Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I sat in the bathtub, scrubbing my body as hard as I could. I wanted to wash away not just the “marks” on my skin, but the nausea in my heart.

Over and over. Even when my skin turned red and wrinkly from the water, I couldn’t stop.

Adrian was worried. He knocked gently on the door, calling softly, “Anna?”

I didn’t hear him. I just kept scrubbing.

Adrian wanted to go in and check on me, but he was scared he’d scare me. After hesitating for a long time, he pushed the door open.

“Anna, what are you doing?!”

Adrian grabbed my hand, stopping me.

I stared at him blankly, tears filling my eyes. I threw my arms around his shoulders and sobbed uncontrollably.

“I’m scared… Wuwuwu… Adrian Foster, I’m scared…”

Adrian held me tightly, his heart aching. He wrapped a towel around me, carried me out of the bathroom, and carefully dried my hair.

He even applied medicine to my wrist—blowing gently on it as he did, like that would make the pain go away.

It was all his fault. He hadn’t gotten there in time. That’s why Eric had been able to hurt her.

Watching her cry like a helpless child, his heart felt like it was being squeezed by a big hand.

If he could, he’d take all that pain for her.

That night, I couldn’t sleep well.

I had a nightmare.

In the dream, Eric was chasing me. No matter how fast I ran, he was right behind me—like I had no way out.

Just when Eric was about to catch me, Adrian showed up.

But Eric pulled a knife from behind his back—cowardly and cruel…

“Adrian Foster!”

I jolted awake, gasping for air.

“Anna? What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” Adrian pulled me into his arms, dabbing the cold sweat on my forehead with a handkerchief.

I stared at his face, like I was trying to see through him.

“Anna, it’s okay… Go back to sleep. Nothing like that will ever happen again.”

“I’ll always be here to protect you.”

I curled up in Adrian’s warm arms, listening to his gentle, patient words. They were like a spring that cleansed my soul—washing away my fear and confusion.

Adrian looked down at her sleeping face—still a little uneasy. He stroked her cheek gently, his heart full of tenderness.