Chapter 5

Lila's POV

These three days, I'd been staying at Dominic's private estate.

The environment here was beautiful with excellent scenery.

Dominic arranged the best room for me, the finest chef, and an entire medical team.

He hadn't lied to me. My father was transferred to a private hospital under Dominic's name and received the best treatment. He was now out of danger.

And I was being cared for like something fragile.

Dominic made time to eat with me every day.

Though he didn't say much, his every action showed tremendous respect and restraint, giving me a long-lost sense of peace.

During those three years by Gavin's side, I lived in constant fear and anxiety every day.

Afraid I'd do something wrong and upset him. Afraid he'd stop my father's medication in a fit of rage.

Now, I finally didn't have to follow anyone's orders anymore.

Dominic even built me a top-tier private studio on the estate. The fabrics, sewing equipment, and pattern-making tools inside were even more complete than Hartwell Group's design department.

"Mr. Kane, thank you."

I stood in the studio, looking at those expensive silk fabrics, my eyes getting warm.

Dominic leaned against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, his gaze deep as he watched me.

"Lila, have you forgotten we're already married?"

He walked over and reached out to gently wipe away the tears at the corner of my eye. The warmth of his fingertip was somewhat hot.

"From now on, call me by my name."

I uncomfortably turned my head away and called softly, "Dominic."

Dominic chuckled lightly, seeming very pleased.

"The doctor said your right hand's condition is due to chronic overuse combined with excessive psychological stress causing neurological spasms. I've already contacted the nation's top orthopedic and neurology experts. Next week they'll fly here to consult on your case."

"Lila, trust me, you'll get better. Your hand will still be able to draw the most beautiful designs in the world."

His voice was low and firm, carrying a convincing power.

I looked at him and nodded hard.

That afternoon, I went to the mall. I wanted to buy some daily necessities and a few sets of clothes for my father.

Dominic wanted to send bodyguards with me, but I refused. I didn't want to be monitored like a prisoner.

However, I never expected to run into Serena at the mall.

She was holding Gavin's arm, browsing bags at a luxury boutique.

Serena spotted me immediately. She tottered over in her heels, walking with an exaggerated sway, her face displaying a victor's smugness.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lila? After Gavin kicked you out, you don't even have money to buy clothes?"

She looked over my simple casual outfit, her eyes full of disdain.

I looked at her coldly without speaking, but my gaze fell on the ruby necklace around her neck.

That was a necklace Gavin once gave me. When I left, I'd left it in the cardboard box.

I never imagined Gavin would give it to Serena. How disgusting.

"What are you looking at?" Serena noticed my gaze and deliberately touched the necklace at her neck.

"This is the engagement gift Gavin gave me. Beautiful, isn't it? Lila, you were with Gavin for three years, drawing all those designs for me, yet he wouldn't give you anything. Now that I'm back, he gives me everything. You're nothing but a clown, a cheap tool."

Her words stabbed into my heart like poisoned knives.

If it were before, I might have endured it, but now, I didn't need to endure anymore.

I raised my left hand and slapped her hard across the face.

The crisp sound of the slap was particularly loud in the quiet luxury boutique.

Serena's head snapped to the side. Covering her face, she stared at me in shock.

"You... you dare hit me?"

"I hit you. Do I need a reason?"

I sneered and shook my somewhat numb hand.

"Serena, stealing someone else's work as your signature piece. Do you think your own work is that terrible?"

"Lila!"

A sinister, furious voice came from behind. Gavin quickly walked over and protectively pulled Serena behind him.

He stared at me intently, his eyes cold as ice.

"What are you freaking out about?"

He grabbed my right wrist in one swift motion, his grip so tight it felt like he'd crush my bones.

"Apologize to Serena!"