Chapter 3

Renée's POV

Early the next morning, I got up.

As I stepped out of the bedroom, I ran right into Tara coming out of the room next door.

She wore a silk robe with a deeply open neckline, the kiss marks on her neck glaringly obvious.

"Renée, good morning."

Tara touched her neck, looking at me smugly.

"Damien told me you're the one who let me stay?"

I looked at her and said nothing.

"You're really so magnanimous,"

Tara took a step forward.

"But I guess that makes sense. You married into the Foster family purely on Damien's affection. Now that he doesn't love you anymore, you don't even have the right to speak in this house."

I looked at her.

"Six days left."

With that, I turned to go downstairs.

Tara, having her face slapped down, immediately looked furious.

The next second, she rushed forward and shoved me hard!

I stumbled, the world spinning. My hands flailed wildly, trying to grab onto something, but caught only air.

My body tumbled down section by section, finally slamming hard onto the floor.

My vision went black, and I knew nothing more.

When I woke again, my nose was filled with the smell of disinfectant.

I opened my eyes. Damien sat at the bedside, holding my hand, his face full of concern.

"Renée, you're finally awake."

He leaned closer, his voice full of relief.

"How could you be so careless? If Tara hadn't found you at the bottom of the stairs and called an ambulance right away, who knows what might have happened!"

I looked at him, my voice very soft.

"That's what Tara said?"

Damien frowned.

"What do you mean? Is there something else?"

I looked away.

"Nothing."

He kissed my fingers.

"The doctor said it's just minor bruising. You can be discharged this afternoon."

I hummed in acknowledgment and closed my eyes, no longer responding to him.

That afternoon after being discharged, Damien suggested taking me out to dinner.

He'd made a reservation at a high-end Western restaurant in the city center.

Just as we sat down, I heard Tara's voice.

I turned around and saw her walk in, accompanied by a fat man.

I recognized him.

Levi Bryant, a notorious lecher.

The moment he saw me, his gaze stuck to me.

Tara came over with a smile, while Lee's eyes never left me.

I frowned.

"Let's go."

"What's wrong?"

Damien poured a glass of water.

"These are all your favorite dishes."

"Damien!"

Tara suddenly approached and placed her hand on Damien's shoulder.

"I suddenly don't feel well."

Damien immediately stood up, putting one arm around her and placing his other hand on her lower abdomen.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just uncomfortable,"

Tara bit her lip, looking troubled.

"I want you to take me to the hospital, but..."

She glanced at me, then at Levi at the next table.

Damien paused, then turned to look at me.

"Renée, I'm taking her to the hospital."

I stood up, also planning to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.

His gaze was heavy.

"Renée, you help Tara entertain Mr. Bryant."

My eyes widened.

"What?!"

Damien's gaze flickered, but his tone remained firm.

"This business deal Tara's working on is very important-it involves a large investment for her family. If we both leave, she won't be able to explain to them."

"Damien!"

I trembled with anger.

"Do you even know what you're saying!"

I couldn't believe he hadn't seen Levi's disgusting gaze! If I stayed tonight, who knew what would happen?

Damien gripped my wrist tighter and tighter.

"But-"

"Damien,"

Tara's face went paler, her voice as weak as cotton.

"I don't feel well."

Just then, Levi also walked over, his gaze lewdly scanning me.

"Mr. Foster, Miss Moore, what's going on here?"

Damien's fingers dug into my hand as he looked at Levi.

"Mr. Bryant, Tara isn't feeling well. I need to take her to see a doctor. But regarding this collaboration, the Moore family is completely sincere. Even though Tara has to leave... I'll have my wife entertain you."

Then he turned to look at me, his gaze heavy.

"Renée, you're Mrs. Foster. You need to consider the bigger picture."

My whole body went cold, and as I looked at him, it felt like I was truly seeing this man for the first time.

Damien walked out with Tara in his arms. After a few steps, he stopped, turned back, and said to me,

"Come home as soon as you finish signing. It'll be quick."

Then he left.

Levi immediately laughed loudly.

"Mrs. Foster, come, let's talk business."

He pulled a chair right next to me and put his hand on my leg.

"Mr. Foster left you here himself. What are you being coy about?"

I stood to leave, but Levi grabbed me and pulled me into his embrace.

The pungent smell of alcohol mixed with bad breath hit me full in the face. My stomach churned.

His hand was already on my waist, reaching inside my clothes.

I panicked, grabbed the wine bottle from the table, and smashed it hard against his head!

The bottle shattered. Red wine mixed with blood streamed down his face.

He clutched his head and screamed, staggering backward.

I threw down the broken bottle neck, shoved the door open, and strode out.

Outside the restaurant, the night wind hit my face.

I stood by the roadside, my hands still shaking.

I pulled out my phone and made a call.

After two rings, it was answered.

"Mom,"

I spoke, my voice surprisingly calm.

"Where's Dad? Tell him that next week, I'm coming home."

On the other end, my mother paused for a moment, then choked up.

"Good, good. Mom will be waiting for you."

Only six days left.