Where Love Lingered, Hatred Burnt

Louisa Jacobson confessed her love ninetynine times and finally won Simon Griswolds,the most handsome man in New York.He said he loved her deeply,but he kept hurting her again and again because of Rebecca Harrison,the woman who had saved his life.

When a chandelier fell,Simon carried Rebecca away but left Louisa hurt.He allowed Rebecca to throw a birthday party for Louisa,knowing well that Louisa’s birthday was also the day her parents had died.

When Rebecca spread lies about Louisa,he didn’t even ask questions.Instead,Simon had his bodyguards throw Louisa into the swimming pool and forced her to walk home barefoot.

Louisa later fainted with a fever,her feet torn and bleeding,but Simon only cared about Rebecca.When Micah’s life was on the line,Simon even sent all the doctors to treat Rebecca instead.

The nurses in the hospital whispered to each other.

"I heard Miss Harrison on the top floor tore herself from too much Love

last night.She’s been dizzy all day.After many tests,they found nothing wrong.Mr.Griswolds was so worried that he called all the specialists to examine her."

"Shh!Mr.Griswolds said no one can spread this news.You could lose your job!"

Louisa’s blood turned cold.She ran to the top floor,begging Simon to send a doctor to Micah,but his bodyguards blocked her.Her beloved brother closed his eyes forever.

At that moment,Louisa finally understood.Simon never loved her.

She then made a call."Hello,Mrs.Perkins.This is Louisa Jacobson.I’m going to Boston to arrange a marriage with Mr.Perkins,but I need a favor.Erase every trace of me."

Louisa wanted Simon to know that her love wasn’t for everyone!

She would leave,making him and Rebecca pay the price!

——

“Miss Jacobson,all of Micah’s doctors were called by Mr.Griswolds to treat Miss Harrison,”the nurse spoke carefully as she watched Louisa,whose red dress swayed around her legs.

Everyone in New York high society knew who Louisa Jacobson was.A stunning,spoiled and strongwilled woman.She was very different from the polite,educated daughters of old money families.

But Simon Griswolds,the mostseeked bachelor of the New York elites,managed to be win over by Louise after she confessed 99 times to the man who infamously known to hate women.Two months earlier,Simon had brought back his savior named Rebecca Harrison after finishing his expedition.

Rebecca was a reporter who went with the team.While gathering data at the top of the mountain,heavy rain suddenly hit.She and Simon got separated from the others.Unfortunately,Simon was accidentally hurt.Thanks to her survival skills,Rebecca was able to save Simon.

They spent a stormy night together in a cave before help arrived the next day.Out of gratitude,Louisa gave Rebecca boxes of jewels and expensive gifts.However,Rebecca kept refusing.Instead,she sad that she had selfrespect and didn’t save lives for rewards.After that,Louisa didn’t push her.

From the moment Louisa met Simon,she wanted to stay by his side forever.She even prepared to propose and had done so seven times already,but each attempt failed.The reason was simple.Simon was always called away because of Rebecca’s sudden emergencies.

Today was the eighth try.Rebecca fainted due to low blood sugar.Without saying a word,Simon shoved Louisa aside and rushed to the hospital.

If the nurse hadn’t called her,Louisa wouldn’t have known that Simon had taken all of Micah’s doctors for Rebecca.He knew well that Micah’s heart condition couldn’t wait.

So,Louisa took a deep breath as she pushed down the bitterness in her chest before heading toward Rebecca’s room.The door was halfopen.Rebecca rested against Simon’s arms with halfclosed eyes while he gently wiped her forehead with a damp towel.

Louisa kicked the door open with her high heels,which caused the loud sound that startled everyone inside.

Rebecca woke up,leaning on her elbows and smirking as she said,“Louisa,you’re here!”

Louisa crossed her arms and walked closer as she let out a faint smile.

“What kind of sickness needs so many doctors?If they can’t fix it,I’ll hire an expert from overseas.”

Before she could get near,Simon stood up.He immediately blocked her with his tall frame.In the light behind him,his brow furrowed as he spoke coldly,“Louisa,don’t cause trouble.Did you come here just to make things harder for Rebecca?”

Louisa sneered in response before asking,“Cause trouble?Who gave you the right to take all of Micah’s doctors?”

Simon just sighed as he said,“Rebecca isn’t feeling well.I just asked a few doctors to come check on her.Stop being so unreasonable.Besides,Micah is safe here in the Griswolds hospital.”

