Chapter 5

I could move freely now, truly no different from a normal person.

But when I was discharged, the doctor looked worried.

“Mr. Ethan, you need this surgery soon. The injury has affected the foundation. If you delay it further, it will spread to your limbs, and potentially… full paralysis.”

Even though the prison doctor had told me similar things, hearing the words “full paralysis” again still left me stunned for a long time.

Full paralysis… what a devastating outcome for a top florist…

Christina, all this is thanks to you. Are you satisfied?

I sat blankly on the sofa, looking at the follow-up recommendations on my medical record, suddenly feeling utterly pointless.

I wiped away a tear, booked the earliest flight to France, departing tomorrow afternoon at three.

Just then, my phone rang.

The words ‘My Love’ on the screen flashed, stinging my eyes.

I didn't answer. After the tenth call, I still couldn't resist hitting the answer button.

Christina’s sobbing voice came through the phone.

“Ethan, I’m drunk. Please come pick me up. I’m so sorry for everything lately. I know I was wrong.”

“Just come get me and take me home. You can do anything you want. We'll be good together from now on, okay?”

Christina’s sobs grew more pitiful, almost breaking down.

Hearing her fragile state, my heart still gave an involuntary tug.

Almost as soon as I hung up, I rushed to the garage. By the time I regained my senses, I had already floored the accelerator.

I told myself, this is the last time. Let it be… a farewell.

Inside the decadent club, laughter of indulgence filled the air.

I was wearing a stuffy old suit, completely out of place in the environment.

Ignoring the cold, mocking stares, I gasped for breath and rushed towards the VIP room at the end of the corridor.

Peeking through the crack in the door, I saw Christina in a sexy, low-back dress, dancing intimately with Raphael.

As the music entered a more intimate rhythm, they embraced and kissed, Christina clearly enjoying herself, lost in the moment.

“Hey, Ethan, you made it!”

Others in the room noticed me, and the music abruptly stopped.

Christina looked at me, her expression calm, even a little smug.

“Ethan, I knew you’d come. These guys didn’t believe me, insisting I call you.”

“Don’t misunderstand, I just lost a game earlier and was doing a dare.”

Almost simultaneously, deafening laughter erupted in the room.

Raphael looked at my embarrassment, a mischievous, provocative thought sparking in his mind.

“Since you’re here, why don’t you join us? Let me introduce you to some of your old friends.”

As I stood there confused, three burly men emerged from another room in the VIP suite.

Recognizing their faces, I started trembling uncontrollably, a cold sweat instantly breaking out on my back.

“Remember them? You should be quite familiar, right?” Raphael said with a smile.

I wanted to ask him what he meant, but my throat felt filled with lead; I couldn’t make a sound.

“Ethan, Raphael said you two had some past grievances. Why don’t you take this opportunity to settle things here?”

“Just apologize to them sincerely. Then this matter will be resolved, right, Raphael?”

Seeing my lack of response, Christina feigned trying to mediate.

“Bullshit feud! It was one-sided abuse!”

I couldn't hold back anymore. Anger finally triumphed over fear, and I retorted sharply.