Chapter 14
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I looked up and saw Vaughn Sterling sprinting toward me from across the street.
The man pinning me down froze for a second. In the next instant, Vaughn’s boot connected hard with the man’s knee.
“Ugh!” The man cried out in pain, falling to the ground.
Vaughn shielded me behind him, immediately following up with a punch aimed straight at the attacker’s nose.
The man jerked his head to the side, narrowly dodging the blow.
“Elara, run!” Vaughn shouted, looking back at me.
My legs felt like jelly. I was fumbling for my phone to call the police when a sharp, glinting flash caught my eye in the dim light.
The man lunged, driving his knife deep into Vaughn’s abdomen.
Vaughn let out a muffled curse. Before he could even react, the man yanked the blade out and plunged it back in, this time near his
heart.
Vaughn’s body wavered. He collapsed onto the pavement.
I stood there, paralyzed. At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed from a distance.
The man in the baseball cap hesitated for a split second before vanishing into the shadows.
“Elara…” Vaughn’s face was deathly pale. Blood poured from his stomach, soaking through his shirt. “Go… leave me. He might still be out there. If I die like this… I have no regrets. At least I got to spend my last moments with you.”
I didn’t say a word.
Of course I hated Vaughn. I wanted him dead.
But I didn’t want him to die for me.
There should be no more ties between us. If Vaughn died saving me, his memory would be etched into my life forever.
That was the last thing I wanted.
I dialed for an ambulance. Soon, the paramedics arrived and loaded the unconscious Vaughn into the back.
Standing outside the emergency room, I stared out the window, my heart still racing as I replayed what had happened.
Two hours later, the doctor walked out.
The patient lost a lot of blood. One of the stab wounds nearly hit his heart,” the doctor said gravely. “He’s still unconscious. He’ll be moved to a regular ward in about two days.”
‘Okay. Thank you, doctor.”
I watched as they moved Vaughn to the ICU. After leaving his parents’ contact information with the nurse, I walked away.
Three days later, as I was heading to Lumière Academy to submit my enrollment documents, I saw an elegant woman waiting for me at the entrance.
It was Vaughn’s mother. I had met her a few times back home.
“Elara, we meet again.” Mrs. Sterling walked toward me with a polite smile. “Vaughn is awake. He’s been demanding to see you. I’m very sorry about what happened to your father, and Vaughn has already faced the legal consequences for his actions.”
I didn’t have the patience to listen. I turned to walk away.
“Vaughn was expelled from Aria University. I’m planning to send him to school in the United States,” Mrs. Sterling added quickly.
16.27
< Chapter 14
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‘He can’t keep chasing you around here forever, and you two don’t have a future. But Vaughn said… he won’t leave until he has your forgiveness. Elara, if you’re willing, I can pay for your full four-year tuition. All you have to do is agree to go to school in the US. with him…”
I clenched my fists so hard they shook. I shot her a cold, sharp look. “You want me to be your son’s study companion? Mrs. Sterling, do you have any idea how much I wish your son would get hit by a car and die?”
You-“Mrs. Sterling’s expression froze. She soon let out a helpless sigh. “Just consider it a favor to me. Go see him at the hospital ɔnce. Ever since he woke up, he hasn’t touched a drop of water. He’s throwing a fit, demanding to be discharged so he can find you. Elara, if you go see him today, I swear I’ll never let Vaughn bother you again.”
I lowered my eyes. In the end, I agreed.
When I reached the hospital ward, I stopped at the door. From inside, I heard Vaughn’s voice, loud and snarling.
You total bastard! I only paid you to give her a fucking scare! I hired you to act in a scene, not to take the opportunity to feel up my girlfriend!”
‘She was terrified! She nearly stabbed herself in the neck with that knife because of you!”
Take the money and get the hell out of here before I break the hand you used to touch her! Fuck!”
My pupils constricted. My fingertips turned ice-cold.
A moment later, a mocking, unsurprised smile touched my lips.
Why was I surprised? This was exactly the kind of thing Vaughn Sterling would do.
To get what he wanted, he would use any means necessary. He had actually staged a “heroic rescue” and sacrificed his own body just o manipulate me.
A mocking smile curled my lips as I pushed the door open and said tonelessly, “Vaughn Sterling, as always, you love lies and deception. You haven’t changed at all.”