Before Louisa could reply,Rebecca let out a weak groan.Simon quickly turned to the doctor with his voice sounded urgent.After that,he grabbed Louisa’s wrist and dragged her out roughly.He ignored how red and sore it became under his grip.

Just before the door shut,Louisa saw Simon carefully lift Rebecca’s coat and help her sit up.Rebecca shot her a smug smile.In the hallway,wealthy ladies gave Louisa mocking looks with passing nurses whispered behind her back.

Louisa bit the inside of her cheek to calm herself.After she left the hospital,she drove straight to Brooklyn.Without further ado,Louisa drank glass after glass of wine.Her vision slowly blurred thanks to that.

Memories of her eighteenth birthday flooded back.The Jacobson Family had held a grand party for her.She had been overjoyed until news came that her parents had died.That rainy night,the crash,the blood and her mother clutching the birthday cake burned into her memory forever.

Her uncle,Jonathan Jacobson,wanted her family’s fortune.Not to mention,the elders of the Jacobson Family saw her as nothing more than a bargaining chip.To protect herself,Louisa began living a life of excess as she became the spoiled heiress known to the elite families.

However,the Jacobson Family would lower their guard this way.It meant that her sick fiveyearold brother,Micah Jacobson,could stay safe.Everyone tried to use her,except Simon.

Simon was her father’s close friend.He stayed by her side during the funeral and sent Micah to the Griswolds Hospital for careful care.He took her skiing,watched sunrises with her,chased the northern lights and told her stories to chase away her nightmares.

Whenever she liked something,no matter how rare or costly,Simon made sure she had it.

He once told her,“Louisa,you can let it all out.No one will dare hurt you.I’ll always stay with you.You,me and Micah,we’ll always be together.”

Louisa fell deeply in love with him and chased Simon relentlessly.It was the only thing she had ever truly committed to.She drank more wine now as she was trying to drown out all her painful memories.

As night fell,she stood to leave the bar.When she passed by the VIP room of the bar,she froze.Simon sat with his friends inside the VIP room.

“Why did you tell Jonathan Jacobson about that weak heir of the Perkins Family looking for a bride and then give him land in the south so he could trick Louisa into thinking you’d marry her?”one of the Simons’friends asked.

Simon swirled the ice in his glass with a crisp and cold sound.

After a pause,he spoke,“Rebecca’s mother doesn’t have long to live.She wants to see Rebecca married before she dies.Rebecca begged me,so I can’t say no.”

“Louisa is too wild.I can’t let Rebecca’s mother see me marrying her.Louisa will just have to suffer for a while.She’s used to being spoiled.”

“After Rebecca’s mother passes,I’ll give Louisa a grand wedding.”

Simon said each word with certainty as if he already arranged everything like it was already decided.

Meanwhile,Louisa’s legs went weak.She immediately leaned on the wall for balance.No wonder her family had treated her so kindly lately.Even Uncle Jonathan had started preparing her dowry.It was all Simon’s plan.Her mind went blank and a buzzing filled her ears.

Just as she turned to leave,Simon’s voice rang out again,“In a week,Rebecca and I will marry to fulfill her mother’s wish.Make sure Louisa is taken away for a few days.Otherwise,she’ll definitely cause trouble.”

His friends agreed without hesitation.Louisa didn’t remember how she got home.As soon as she walked in,Uncle Jonathan called.

“Louisa,your wedding with Mr.Griswolds is coming soon.Isn’t it time to pack your belongings in the Jacobson Family’s estate?After all,a married daughter doesn’t need to go back to her original family.”

In response,Louisa stayed silent.But her uncle didn’t sound surprised.

“Louisa,just remember to pack,”he repeated.

But Uncle Jonathan forgot to hang up.A few seconds later,Aunt Wynona’s voice came through on the other end,“Baby,you’re so smart.You tricked Mr.Griswolds and the Perkins Family.We’ll knock her out and send her to the Perkins.That way,we’ll take money from both sides.”

“Since Louisa sleeps around,no one will be surprised.”

Louisa trembled,then hung up.It took her a long time to steady herself.She called a friend and asked for the Perkins Family’s number.

After that,Louisa went to her study.She pulled out her plan for the ninth proposal and her photo album and fed them into the shredder without hesitation.Soon,everything turned to confetti.

Her seven years of love,from eighteen to twentyfive,were reduced to ashes in minutes.Message notifications rang nonstop.At the top was Simon’s final message.

[Louisa,don’t be mad.I really,really love you!]

