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Chapter 17
Chapter 17
AVERY’S POV:
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I hadn’t grasped the magnitude of it all until more people came into the room shortly after Detective Harrington left. Questions started–waves of them, relentless, from every corner of authority. Each leader came in with a new set of demands, forcing me to recount my story again and again. Through their barrage of inquiries, I began to piece together the truth about Mr. Axel Blackwood, my supposed new husband.
Axel Blackwood wasn’t just a billionaire CEO; he was a name that carried both reverence and fear. His life–saving empire masked a darkness that was none of my business–until now.
And yet, I had seen something darker. Something that didn’t fit the polished image. I had seen him kill a man. Not out of self–defense, not in a moment of chaos–he had done it with the kind of cold certainty that made me question whether I was standing before a man or something far more dangerous. His fortress of a home was no mere estate. It was a stronghold, built to guard secrets that were none of my business but already too close to my life.
Despite my conviction, everyone questioned my sanity. Had I truly seen and heard those things, or was I confused by a traumatic illusion that had given birth to a reality that never actually existed?
Finally, I was left alone, lying on the hospital bed now, unable to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, flashes of nightmares couldn’t let me sleep- disjointed images I couldn’t make sense of but couldn’t escape. My breath came shallow as I stared at the door, waiting for someone to walk through with an update.
Starting over felt impossible. I’d lost everything–family, friends, my sense of self. Still, I was already planning my escape. It wouldn’t be easy, but survival
nover was.
The door creaked open, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. Dr. Connor stepped inside, his presence as steadying as the soft smile he always wore. He was the only person who’d shown me any kindness since this nightmare began.
“Hi, Avery,” he greeted.
“Hi, Doctor,” I replied, sitting up straighter, ready to listen.
***
“Good news–you’re free to go,” Dr. Connor said, his tone gentle as he handed me four small medicine bottles. “No life–threatening injuries, no concussions. But you’ll need to take these antibiotics and vitamins–twice a day. You’ve been through a lot, Avery. Take it easy for a while.”
a
His statement was a great relief.
Dr. Connor stepped closer, his smile faded. “I’ll perform a final test, before you leave, and then two wille
case you filed.”
escort you to the station to continue the
Case. The word burned in my chest, hollow and meaningless. Yesterday, one of the officers dismissed my plea, callider
they think qualified as urgent? Being sold like property wasn’t worth their time?
“Thank you, Doctor,” I said softly, though frustration simmered beneath the surface.
urgent enough.” What did
“Of course.” He motioned for me to stand, and I obeyed. The hospital gown I wore made his work easier as he traced his fingers along my spine, checking for tenderness or injuries.
“Take a deep breath,” he instructed.
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I complied.
The words escaped before I could stop them. “What about Chase Grayson?
he… has he been arrested?”
Dr. Connor hesitated, his gaze dropping to the clipboard in his hands. “I can’t say for sure,” he replied, his voice careful. “That’s something the authorities would need to update you on.”
Of course, he didn’t know. Why did I even bother?
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Chapter 17
以念 51%
After finishing his exam, he removed his gloves and tossed them in the trash. “You’re good to go,” he said, adjusting his lab coat. “A nurse will bring you a fresh set of clothes. Your old ones were too damaged to keep.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, genuinely grateful for his help.
As he headed for the door, his voice lowered, almost an afterthought. “Nice spine tattoo, by the way.”
I froze. Spine tattoo?
Before I could ask him what he meant, the door clicked shut behind him. That was confusing. I don’t have a tattoo. I’d never even thought of getting
one.
Pushing away the rising panic, I moved to the nearest reflective surface–a tall, polished windowpane. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do. I grabbed the chair near my bed, climbed onto it, and turned my back to the glass, angling my head to see.
There it was, etched into my skin like a secret I was never meant to uncover. The intricate markings stretched along my spine–delicate, dark, and unfamiliar. My pulse raced as I leaned closer, the lines twisting and curling like a language I couldn’t read. A cold sweat broke over me. How the hell had this gotten there?
A knock startled me, and I scrambled down from the chair, smoothing the hospital gown over myself.
The door creaked open, and I stiffened, my body still on high alert. A nurse entered with a grin, placing a fresh set of clothes on the bed. “Here you go.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly.
“You’re welcome.”
Another knock followed almost immediately. This time, two police officers entered–a tall man with broad shoulders and a shorter one with a wiry frame and quick, observant eyes.
“Is this the room of Avery?” the taller one asked in a professional tone.
“Yes, it is,” I answered, stepping forward.
“Good morning, ma’am,” the shorter officer greeted. “We’re here to escort you to the police station.”
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The nurse spoke up before I could respond. “Give her a few minutes to change into something decent.” She gestured to my hospital gown.
The officers nodded and stepped outside, followed by the nurse. They
osed the door behind them.
I exhaled, looking at the clothes folded neatly on the chair. My fingers brushed over the fabric as I glanced back at the window, the ghost of that tattoo haunting my thoughts. I didn’t have time to dwell on it–not now. Pulling myself together, I started dressing.
The question clawed at the edges of my mind, refusing to let go. How the hell did I get a tattoo on my spine? And why couldn’t I remember?
AD
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