Chapter 2 When she woke again, the blinding white of the hospital filled her vision. "Sophia, how are you? Anywhere else uncomfortable?" A familiar voice reached her ears, followed by a face as gentle as jade coming into view. Gerald Miller sat by the hospital bed, eyes bloodshot. It was clear he'd been keeping vigil over her for a long time. "Gerald?" Memories of before she fainted slowly came back to her. She struggled to sit up. "Did you save me?" Gerald nodded, his voice shaky with lingering fear: "I couldn't reach you by phone. When I rushed to the Lee family, I only found out you'd been locked in the cold storage room..." He trailed off, because the TV in the ward suddenly cut to a news broadcast- This book had been. "The Lee Group and Davis Group officially announced their their alliance through marriage. Mr. Alexander Lee and Ms Lee Emily Davis will hold their wedding next month.shelf. On screen, Alexander stood stiffly in his tailored suit, expression icy, while Emily beamed radiantly with her arm hooked through his. What a perfect match! He is a dashing gentleman, and she is a radiant lady. Gerald instantly snatched the remote and turned the TV off. Brief silence blanketed the ward. After moments, he took a deep breath and turned to Sophia. "Sophia, I know everything that's happened." "You couldn't escape before. But now... Alexander has amnesia." His voice was soft, but steady. "Let me take you away. Please?" Sophia lowered her gaze. "Thank you, Gerald. I'm already handling emigration paperwork." "The Lees have served in politics for three generations. He can't leave the country." She paused. "Once I'm abroad, he'll never find me." A flicker of joy crossed Gerald's face. He instinctively seized her hand. "That's wonderful! I'll help with the paperwork!" 0.0 % 10:52 Only then did he realize he'd overstepped. He hurried to apologize. "I'm sorry-I was just... too excited." He paused, his gaze earnest and gentle. "But I want you to understand how I feel." "After all this time, you must've noticed. Right?" Sophia stayed silent, offering no reply. Of course she knew. From the day Alexander forcibly claimed her, Gerald had secretly aided her. He'd even offered to help her escape once, but she knew Alexander's ruthlessness better than anyone. She'd fled over ten times, and not once had she succeeded. The longest she'd stayed free was barely ten minutes be- fore she was caught and brought back. Once, a man merely chatted her up at a bar. Next day, he vanished from the city. Alexander's web stretched everywhere. Escape was impossible. Dragging Gerald down? Unthinkable. So she'd never acknowledged his feelings. She shut her eyes, fingertips trembling. "Gerald, I..." He seemed to anticipate her words, and quickly cut her off: "I'm not demanding an answer now!" "I just want you to know..." He drew a steadying breath, tone gentle but firm. "Once you leave here, you'll lead a life as you wish." "You can pursue the work you love, travel the places you like, and... fall in love with someone properly." He smiled, faint bitterness in his eyes. "Even if it's not me, I'll rejoice for you." "I only want you free from this past year's shadows." Sophia froze, eyes stinging with sudden warmth. Sophia whispered after a long pause, "Thank you." "Once I leave here, I'll reclaim my peaceful life." She gazed at the bright sunshine outside, her voice barely audible. "Traveling, working... and falling in love." Gerald finally relaxed, his features softening. "Then I'll accompany you for the paperwork." That afternoon, Gerald helped her finish the expedited paperwork. "Your visa should be ready within two weeks." 40.5 % 9 10:52 The clerk returned her ID card. "Have a pleasant journey." Stepping out of the embassy, Sophia exhaled deeply. Sunlight warmed her face, bringing unfamiliar lightness. During the drive home, Gerald chatted breezily about overseas plans. He'd transfer through his family's business once her visa cleared. "Sophia, don't feel pressured." He hastened to add, "My family is just looking to expand into overseas markets anyway- it's not specifically for you." As the car stopped at the villa, Gerald called out, "Wait." His fingers gently smoothed her wind-tousled hair-as if handling fragile treasure. Sophia looked up instinctively, then froze. On the steps ahead, an icy gaze pinned her in place. 84.1 % 10:52 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!