She didn’t open it.Instead,she dialed the number her friend gave her.After a pause,a woman answered.

“Hello,Mrs.Perkins,”Louisa said,her voice steady.

“I’ll be in Boston in a week to arrange a marriage with Mr.Perkins.But I need one thing.Destroy the Jacobson Family and erase all traces of Micah and me.”

The woman on the other end went silent,then asked carefully,“Louisa,are you certain?”

Louisa’s reply was firm and cold,‘I'm quite sure.my love is something I can give and take back.’

After Simon came home,Louisa sat quietly on the sofa.There was an unlit cigarette resting between her fingerst.Meanwhile,the neon lights outside the window cast shifting colors across her pale face.

“Louisa,I’m back!”

Simon smiled softly as he walked toward her.He gently took her wrist and brushed it with his fingertips.

“I was too impatient this afternoon.I’m sorry.Please,don’t stay mad.”

After that,Simon sat beside her as he pulled Louisa into his arms,speaking tenderly,“The specialist team has created a full treatment plan for Micah.The surgery has a very high success rate.After it’s done,he’ll be able to live a normal and healthy life.”

Louisa kept her eyes down in silence as she refused to look at or speak to him.Simon cupped her neck and tilted her head up.

Louisa felt disgusted.She cleverly avoided the man's kiss and made an excuse:"I have a cold.Kissing might infect you with the cold."

His tone was full of regret as he continued,“I know you’re upset with me,but Rebecca saved my life.Her health isn’t good,so I’m just helping her as repayment.Other than that,there’s nothing between us.”

Louisa’s heart trembled.She stared at him and she asked Simon with a soft yet firm voice,“If I had been the one to save you,would you do anything for me?”

Simon froze for a second,but then smiled and gently stroked her hair.

“Of course.But I would never let you be in that kind of danger in the first place.I couldn’t stand to see you hurt.”

While Simon continued to talk,he failed to notice the light fading from Louisa’s eyes.Meanwhile,Louisa didn’t answer.Instead,she slowly pulled her hand from his and stood up to go to the bedroom.She left Simon on the sofa who thought that she was simply throwing a childish tantrum.

The next day was the Jacobson Group’s press conference.Louisa had to attend as the company’s representative.She hadn’t wanted to show up at such an event,but she couldn’t let her Uncle Jonathan take full credit for the company her parents had built with their own hands.

The moment she appeared,all attention turned to her.Whispers filled the crowd,full of awe and envy.

“Miss Jacobson is truly stunning.No wonder Mr.Griswolds,who used to hate women,fell for her.”

“Anyone else who tried to get close to Mr.Griswolds would be dismissed,but Miss Jacobson can do whatever she wants in front of him.”

“When her high heels gave her blisters,Mr.Griswolds knelt on the ground to put a BandAid on her foot.Who would’ve thought that a man like him would bow so low for love?”

Louisa heard every word clearly.When she saw their jealous expressions,it made the bitterness in her chest grow even sharper.She quickened her steps into the interview room.

Moments later,the reporters arrived.But leading them was Rebecca who was dressed in an elegant,expensive designer dress.Holding the microphone,she smiled sweetly at Louisa.

Louisa frowned,her voice cold as she spoke first,“Why are you here?”

Before Rebecca could answer,Simon appeared behind her.He was tall,broadshouldered,with a slim waist.His custom suit highlighted his powerful build and his commanding presence instantly silenced the room.

Simon walked over calmly,leaned slightly toward Louisa and spoke in a patient tone.“Rebecca’s never been to a press conference like this.I wanted her to come and get some experience.Don’t worry,this is your event.So,we’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Louisa almost laughed.Her lips curved into a small,sharp smile.However,she stayed quiet.She blinked several times as she was trying to hold back her feelings,but her lashes were already damp.

After that,Louisa turned away to raise her hand and gestured for the staff to continue.On the other hand,Rebecca’s smile faltered.She couldn’t understand why Louisa didn’t explode in anger.Louisa was known for being bold and forceful who would never let anyone take advantage of her.

Rebecca held the microphone with a pleasant smile,but her eyes were sharp and challenging as she stared at Louisa.

“Miss Jacobson,there have been many rumors about you,”she said smoothly.

“From visiting brothels to fighting with the young members of the Harrison Family.Why do you rarely speak about women’s struggles and instead focus only on living a wild,wasteful life?”

