversation in a daze.

Even after Julian hung up, I remained lost in my own world.

Julian’s hand unexpectedly landed on my shoulder. I reacted violently, shaking it off.

Anger immediately flared in his eyes, but seeing my terrified expression, he reined it in.

“Harper, you should be happy. I finally caught those four men.”

He paused, then forcibly gripped my shoulders, turning my face to him, his expression matter-of-fact. “Harper, this time you’ve finally done something for Chloe. I’m sure her spirit won’t resent you anymore.”

With that, Julian waited for me to embrace him as usual.

But he waited a long time. Not only did I not reach out, my body began to tremble violently, my lips quivering.

“Harper, what’s wrong?”

My vision suddenly plunged into darkness. In the moment before I passed out,

I saw genuine concern in Julian’s eyes.

But I didn't need him anymore.

Five days later,

When I woke up, I found myself not in a hospital, but at home.

My entire body ached, as if my ribs had been ripped out, and I couldn't help but groan.

Julian glanced at me and explained, “You weren’t well enough for the hospital, so I brought you home. I gave you some medicine.”