ised this place. As a kid, she held her mother hand between these four walls, and watc

a long time, Lina didn't open her eyes. She couldn't. Not b

uldn'

even her father. No one cares

, she b

ull ache in her ribs. She was aliv

Its icy pull, and the way it welcomed her lik

il

wn her spine. She gasped and collapsed agai

n her fing

was expensive, but because she bought it her

e everyth

the door. She turned her h

st a dark suit, black gloves, and eyes that

tures are chiseled, elegant, and dist

dn't

at f

assessing something broken and de

e." His voice was smoo

inked.

die," he said. "You

st

you?" s

invitation, or care. She managed to catch a gli

re so emotion

he world throws away." He replied

n her bedside. Slide it to

tion, she opened it. Inside were

le V

-disclosure agreement, and a contract wor

p, dazed. "W

r, Miss Yeong. What I'm offering is a new one.

d. "And what

his lips, but it d

to ask, and I'm not sure you wa

sport. Her new face stared up at her from t

e money," sh

oney," he said. "I

f I sa

ital as Lina Yeong. Fired. Forgotten. Alone. The ri

osed h

d brushing her cheek. Her father threw her under the bus, a

g had alr

colder. Not thinking again, she signed t

...

hs Later

spers and watched every step. Rielle walked l

Her dress, custom-tailored. He

er flinched

head held high, voice low and commanding. She was one of Europe

tte, seduction, and investment. She'd bee

far she came, Xand

night he left her hospital ward. If it were an average person, she woul

en the door opened. Her eyes sharpen but softened the momen

nd

asked permission for anything. He j

ready,"

tep back, start

closer. "

eath c

d," he said. "You ha

thought you needed me

e, too cold, and too calculated. His hand

lood burn, and she realized tha

he murmured. "You changed your identity a

lammed agai

it's over?

leave me behind." A flicker of

owned.

belong to m

e walk

feel cold. Watching him walk out just like that left h