The room went silent for a few seconds.Then,camera flashes went off in a frenzy.Meanwhile,the livestream chat exploded with comments.Rebecca’s fans and Louisa’s critics filled the screen with harsh words.

[You’re wasting the Jacobson Family’s wealth,caring only about your own pleasure and showing no sense of responsibility to society.]

[What a shameless woman!She must only be good in bed.Otherwise,how could she have trapped Mr.Griswolds?]

Simon,who sat nearby,turned grim because of anger.Nevertheless,he didn’t move or speak.On the other hand,Louisa clenched her fists tightly.She then lifted her head to meet Rebecca’s gaze.

She spoke firmly,“This question doesn’t matter,so I won’t answer it.”

After she said that,Louisa raised her hand to signal the end of the interview and walked toward a quiet corner to breathe.As she left,Rebecca quickly followed and blocked her way.Her usual gentle look was gone.

“Louisa,do you really think Mr.Griswolds would truly love a woman like you?Someone who only wastes money and still dares to throw it at others?”

Louisa stopped and slowly turned her head.A cold,sarcastic smile tugged at her lips as she replied in a flat voice,“What does it matter if I spend my own family’s money?If Simon doesn’t love me,does that mean he actually loves you?”

“The Griswolds Family and mine are a perfect match.And you,a greedy gold digger,are accusing me of throwing money around?”

As soon as she finished speaking,a sudden creaking sound came from above.The next moment,a heavy light fixture broke loose and crashed down.Screams erupted as the crowd scattered in panic.

Simon reacted instantly and rushed forward.But the first person he grabbed was Rebecca,who was standing farther away from the falling light.He scooped her up and ran to safety.

Louisa,who was standing right beneath the fixture,couldn’t dodge in time.It smashed into her shoulder with brutal force,which knocked her out.Her vision blurred to black as she collapsed.

Just before she lost consciousness,she saw Simon desperately checking Rebecca for injuries worily.

When Louisa woke up,she was lying in a hospital bed.

As soon as her eyes opened,Simon leaned over as he asked her in panic,“Louisa,you’re awake!Are you in pain?”

Louisa shook her head slightly as she lowered her lashes to hide her emotions.The ache in her shoulder was nothing compared to the sharp,aching pain deep in her heart.After a moment of silence,she looked at Simon and spoke calmly with a hoarse voice,“Simon,you like Rebecca.”

In response,Simon froze as his brows knitted.

His voice was steady but firm as he responded,“Louisa,don’t think nonsense.How could I like her?I only love you.What happened yesterday was an accident.”

“Really?”Louisa cut him off with her lips curling into a faint,bitter smile as she met his gaze.

“If you only love me,then give Rebecca some money and tell her to leave New York.Tell her never to come back.”

Simon’s expression darkened,but his voice was full of disapproval.

“Louisa,don’t be selfish.Rebecca came here for her career as a reporter.She’s working hard and deserves support.I’m just repaying her for saving my life.You can’t be so unreasonable.”

Louisa listened quietly,then suddenly let out a soft laugh.She didn’t argue with him out loud.In her heart,she whispered to herself,‘She won’t leave…but I will.’

Just then,the ward door burst open with a flustered nurse rushing in.

“Mr.Griswolds,Miss Harrison is having a nightmare.She’s talking in her sleep,repeating that the cave is cold.She’s very agitated.”

Simon’s expression changed immediately.He jumped to his feet without hesitation.Louisa watched his anxious expression and spoke slowly and calmly,“Go ahead.After all,she saved your life.That’s a debt you’ll carry forever.”

Simon paused for a moment.When he saw no trace of jealousy on Louisa’s face,he felt relieved.He surely was thinking that Louisa had finally come to understand him.He then leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.

“Rest well,sweetheart.I’ll be back soon.”

After that,Simon turned and hurried out of the room without looking back.Louisa just stared at his retreating figure,while wiping the tears spilling before reaching for the bedside call button to press it.

Louisa took a taxi home by herself.When she opened the door,the whole house was filled with Simon’s familiar scent.She pressed down the dull pain in her chest and started packing up her and Micah’s things.When the seven days were over,she would take Micah and leave for good.

As she was leaning tiredly against the wall,Louisa stared at the neatly packed boxes and slowly closed her eyes.At dawn the next morning,she carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums she had prepared earlier and drove to the cemetery.

Louisa knelt by the tombstone and gently wiped it clean as she spoke happily,“Mom,Dad,I’m going to marry Mr.Perkins soon.Don’t worry about me.They say he’s weak and sickly.I’m sure he won’t be able to boss me around.I won’t get hurt there.”

