18 Even if Benjamin's voice was super hoarse, how could I not recognize the man I once loved so deeply? But that was all in the past. Now, Benjamin was the last person I wanted to see. I grabbed Liam's hand, trying to leave, but hurried footsteps pounded behind me. Benjamin caught up and blocked my way. "Ellie, I finally found you." Benjamin looked utterly wrecked. His once incredibly handsome, vibrant face was now gaunt, almost skeletal. He stared at me with an almost desperate hunger. Seeing me doing well, his eyes filled with a bittersweet, heartbroken smile. His voice thick with emotion, he rasped, "You didn't ask me anything. You just condemned me, just like that. That's not fair to me." "Not fair?" The hatred, dormant for so long, surged in my chest as I looked at him. You saying that? Don't you think it's laughable?" Benjamin felt my gaze burning into him. He lowered his eyes slightly, his face etched with guilt. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have hidden it from you, shouldn't have made you do IVF. I thought taking care of you for life would be enough to make up for it. Now I realize I hurt you too deeply. I've also investigated everything thoroughly-you didn't do anything wrong. I shouldn't have distrusted you." Ellie, I totally get why you left. I just want to beg you for a chance, a chance to win you back. I know you love kids. We can have our own children later. I promise my whole self, my whole heart, will be yours. I promise..." 'But I don't need that anymore." I cut him off softly. When I needed it most, all I got was lies. Now, I've moved on. Moved on from you, moved on from the child that was never really mine." I slowly calmed down. Honestly, aside from the kid stuff, Benjamin wasn't bad to me. When he found out about me being drugged, he stepped in and dealt with my awful family. He bought off my so-called relatives, ensuring my parents and brother could never scheme against me again. He gave me plenty of financial security. Back then, everyone in the elite circles envied me. It's just that from the very beginning, our relationship was built on lies. After Sophia came into the picture, he doubted me again and again. One hundred slaps. That's what finally killed all my hope. 'Benjamin, I don't love you anymore. At the end of the day, we're total strangers. Stop coming after me. in it." 'No way!" Benjamin grabbed my wrist, his eyes filled with pain. I won't let you leave my life. I'm not giving up..." He tightened his grip without realizing it, and I whimpered. Liam, who was next to us, got super anxious. He shoved Benjamin hard. Kicking him non-stop, even biting him. Benjamin just wanted him to stop, but he accidentally pushed him onto the grass. Liam's head hit a rock, and blood instantly gushed out. I just want to start a new life, a life without you Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!