Chapter 5 I shuddered and instinctively stopped in my tracks . [ ] That voice was hoarse with a tremor , yet carried a stubbornly familiar persistence deep in my bones . [] I turned toward the sound , and a figure was walking quickly toward me . e . ] Against the backlight , his defined features gradually became clear , his expression carrying that unmistakably familiar presence . [ ] It was Sebastian Matthews . The boy who grew up with me in the old neighborhood , who once rode his beat - up bike to take me fly kites by the river . [ ] After three years apart , his brow carried more maturity . But his eyes still held that light I remembered . [ ] That light burned brighter seeing me , though his figure blurred in the blood clouding my vision . ] He caught my swaying body , his eyes instantly turning crimson when they met my bloodied face . [ ] " Who did this to you ? His voice was low , almost growled through gritted teeth . I managed a weak smile : [ ] The Stone family . " ] Sebastian's hand trembled , his breathing became more rapid . ] He clenched his jaw so hard it seemed he might crush his anger and swallow it . 7 knew it ... " ] He whispered hoarsely . I knew ... " " Vera , do you know ? Ever since you disappeared the night before our engagement three years ago , I've been searching for you everywhere . I looked in every place possible , until tonight when I saw the live stream of the Stone family banquet - that's when I finally confirmed it was you ! " My heart clenched painfully . ] Three years ago , on the eve of our engagement , the Stone family came and forcibly took me away . I was one step away from touching my own happiness , but ... ] Before I could speak , he lowered his head and held me tight , gentle yet firm : [ ] " Don't be afraid . I'm taking you away . I'm strong enough now to protect you from the Stone family's harm . They'll never touch you again . His embrace was night , carrying farullar warmth . ] My heart silently crumbled in that moment . ]] Three years of helplessness , grievance , and pain finally found a harbor to confide in [ ] Sebastian didn't give me a chance to refuse . He took my luggage and pulled me protectively into his arms . [ ] The hospital has contacted the world's best eye specialists . I'll spare no cost to heal your eyes . " ] " Vera , you'll never be alone again I stared at him in a daze [ ] Finally , there was someone in this world who would fight with everything they had for me .