She then paused with her fingertips brushing over the smiling faces in the photo on the tombstone.Tears filled her eyes,but she forced a small smile as she continued,“I’ll take good care of Micah.His heart will get better,so he’ll grow up healthy.You both should rest peacefully,okay?”

After she left the cemetery,Louisa had lunch and wandered aimlessly around the city for a while before heading home.But as soon as she pushed open the gate,she froze in shock.The normally quiet,simple garden was completely transformed.

Colorful balloons floated in the air,ribbons hung from the trees and soft yellow lights wound around the branches.A sweet scent drifted all around.Louisa couldn’t help but frown as stepped forward cautiously.Suddenly,every light turned on.

A crowd of people jumped out from the shadows,shouting together,“Louisa,happy birthday!”

Rebecca stepped forward from the crowd,pushing a giant birthday cake.Her smile was bright and warm.

“Louisa,I know the interview last time was unfair to you.Simon saved me,but you got hurt instead.I’ve been feeling so guilty.So today,on your birthday,I wanted to make it up to you and apologize.”

Louisa’s face immediately turned grim.She rushed forward,raised her hand and flipped the cake to the ground.Her voice cracked with anger,“Who told you to do this?Who gave you permission to do this in my house?”

Rebecca was frightened with Louisa’s reaction.Her eyes were reddening as she was said.She opened her mouth to speak,but Louisa cut her off,her whole body trembling.

“Get out!I’ve never celebrated my birthday!And I don’t need your fake apology!”

Simon rushed over as he immediately pulling Rebecca behind him.His expression was full of frustration as he scolded Louisa.

“Rebecca was just trying to do something nice for you and apologize.How can you act like this?Where are your manners?”

Louisa just gasped before staring at him in disbelief with tears filling her eyes.

Her voice shook as she responded,“She doesn’t know…but you don’t know either?”

Simon knew exactly what this day meant to her.It wasn’t just her birthday.It was also the anniversary of her parents’death.Since she turned eighteen,she had never celebrated it.

His eyes flickered with worry and guilt when he saw her pain.But when he looked at Rebecca’s innocent and pitiful face,he let out a helpless sigh.

“Rebecca meant well.”

“Enough.Get out!”

Louisa didn’t let Simon finish.She pushed through the crowd and ran outside with tears streaming down her face.She didn’t want to fight with anyone today.

“I’ll go apologize to Louisa!”

Rebecca quickly followed Louisa.Once she already caught up to Louisa,she grabbed Louisa’s arm.Her eyes were still red,but filled with cold cruelty as she whispered,“Today’s the anniversary of your parents’death,right?Simon knows…yet he still let me throw this birthday party for you.”

“Tell me,do you really think he loves you?”

Her words struck Louisa like a spark to dry wood,igniting all her fury.Louisa spun around and raised her hand to slap Rebecca.But before her palm could land,Rebecca stepped back with a sly smile and let herself fall backward into the swimming pool.

At that exact moment,Simon and his friends arrived.All they saw was Louisa with her hand raised and Rebecca falling into the water.

“Rebecca!”

Simon’s face went pale.Without hesitation,he dove into the pool and scooped Rebecca into his arms.Rebecca clung to him,shivering in her soaked clothes.Her voice trembled with pain as she cried,“Louisa,I just wanted to say sorry…Why did you push me?”

Louisa’s whole body shook with rage.She lifted her hand again,but Simon caught her wrist and shoved it away.

“Louisa,that’s enough!You’ve gone too far!”he roared.

The edge of the pool was wet and slippery.Louisa stumbled backward,lost her footing and fell hard into the pool.The icy water swallowed her,while a sharp pain burst across her forehead as blood trickled into the water.

Simon’s heart clenched when he saw Louisa sinking.He almost let go of Rebecca to save Louisa.But Rebecca clutched his shirt desperately with her pale face and spoke weakly,“Simon,I’m so cold.My body hurts…I think I’m having aftereffects from before.”

Simon froze for a split second.After that,he looked down at the fragile woman in his arms and carried Rebecca out of the pool without a second glance.After all,Louisa could swim.This was a small pool.So,she wouldn’t drown.

“Hurry!Get Rebecca to the hospital!”he shouted.

The group left in a grand rush as they left Louisa all alone.She struggled to climb out of the pool with her clothes dripping wet.Blood from her forehead mixed with tears and pool water,blurring her vision.

