Chapter 29

I’m still recovering from the attack. My body aches, my mind is exhausted, and all I want is for this nightmare to end. Three times now, someone has tried to kill me. Three times, I’ve barely escaped. But how much longer can my luck hold? Whoever wants me dead won’t stop until I’m gone—until I never see Liam again.

A shudder runs through me as I remember how close I came to death. He was inside my house. He planned to violate me before ending my life. Tears well up, but I refuse to let them fall. I’ve cried enough these past few days. I’m tired of it. Tired of not understanding why. Why does someone want me dead? I haven’t wronged anyone—well, except Isabella. But even then, she’s with Ethan now. That should’ve been the end of it. I don’t deserve this.

My biggest fear? That they’ll succeed. That I’ll never watch my son grow up. That I’ll miss every milestone—his first day of school, his graduation, his wedding. The thought shatters me.

"Are you okay, miss?"

I blink and look up. An elderly woman stands before me, her kind eyes scanning my bruised face. The swelling has gone down, but the remnants of the attack are still there—a split lip, a black eye, a purple cheek.

"I’m okay, thank you," I say, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes.

I’ve been numb since the attack, moving through life like a ghost. None of this feels real. Part of me still expects to wake up.

"You don’t look okay," she insists. "Do you want me to call someone for you?"

If only everyone were like her—a stranger who notices pain and offers kindness.

"No need. Just… overwhelmed," I murmur.

She studies me skeptically. I force another smile, grateful but desperate to be alone.

Then she surprises me. She steps closer, squeezing my hand. "Things will get better. Always have faith."

With that, she leaves. I exhale, turning back to the shelves of soup cans.

"Wow, you look like hell."

That voice—sharp, mocking—makes me tense.

Olivia.

Ethan’s secretary. The woman who’s despised me for years.

I ignore her, but she steps closer, smirking. "Did someone finally put you in your place after you tried stealing another woman’s man?"

My hands clench. She’s baiting me. Everyone in the city knows what happened—thanks to some leak. The media has been relentless. Ethan’s trying to find the source, but the damage is done.

Olivia has always hated me. She’s taken every chance to tear me down. And Ethan? He never believed me when I said she was cruel. He always took her side, claiming I provoked her.

"I know you’re aware of what happened to me," I say calmly.

She shrugs. "Just stating facts. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was some woman you wronged. After all, that’s your specialty—stealing men. Because you’re nothing but a—"

I cut her off with a cold laugh. "Years of this, and you still recycle the same insults? Get creative, Olivia."

Her eyes widen. I’ve never talked back before. But now? I have nothing left to lose.

She recovers fast, lips curling into a venomous smile. "How does it feel knowing Ethan’s with Isabella now? Does it hurt?"

It does. But I’m letting go. Slowly. And Daniel helps—distracting me from thoughts of my ex.

I tilt my head. "Olivia, you spent years trying to seduce Ethan, thinking he’d notice you. But even when we were married, he never looked your way. You were just his secretary—nothing more. He’d rather sleep with a woman he hated than touch you. And now? With Isabella back? You’ll never have a chance."

Her face twists. "You bitch!"

She lunges. I sidestep, and she stumbles in her designer heels.

Before she can recover, I grab the nearest item—a carton of milk—and hurl it at her.

It explodes across her dress.

We both freeze. Then, with a shriek, she charges.

I grab whatever’s nearby—cereal boxes, cans—and throw them. A crowd gathers. Phones come out.

Just as she swings at me, strong arms yank us apart.

"Let me go!" I shout.

They don’t listen. Not until we’re shoved outside.

The manager glares. "You’re both banned. Come back, and I’m calling the cops."

Olivia seethes. "This is your fault!"

"I defended myself against a deranged woman," I snap.

She leans in, voice dripping venom. "You’ll pay for this, Sophia. Mark my words."

Then she storms off.

I drive home, emotions churning—anger, satisfaction, exhaustion.

But when I pull into my driveway, my heart lifts.

Daniel is waiting on my porch.

"Where were you?" He stands, worry in his eyes. "You didn’t answer your phone."

"Left it at home," I admit, unlocking the door.

He follows me inside. "Groceries?"

I wince. "Got into a fight. Got banned."

"What?!"

"Olivia provoked me. I’m just… tired of taking it."

I brace for scolding. Ethan would’ve berated me—called me childish, attention-seeking.

But Daniel?

He pulls me into his arms.

"I’m glad you’re okay," he murmurs, tipping my chin up. "Never apologize for defending yourself. I’m proud of you."

His words undo me.

Then his lips meet mine, and the world fades away.