Chapter 256 Why Did You Save Me?

Selena's POV

I lounged comfortably on my private jet, savoring the glass of chilled champagne in my hand as we crossed time zones. The plan was unfolding perfectly.

My phone rang, displaying a number I immediately recognized.

"You're calling from an unsecured line," I answered coldly. "This better be important."

"Miss Garcia," Scott's irritating voice came through, sounding far too relaxed for my liking. "Just wanted to update you. That Nicholas turned out to be nothing special. His whole operation was taken down by Alexander just like that."

I rolled my eyes. Scott was supposed to be hiding low, not calling me for casual chats. "Scott, your only job right now is to play dead. Don't move, don't come back until I tell you to. The FBI has already put you on their most wanted list."

"Miss Garcia, don't worry. I'm following your instructions to the letter."

That self-satisfied tone of his really got under my skin. Each word felt like sandpaper rubbing against my nerves. I could just see him now: kicked back somewhere, completely relaxed, maybe sprawled out with a smug little grin, feeling high and mighty.

I snapped. "Just stay where you are and keep your mouth shut."

"As you wish, Miss Garcia. But remember our deal—"

I cut him off, not interested in his pathetic attempts at negotiation. "The money will be transferred as agreed. Don't contact me again unless it's an emergency."

After ending the call, I turned to my assistant who sat across from me.

"Should we have someone keep an eye on him?" he asked, his face professionally blank.

I waved dismissively. "He's not worth the effort. Did you get those fake medical records prepared?"

"Everything's ready, just waiting for your instructions."

"Perfect." I smiled, looking out the window at the clouds below us. "As soon as we land, have everything set up at the hospital."

I ran my fingers over my perfectly healthy leg, the same one that would soon become my greatest asset. "If Alexander thinks he can rid himself of me so easily, he's gravely mistaken."

If my leg never heals, Alexander will never be able to leave me behind.

"That'll be all. You can go," I said, my expression calm, my voice perfectly level, betraying no emotion.

My assistant nodded respectfully and pulled the door softly shut behind them. The quiet click seemed unnaturally loud in the silent room.

My gaze dropped to my phone. The screen was filled with missed call notifications.

Seeing Alexander's name among them, the corners of my mouth lifted slightly, almost against my will.

I slowly picked up a pen and, stroke by careful stroke, wrote out my final note on the paper.

When I was done, I meticulously checked the time before emptying the sleeping pills I'd prepared into my palm.

Staring at the small pile of white tablets in my hand, I took a deep breath. Without a shred of hesitation, I tilted my head back and swallowed them all.

Alexander, you're destined to be mine. In life or in death, you can't escape me!

Just as I expected, I woke up in the hospital. I lay perfectly still, eyes closed, listening to the doctor's footsteps as he checked my vitals for the benefit of anyone watching through the observation window.

Once the door closed behind him, I opened my eyes, sitting up smoothly.

"Impressive performance, Doctor," I said, adjusting the IV in my arm for comfort rather than necessity. "Very convincing."

He nodded, straightening his white coat. "Everything is proceeding as planned, Ms. Garcia. The toxicology reports have been altered to show substantial damage to your system. The surgical team is briefed on their roles."

"And the leg prognosis?"

"Exactly as you requested—permanent damage requiring ongoing physical therapy and possibly amputation if you choose to go that route."

I smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. Your compensation will reflect my appreciation for your discretion."

The doctor hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "Ms. Garcia, if I may ask... why go to such lengths?"

How could I explain that Alexander was meant to be mine from the beginning? That Katherine had stolen him from me once before, and I wouldn't allow it to happen again?

"Let's just say I'm ensuring Mr. Hudson remains firmly connected to my life," I replied coolly. "Speaking of which, how are our lovebirds behaving outside?"

The doctor's expression told me everything before he even spoke. "They seem... quite close. They were embracing in the waiting area earlier, speaking intimately."

I felt as though someone had doused me with ice water. "Embracing? That's impossible. They're divorced—they hate each other!"

My mind raced. Could the rumors of their bitter divorce have been exaggerated? Or worse—fabricated entirely?

The thought that Katherine might still have a hold on Alexander's heart made my blood boil.

"Well," I said, my voice dangerously soft, "there's only one way to find out."

I quickly arranged myself back on the pillows, adjusting my expression to one of pitiful weakness. "Tell them I'm stirring. Let's see how Alexander reacts to a new situation."

As the doctor left to fetch them, I prepared my performance.

I heard their voices outside my room—Katherine's concerned tone, Alexander's deeper, more authoritative one.

The doctor was warning them about my "fragile psychological state." I almost smiled at that touch.

They entered quietly, and I kept my eyes closed, listening to Katherine suggesting Alexander should go home and rest.

"I'm staying," Alexander insisted, his voice firm but gentle.

I waited a few moments longer before fluttering my eyelids, making a show of confusion as I "woke up."

"Where... where am I?" I whispered.

Katherine stepped forward. "You're in the hospital, Selena. We found you at your apartment and brought you here in time."

I turned my face away dramatically. "Why did you save me? I didn't want to be saved."

"Selena," Alexander's voice was stern yet caring, exactly as I'd hoped. "No matter what happens, taking your own life is never the answer. We're going to do everything possible to help you—including saving your leg."

I let tears well up in my eyes. "It's too late. Because of this leg, my boyfriend already left me..."

The words hung in the air as I watched confusion spread across both their faces.

"Boyfriend?" Katherine asked.

"When did this happen?" Alexander asked. "Who is he?"