Chapter 4: Ellis’s Heartbreak

Victoria remembered being in Easton’s arms just moments ago. His patience had run out as he said, “Let go; I need to find someone.”

She managed to keep her expression neutral, but inwardly she was irritated, especially as she noticed Easton holding Ellis. She cast a discreet, resentful glance at Ellis. Jackson, who had recently disposed of Easton’s jacket, hurried over as Easton’s faithful right-hand man.

“Mr. Easton, it looks like Mrs. Hudson passed out. The medical team doesn’t have sufficient equipment for a proper examination. For her safety, we should transfer her to…”

Before he could finish, Easton’s sharp glare stopped him in his tracks. Easton’s eyes flashed with irritation, silencing him. With no further words, Easton carried Ellis toward the ambulance.

Jackson was left to handle the remaining responsibilities. As Easton’s assistant, he was used to stepping in like this. The captured men were merely decoys meant to slow down any rescue efforts while the main culprits made their getaway. Finding the main culprits was now the priority. Jackson, watching Easton leave, resigned himself to the upcoming challenges.

When Ellis woke again, she found herself in a hospital room. It was empty except for the sterile hum of medical equipment. She pulled off the oxygen tubes and sat up slowly, her head spinning with disjointed thoughts.

In her confusion, she imagined Easton by her side, smiling at her tenderly and saying, “Darling, you’re finally awake.” But sadly, it was only a fantasy. Easton had never shown her such warmth, nor would he ever call her “Darling.” He always spoke to her in a distant, formal way, often using her full name or, worse, not addressing her at all.

Even though she had decided to divorce him, she couldn’t deny that deep down, she still harbored expectations for him. She longed to wake up and see him by her side, caring for her. But he wasn’t there. Where had he gone? Was he with Victoria?

That thought sent a painful wave through her, and Ellis couldn’t suppress her disappointment. She slowly wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her head.

When Maya arrived to visit her, she found Ellis sitting there, all alone and engulfed in sorrow. It was a scene that would make her heartache.

“Ellis, thank goodness you’re finally awake.” Maya walked over and gently nudged her shoulder.

Just hearing the voice, Ellis knew it was her best friend, Maya.

Ellis sniffled and lifted her head. “Maya.”

The moment Ellis raised her head, Maya saw the tear stains all over her face, and her voice was choked with sobs. Initially startled, Maya quickly realized this was a normal reaction. Who wouldn’t be shaken after being kidnapped and unconscious for a day? It was a relief she hadn’t developed PTSD.

Maya patted her back soothingly, like comforting a child. “It’s okay; you’re safe now. You’ve been rescued, and the kidnappers have all been caught, and no one will harm you again.”

“Yes, no one will harm me again,” Ellis repeated faintly.

“How long have you been awake? Why is there no one here looking after you? Where’s your husband?”

Maya didn’t have the heart to push further. For the past couple of days, word had spread in elite circles about the kidnapping of Ellis and Victoria. People were gossiping about their rescue and how much ransom Easton and the Brooks family had paid.

Maya was genuinely shocked at how cold-hearted Easton was, unwilling to pay the ransom for his wife. Yet for Victoria, he generously gave the kidnappers ten billion dollars while also working with the police to capture them.

Before coming to the hospital, Maya had checked with Easton’s assistant and learned that Easton and Victoria were at the police station identifying the kidnappers. It was obvious that Easton was deliberately accompanying Victoria, leaving his wife behind in the hospital to be with his former fiancée. What a shameless, heartless man!

Knowing how much her friend loved Easton, Maya held back her urge to badmouth him and sighed, “Do you even realize you’ve been unconscious for three days? I’ve been here every day, terrified that you wouldn’t wake up.”

“Honestly, being unconscious sounds like a pretty good option,” Ellis responded with a bitter, self-mocking smile.

“Don’t talk like that! Have you thought about how I’d feel? We’ve grown up together. Losing you would break my heart.”

The two were as close as sisters, practically family. Hearing Ellis say such despairing things, Maya would have hit her, if not for the fact that Ellis was still physically weak.

“Maya, I need you to help me with something,” Ellis said, her gaze serious.

“You’re not even fully recovered, and instead of focusing on getting better, you’re asking me for favors? What could I possibly help you with now?” Maya couldn’t understand why Ellis would need her help. After all, Ellis’s status had significantly improved; she was no longer the girl that people could easily take advantage of.

“Draft me a divorce agreement.”

“What?” Maya exclaimed, standing up in shock. “I’m a lawyer, yes, but why do you want me to draft that?”

“I’m divorcing Easton,” Ellis said, her tone filled with determination.