The freezing cold and stabbing pain mixed together,which broke down her last bit of strength.Louisa fell to her knees,crouching on the ground and sobbed helplessly.After she cried until her chest hurt,she finally wiped her tears,forced herself up and hailed a taxi to the nearest hospital.

The doctor cleaned her wound,bandaged her forehead and reminded her to stay warm so it wouldn’t get infected.But when she returned to the empty house,her fever got worse.Her body burned while her mind grew foggy.Eventually,she drifted into a deep sleep.

Louisa had a long dream.In it,her parents were alive,Micah was healthy and their family lived happily without worry.Simon had chased after her for a long time.In the end,they built a warm and loving home together.

But when Louisa opened her eyes,everything was nothing but a lie.The next day,Louisa felt a little better and called her best friend to meet up.

“Are you really leaving?”Alexis asked softly,her eyes filled with sadness.

Louisa smiled and nodded as she answered,“Yes,I am.Don’t forget to visit me in Boston.”

They sat together for a long time,talking about childhood memories and how their lives had changed.When it was time to go,Louisa hugged her friend tightly,then turned to leave.But instead of going home,she went to a bar alone.

She wanted to numb the ache in her heart,so she ordered several strong drinks and downed them one after another.The alcohol burned her throat,which made her relieved.She didn’t know how long she had been drinking when a familiar figure appeared in front of her.

Rebecca stood there in an expensive dress as she was holding a glass of wine.She looked down at Louisa,while giving her a mocking grin.

“Louisa,you’re hurt and still came here to get drunk?You really live without shame.”

Louisa looked up at Rebecca’s fake,selfrighteous face.Rage boiled up inside her.Before she could stop herself,she already slapped Rebecca hard across the face.

The sound was sharp and clear.

Rebecca held her cheek,but she smiled faintly instead.Without warning,she then dropped her wine glass.The glass shattered,sharp pieces scattering across the floor.

Rebecca calmly took off her high heels and stepped barefoot onto the shards.Pain flashed across her face,but she bit her lip and stayed silent.Just then,Simon burst into the bar,his expression dark and furious.

“Rebecca!Why are you here?”

Rebecca’s eyes instantly filled with tears.She looked pitiful enough to stir anyone’s heart.

“The company asked me to come discuss a project.But I waited for so long with no one ever showed up.Then,I saw Louisa here and just wanted to say hello.”

She glanced at Louisa and added in a shaky voice,“But Louisa must still be angry.She hit me the moment she saw me.”

Simon’s jaw tightened.He turned to the bartender.The bartender swallowed nervously and stammered in response,“Miss Jacobson did…did hit this lady.”

Simon’s gaze turned icecold.

“Louisa,are you still going to deny it?What project meeting takes place at a bar?Did you set this up to lure Rebecca here on purpose?”

“If someone hadn’t told me you were here drinking,I’d have worried about you and never realized how cunning you’ve become!”

Louisa laughed bitterly,like she had heard the funniest joke.

“I’m cunning?Simon,you must be really blind.”

Simon then wrapped his arm around Rebecca and started to leave.

“Ah…Louisa,I did everything you wanted…and you still won’t forgive me?”

Rebecca groaned in pain as she was unable to move.Only then did Simon notice Rebecca’s bare feet with blood pooling beneath them.His face turned dark with rage.He scooped her up into his arms and glared at Louisa like she was a stranger.

Without giving her a chance to explain,his voice turned cold and cruel,“Louisa,you’ve gotten bold!Now you bully others without fear.Take off your shoes and walk home barefoot!I’ll punish you for your parents’sake.If they were still alive,they would never let you become so arrogant!”

After that,he turned to his bodyguards and gave his final order.

“Watch her carefully.Make her walk back barefoot!”

Louisa trembled as she asked,“Why?”

Simon’s gaze were icy cold as he spoke threateningly in a sharp tone,“It’s because you hurt Rebecca without a care.If you don’t do as I say,Micah’s surgery tomorrow will be delayed！”

"If you don't want him to die,then just do as I tell you!"

Louisa looked at the fierce and serious expression of the man in front of her.She felt cold all over and froze in place.

The man who once said he loved her was now threatening to delay her brother's surgery for another woman.

Her eyes flushed slightly,her heart completely broken.She could temporarily abandon her pride,but nothing could happen to her brother!

As long as she takes her brother away from here in a few days,she will no longer be threatened.At that time,she will return everything Simon did to her bit by bit!

