Chapter 3

3.

The System chimed in my ear. 【Host, Silas's love value just jumped to ten percent.】

I felt a jolt of shock.

How was that possible?

I hadn't done anything. Why would he suddenly start caring now?

【Host, I can give you one more chance. If you want to stay and finish the mission, you can.】

"No."

I rejected the offer instantly.

I was exhausted. Eight years of chasing a ghost was enough for one lifetime.

I could feel my love for Silas draining out of me, drop by drop.

The Heartless Protocol was working.

A doctor walked in to give me the update on my condition.

"The bullet caused severe internal damage. Because of the trauma, we couldn't save the pregnancy."

"What?" Silas barked.

The calm, detached billionaire suddenly looked like he'd been electrocuted.

"She was pregnant?"

"Yes, Mr. Thorne. We did everything we could, but the damage was too great."

I rested my hand over my flat stomach. A life had been there.

Now there was only an empty ache.

After the doctor left, Silas actually got out of bed and grabbed my hand.

"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"

For a split second, I thought I saw actual pain in his eyes.

But why would he care?

He had never given me a kind look in eight years.

I used to spend every day taking care of him, massaging his "paralyzed" legs.

He wouldn't even say thank you. He would just throw things at me and tell me to get out.

I remembered the birthday cake I made him once. He threw it straight into the trash.

He told me, "Stop wasting your time. I will never love you."

Then he would lock himself in his study, staring at Jade's portrait and clutching her old jewelry.

He would whisper her name like a prayer.

Even when his family begged him to marry me, he refused.

I finally understood. I was just an intruder in his tragedy.

It was time for me to get out of his way.