Chapter 2

Footsteps echoed in the hospital room. I forced my breathing to stay even, feigning unconsciousness.

"Mr. Knight, Miss Harper has just undergone corneal donation. Her system is severely compromised. Performing a hysterectomy now...it could be fatal. Perhaps we should wait-"

"I'm paying you to follow orders, not give suggestions. This is a command, not a discussion. But if anything happens to Nora, you know the consequences."

"Yes, Mr. Knight."The doctor's reply was a nervous stammer.

A man's fingers, burning hot, touched my cheek. Gabriel's voice was hoarse yet tender.

"Nora, it'll all be over soon. Don't worry, I'll always be by your side. I love you, Nora."

My body trembled slightly, beyond my control. Something cool touched my cheek. Gabriel seemed to stand up.

Sensing I was about to wake up, Gabriel ordered coldly,

"Doctor, prepare for surgery immediately. Finish before she wakes up."

I opened my eyes in fear, but I couldn't see anything. Only darkness.

Tears fell involuntarily. I reached out, grasping frantically at the air.

"Why... why can't I see?"

"Don't be afraid, Nora. I'm here. I've always been here."

Gabriel held me tightly in his arms. His warm hands stroked my hair, his deep voice seemingly full of heartache.

"You were in a car accident... The doctor said your blindness is only temporary. Nora, I'll take good care of you..."

The man seemed to nod, then continued,

"Your body hasn't fully recovered. You can't get too emotional. Let the doctor give you a nutrition shot."

If I hadn't woken up early and heard his conversation with the doctor, I would have believed every word he said.

But now I knew that the so-called nutrition shot was anesthesia to keep me unconscious.

I grabbed the man's arm tightly, shaking my head desperately, my voice choking.

"No... Gabriel, I don't want a shot... I want to go home. Can we go home..."

Before I could finish, a cold needle pierced my skin.

Before my consciousness faded completely, I heard Gabriel's tender voice, as always.

"Be good. Sleep, and it'll be over. With me here, you'll be fine."

Tears fell silently from my eyes down my cheeks.

Though my body was anesthetized, my heart kept aching.

I closed my eyes in despair. In the darkness, I seemed to see eighteen-year-old Gabriel crying at my bedside with red eyes, calling me an idiot for blocking that knife for him.

The young man's immature but firm voice echoed in my mind.

"Nora, I swear I'll never let anyone hurt you again in this lifetime."

But the one who hurt me most, who wanted my life, was him.

When I woke again, I had not only lost my eyes and my lover, but I would never have children of my own.

I opened my eyes. The hospital room was so quiet I could only hear my weak breathing.

Soon, a man and woman's argument drifted faintly to me.

"Nora was in an accident. I have to take care of her. Nora has been so good to me. Without her, I'd still be in the slums. I have to repay her for the rest of my life. Don't stop me..."

It was Lily Carter, the scholarship student I'd been sponsoring.

Gabriel, who never allowed anyone to defy him, showed no displeasure in his voice.

"Lily, your eyes just recovered. The doctor said you can't move around yet. You need more rest. Someone will take care of Nora. You don't need to worry."

My hands involuntarily gripped the blanket tighter. When did Lily lose her sight?

Why didn't I know?