Slowly,she bent down,slipped off her high heels and placed her bare feet on the icy ground.

The next second,she raised her scarlet eyes and looked at Simon.“Fine,I’m leaving.”

Simon's heart moved slightly,but he soon snorted coldly and carried Rebecca away.

He carefully carried the woman into the car and drove away

With every step Louisa took,sharp pain shot through her feet like needles piercing her skin.The gravel at the bar entrance and the rough sand along the roadside cut into her flesh,but none of it hurt as much as the ache in her heart.

As she walked,memories of their past flooded her mind.

The very first time Louisa confessed,Simon said,“Louisa,you’re still too young.”

The tenth time,he told her,“Louisa,I only see you as a sister.”

The fiftieth time,his eyes held back desire as he said,“I want you to like me for who I am,not just because you depend on me.”

And on the ninetyninth time,before she could even speak,Simon pulled her into his arms with his voice choked with emotion.“Louisa,I’ll accept it even if it’s just a reckless impulse!”

Simon used to hold her whenever she felt wronged.He would tell her to fight back and never let herself be bullied.When Louisa sprained her ankle,he stayed home for two whole months.He would work remotely just to care for her.He had been her legs,carrying her everywhere she wanted to go.

Now,that same love had turned into a blade stabbing her heart.

Each step left painful as she kept bleeding.Louisa didn’t know how long she walked before she finally reached home.By then,her feet were a bloody mess,cut and bruised,tiny stones and sand clinging to the wounds.Every movement brought excruciating pain.

Leaning on the doorframe,Louisa staggered inside and immediately called the family doctor.After he treated her injuries,she was lying on the sofa as she trying to calm down.Then,her phone vibrated.It was Simon.

Before she could speak,a breathless,sticky voice came through the line.

Rebecca panted softly,speaking,“Simon,I feel so awful…”

Simon’s voice was low and tense as he said,“You’ve been drugged.Don’t be scared,I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Rebecca’s tone turned sweet and coaxing as she responded,“No…If we go to the hospital,people will see.I don’t want anyone to know.”

Louisa’s hand shook violently as she clutched the phone.She could hear fabric rustling on the other end.Then Rebecca’s soft groan rang out,followed by her pleading words.

“Simon,help me…”

Her voice was seductive,almost whispering,as she continued,“I know you love Louisa.I won’t tell her about this.I’ll leave New York afterward.Just…just think of it as repaying the debt of saving your life,okay?”

Silence hung in the air,broken only by Rebecca’s breathless groans.Then,Louisa heard Simon’s heavy breathing and the distinct sound of clothes falling to the ground before the call ended abruptly.A loud ringing filled her ears as her mind went blank.

Louisa shot to her feet and stumbled into the bathroom,ignoring the sharp pain in her injured feet.She knelt by the toilet and retched violently.Acid burned her throat as tears streamed down her face,blurring her vision.

She stayed there all night,vomiting until dawn.Then,her phone rang again.This time,it was the nurse’s urgent voice.

“Miss Jacobson!Micah just went into cardiac arrest....The doctors are treating him now.Please come quickly!”

Louisa snapped out of her daze.Ignoring the pain in her injured feet,she grabbed her coat and ran out the door.She stumbled her way to the hospital and rushed straight to the emergency room.

Nurses hurried in and out,but there was no sign of a doctor.

“Where’s the doctor?”Louisa asked urgently.

The nurse looked away,stammering nervously.Louisa’s heart sank.This hospital was run by the Griswolds Family.Everyone there followed Simon’s orders.That meant Simon had to be involved.

She spun around and dashed for the top floor with her panic growing with every step.As she neared the elevator,she overheard two nurses whispering as they stepped out.

“Miss Harrison is upstairs.I heard she got hurt badly last night and has been dizzy all day.They couldn’t find anything wrong,so Mr.Grisworth called in all the top specialists for her.”

“Shh!Mr.Grisworth said no one can talk about this,or you’ll get fired!”

Louisa’s blood froze.Her heart pounded wildly as she raced up to the top floor,only to be stopped by several bodyguards.

“Let me through!I need to see Simon.My brother is in critical condition and he needs a doctor!”Louisa shouting with her voice breaking,while pushing at them desperately.

The bodyguards didn’t move.One of them spoke in a flat voice,“Miss Jacobson,Mr.Grisworth ordered that no one enters today.Don’t pretend your brother is seriously ill to get in.Mr.Grisworth won’t fall for it.”

“He’s dying!Get out of my way!”

