"Elsa…" In the past, when Elsa coughed up blood, John would feel nothing but deep worry and pain. His chest would tighten, and he'd scramble to comfort her. But now, watching the blood trickle from the corner of her lips, a strange, unexplainable irritation gnawed at him, churning in his stomach. She didn't look good at all. Still, he didn't go looking for Lily. Instead, with a quiet sigh, he grabbed a tissue from the bedside table and gently wiped the blood from her lips. He knew Elsa didn't have much time left. He wasn't going to say anything harsh—not now. After a long silence, he finally furrowed his brows and said quietly, "This is the last time. Don't ever pull something like this again. I promised I'd stay with you until the end, and I will. But Lily is my girlfriend. I won't stand by while she gets slandered and hurt." Lily is his girlfriend…Elsa's nails dug deep into her palm, the sharp pain just enough to ground her in the moment. The soft skin of her palm broke open, but she didn't feel it. She hated sharing anything with anyone—especially John. But she knew that no amount of hysteria or screaming would win back his heart. So the proud, icy rose that she was lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper as she murmured, "John, I'm sorry for causing trouble. I never meant to hurt anyone. I just... I just wanted you to care about me a little more. Spend more time with me." "Mm." John barely seemed to register the words. His mind wandered, drawn back to the image of Lily's bleeding forehead, the sorrow and disappointment that had been written in her eyes when she looked at him. He responded absently, his voice distant. Elsa shifted closer, curling into his chest like a delicate, fragile thing, seeking the comfort she knew he could offer, even if it was only for the moment."I've been having nightmares lately," she murmured, her voice thick with feigned vulnerability. "I dream that I'm bleeding so much... and no matter how hard I try, I can't open my eyes. John... am I going to die soon? I'm so scared... I'm scared I'll never see you again. Please, don't leave tonight. Stay with me. Please?" John looked down at her, her face—a mixture of pride and desperation—laying against his chest. He saw the panic in her eyes, felt the tremble in her voice. He couldn't say no to her. Not like this. With a quiet sigh, he loosely wrapped his arm around her. "I'll stay with you in the room. Just get some rest." Hearing this, Elsa's breath hitched in relief, though her mind was clouded with the gnawing, bitter hatred she had for Lily. John really was too good-looking. She had never seen a man more handsome than him. Four years ago, when he had been badly injured in that car crash, the doctors had said he would never walk again. The Jones family, ruthless and cold, had abandoned him. Her parents had urged her to stay away, not to get involved. She'd been afraid of being dragged down with him, so without hesitation, she'd dumped him and went abroad. But after marrying abroad, her life had fallen apart. Her husband—rich, sure—but ugly, promiscuous, mentally twisted, and abusive. If he hadn't gone bankrupt and died in a car crash, Elsa would never have escaped him. Now, after everything, she realized just how incredible John was. He'd come back from the brink, stronger than ever. And there was no way she'd let that bitch, Lily, steal him away from her. As night deepened, Elsa didn't move in his arms, and John assumed she had finally fallen asleep. He gently laid her down on the bed, careful not to disturb her, then stepped out into the hallway to make a quick call to Wayne. The image of Lily's bloodied forehead, the sorrow in her eyes, kept haunting him. He had to ask Wayne to bring her some ointment—and her favorite strawberry cake. But as soon as he stepped out of the room, Elsa opened her eyes. The door was slightly ajar, and she heard him mumble Lily's name.Even now, when he was physically beside her, his heart was still wrapped up in Lily. The thought of it made Elsa grind her teeth, the fury bubbling in her chest. She had to destroy Lily's reputation. She had to make John see what a filthy liar she really was. With trembling hands, Elsa grabbed her phone and sent a text to her mother, Wendy. "Mom, it's time to use those men Dad found." The reply came almost immediately: "Don't worry, Elsa. That b*tch Lily dares to steal your man—I'll make sure she pays!" Elsa's eyes gleamed. She knew better than anyone how ruthless Wendy could be. But even then, her hatred for Lily was so deep that she worried it wouldn't be enough. She quickly typed back: "Mom, do any of the men Dad found actually have HIV? Are you sure that drug you got can make Lily completely lose her mind and do whatever they want?" "That drug cost me three hundred thousand! Just one pill will make her forget what shame even means! Don't worry. Tonight, I'll make sure they feed her a few more!"Satisfied the drug would work, a vicious smile crept across Elsa's lips. "Make them give her the whole bottle! And make sure you get plenty of photos and videos. I want everyone to see how filthy and shameless she really is! Once John sees her true colors, there's no way he'll ever fall for her again!" Wendy promised once again, reassuring Elsa she would make sure Lily was ruined. Only then did Elsa toss her phone aside, her chest swelling with malicious satisfaction. Men cared about their pride. Especially men like John—men with power, status, and wealth. Proud as he was, there was no way he'd want some cheap, filthy slut who'd been used by everyone. ... Meanwhile, Lily's phone, already cracked, had become nearly impossible to use. At first, she could still type with effort, but soon even answering calls became a struggle. After cleaning up her place, she decided it was time to buy a new phone.But there were no stores downstairs, and she had to walk several blocks before finding one. It was a slightly remote spot, and at this hour, the street was eerily quiet. Once she had the new phone and SIM card, she picked up her pace, eager to get back. But then she heard footsteps behind her, followed by faint, lewd laughter from men. They were probably drunk, and she didn't want trouble. So she started walking faster, almost breaking into a jog. "Where are you running off to, sweetheart?" She barely had time to react before a man with tattooed arms and a muscular build blocked her path. He wasn't alone. Four other big, burly men stood with him, their expressions cold and menacing. It was a cold winter night, yet they were all in short sleeves, their muscles bulging, making them look dangerous. Lily didn't hesitate. Her fingers flew to her phone, sending a quick text to the police, but before she could hit send, the tattooed man was already in front of her, grinning wickedly. He slammed a towel soaked in something over her mouth and nose. She knew what was happening. She couldn't let them win. She thrashed, fought with everything she had, trying to break free from his grip. But he was too strong. And the smell from the towel... it drained the strength from her limbs. She couldn't fight it anymore. All she could do was surrender.