Chapter 558:

Elyse encouraged Tracy to lean on her, but Tracy refused, mindful of Elyse's pregnancy. "You're pregnant and vulnerable; how could I lean on you?"

Elyse wrinkled her nose affectionately. "Come on, you're very light. It's fine."

Morgan, lowering her gaze, noticed a faint red mark on Tracy's inner thigh. Frowning, she asked, "Are you bleeding?"

Tracy's face flushed with embarrassment.

"Let's get you back to the room first. We'll talk more when the doctor arrives," Elyse said urgently.

Tracy nodded silently and went to the upstairs guest room. Morgan remained in the living room, waiting for the doctor; she felt her presence might inhibit Tracy from speaking openly.

In the guest room, Elyse tucked Tracy into bed. Cradling her, Elyse whispered, "Tracy, can you tell me what happened?"

Tracy sighed, unsure how to begin. Elyse, noticing the numerous hickeys and bite marks on Tracy's body, vaguely guessed what had transpired. Taking a quick glance at her injuries, Elyse asked, "Did Shaun do this to you?"

After a moment, Tracy nodded slowly.

A lump formed in Elyse's throat. She shouldn't have left Tracy at Shaun's house. "Is he insane? Why would he bite you? There are teeth marks all over you?" Elyse choked out, tears welling.

Tracy managed a small smile. "Yes, he's insane."

"But he seemed fine last time. Why now?" Elyse pressed.

After a long pause, Tracy whispered, "Dolores approached me. She forced a meeting with Shaun two days ago and demanded I be handed over to her. I tried to reason with Shaun, to ask him to let me go. But then he lost control."

Elyse was stunned. "How did you leave today? What did you say to Shaun?"

Tracy's smile was weary but relieved. "Dolores returned today with Lowell. She and Shaun went to the study, so I asked Lowell to take me away."

Elyse frowned. Lowell was just an unruly rider. "Did he help just because you asked?"

Tracy paused. "I begged him, even knelt and swore I'd never return to Watscar."

"You knelt? How dare he!" Elyse exclaimed, her anger rising.

Tracy offered a bitter smile. She didn't want to tell Elyse what else she'd done to escape Shaun. Taking Elyse's hand, she reassured her, "Please don't worry. I'll be alright."

Elyse's eyes welled. "You're bleeding! How could he do this?"

"Shaun always treats me like this in bed. He accuses me of lying if I can't endure it. He wouldn't let me go until I was hurt and bleeding."

Elyse clenched her fists. "That monster! I won't let him get away with this!"

Tracy shook her head. "It's over. I don't want to stay in Watscar. I'm planning to go abroad in a few years."

Elyse was taken aback. "You're leaving Watscar? Did Lowell require this?"

"Yes, I asked him for help. I had no other choice," Tracy replied with a bitter smile. "I have to keep my promise."

Elyse was overwhelmed. They talked until the female doctor and nurse arrived. The examination put Tracy at ease.

An hour later, the doctor told Elyse, "Tracy has a vaginal tear, likely from excessive sex. She also has whiplash wounds. She needs plenty of rest."

Elyse nodded solemnly. "Thank you, doctor."

The doctor left after giving the medication to the butler. Elyse glanced at Tracy, who was asleep, still frowning. Elyse comforted her, whispering reassurances until Tracy's frown relaxed and her face softened.