But no matter how she begged or fought,they wouldn’t let her pass.Instead,the bodyguards lifted her off the ground and halfdragged her back to the elevator.Louisa stumbled away and ran to the emergency room door.The moment she pushed it open,a long and flat beep rang out.

The room fell silent except for the sharp,piercing tone.Louisa walked forward slowly with her body trembling.On the bed,Micah was lying still.His young face looked pale.The corners of his lips were slightly curved as if he had simply fallen asleep.

She held his tiny hand gently and whispered,“Don’t be scared,Micah.I’m here to take you home.”

A nurse’s eyes filled with tears.She stepped forward and held Louisa’s shaking shoulders.

“Miss Jacobson,I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Louisa’s whole body trembled.A wave of suffocating pain crashed over her,making it hard to breathe.She opened her mouth,but no sound came out.She tried to call the funeral home,but her fingers wouldn’t work.The nurse helped by calling and giving them the details.

Before long,the funeral staff arrived and quietly took Micah away.The hallways stayed silent.No one came to comfort Louisa because every doctor and nurse had been ordered to the top floor to care for Rebecca.

Louisa followed the staff to the funeral home in silence.That night,Micah was cremated.She didn’t cry,didn’t speak,just moved like a lifeless shell.

At dawn,she returned home carrying his ashes.She placed the urn gently into a suitcase,then went to Micah’s room and began to fold his clothes one by one,carefully packing them away.

After a long while,Simon came back.When he saw Louisa’s pale,empty eyes,a flicker of guilt crossed his face.

Simon then took out a delicate blue diamond necklace,the Heart of the Ocean and held it out like a precious gift.Gently rubbing Louisa’s hair,he asked softly,“Louisa,are your feet still hurting?”

Louisa didn’t look up or speak.She just kept folding Micah’s things.Simon hesitated.

“Micah’s surgery has been pushed to the day after tomorrow.When he gets better,how about we take him skiing?”

Louisa’s hands froze.Her back trembled as memories of Micah clinging to Simon flashed before her eyes.The pain in her chest was so strong that she could hardly stay upright.

After a long pause,she finally spoke in a hoarse voice,“I’m going on a trip.”

Simon blinked in surprise.He’d been thinking of ways to send her away for a while,but she had made the decision herself.For some reason,his chest tightened with unease.

Without another word,Louisa walked toward the greenhouse where she kept her beloved orchids.She wanted to take one with her.Just as she picked the flower,Rebecca appeared with a bright smile on her lips.

“Louisa,you heard Simon and me together last night,didn’t you?It must hurt.Tomorrow,Simon and I will be married.You’ll be swallowed whole by the Jacobson Family,sold off by your Uncle Jonathan and despised by the Griswolds Family,”she cruelly said.

Rebecca's provocation completely infuriated Louisa.The tragic scene of her brother's death yesterday kept replaying in her mind.She could no longer suppress her anger,and raised her hand to slap Rebecca hard in the face!

However,Rebecca didn’t get angry.Instead,she smirked and leaned close to Louisa’s ear,whispering something.It made Louisa’s face go pale in shock.

The next moment,Rebecca threw her lighter onto the exposed electrical wires.

Sparks burst out as the flames spread quickly through the flowers and vines.

When Simon saw the fire,he rushed in,ignoring the servants trying to hold him back.He grabbed Rebecca,who was closest to him and turned to run.

Louisa opened her mouth to call out to him,but sharp pieces of falling glass stabbed into her back before she could.She couldn’t help but wail painfully.Then,a loud explosion erupted.The blast sent her flying,hitting the ground hard in the yard.

Simon ran out carrying Rebecca.Once he was safe,he realized Louisa wasn’t with them.He turned to go back,but Rebecca clutched his arm as she cried pitifully.

“Simon,it hurts so much!My leg might be broken…”

Simon looked down at her.After a brief pause,he made a decision.He scooped her up and ran toward the car.

“We’ll get you to the hospital first!”he said urgently.

Then,he ordered the driver,“Take Louisa to the hospital too.”

Simon didn’t notice Louisa lying on the ground,trembling in pain.

Firefighters arrived soon after and put out the flames.Louisa was lifted into an ambulance,treated with simple bandages and sent home alone.

Moving like a ghost,she packed her luggage into the car,picked up Micah’s urn and drove to the cemetery.She buried him quietly beside their parents.When it was done,she didn’t look back.She went straight to the airport and boarded a plane to Boston.