Chapter 140

Scarlett’s POV

My heart trembled slightly as my lips pulled into a self-mocking smile.

The glimmer of hope that had just surfaced in my mind was instantly extinguished, like a flame doused by torrential rain.

Luke's face showed embarrassment as he forced a slight smile.

"Miss Smith... do you have any other instructions?"

"No, you may go about your business."

After he left, I slowly closed my eyes, exhaustion sweeping over my entire body.

The weakness from the allergic reaction still lingered. Even after a day of intravenous treatment, I had only regained a portion of my strength.

The doctor had originally recommended I stay for a few more days, but the phone beside my hospital bed suddenly rang.

"When are you coming back?"

Richard's voice was cold, occasionally suppressing his breathing—the kind of voice driven by a combination of lust and violence.

I answered softly, "Just another day or two..."

"Good. When you return, I have something to ask you."

His tone sent chills down my spine, but it also presented an opportunity.

I took a deep breath and boldly tested the waters: "Mr. Gray, after I return... would you be willing to marry me?"

"Hmm?" Richard seemed surprised by my question.

I repeated, my voice more determined: "Mr. Gray, would you be willing to marry me?"

I curled the corner of my mouth, inadvertently looking up to meet the gaze of the man standing in the doorway of my hospital room.

I swallowed and continued speaking into the phone: "Mr. Gray, I've been by your side for nearly half a year now. I want a stable life with a sense of security."

Richard laughed, and then I heard a muffled sound.

"Why suddenly propose this?" Richard's voice grew sharp.

I struggled to keep my voice steady. "I admire you, Mr. Gray. I'm willing to accompany you for life."

Just then, Alexander walked to my bedside.

He looked down at me from above, his deep blue eyes studying me for a moment.

Then he bent down and began casually unbuttoning my hospital gown.

One button after another, his fingers lightly touched my skin, sending shivers through me.

My breathing became rapid as I tried hard not to make a sound.

Alexander's movements were unhurried, continuing until my shoulders were exposed to the air.

Richard's laughter came through the phone, ice-cold. I knew Alexander could hear it clearly too.

"You're nothing but Alexander's used trash. Why would I marry you?"

I wasn't angry that Richard knew about my relationship with Alexander.

"You wouldn't bear to kill me."

I stated calmly. This wasn't a plea, but a statement of fact.

I knew I had value to Richard—I resembled his late wife, Rachel Johnson. This was information I had learned when I was assigned to approach him.

"Mr. Gray, I'll return in three days. By then, I hope to hear good news from you."

As I finished speaking, a cold snort came from the other end before the call was disconnected.

As soon as I put down the phone, Alexander immediately flipped me over, forcefully pinning me to the bed.

He grabbed my long hair with one hand, pulling my head back.

I drew in a sharp breath, forced to lift my head.

"Now that you know Richard can sleep with you, you're so eager to marry him?"

His voice contained not a hint of emotion, only cold anger. Even as he took possession of my body, he did so effortlessly.

My body was consumed by a tearing pain, the dry friction burning like fire. Each impact left me breathless.

I couldn't help but cry out.

"Get out!" I tensed my body and shouted angrily.

Alexander laughed. "Where should I go? It seems you're the one not letting me leave."

He displayed a devilish smile, then savagely bit the nape of my neck, as if marking me.

"Perhaps I should brand you with a hot iron as 'Alexander's dog.'"

He sneered. "Although, looking at your beautiful body, perhaps a tattoo would be more appropriate."

His movements became more violent, but unlike before, this time I refused to make any sound.

Alexander's whispers were accompanied by light pants. "The beginning and end of the game are determined by me. Since when did you have the right to end it?"

My throat tightened, despite his continued intense movements.

"Since you never keep your word, why should I follow the rules of the game?"

He immediately laughed. "You're quite bold—daring to kill, to harm yourself, to run away... what else do you dare to do?"

I shook my head, which was covered in cold sweat, regaining a moment of clarity.

Then I forcefully broke free from his grip.

But I didn't run away. Instead, I moved closer to him.

"I also dare to make you, from today onwards, openly call me..."

"Auntie!"