Chapter 573

The accident happened in a split second, before I could even scream. I’d always lived in a peaceful world, never realizing just how dark and brutal people could be. “Nathan!” I called out, panic rising in my chest. Nathan’s forehead was covered in cold sweat from the pain, but he forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

“Tracy, you’re such a witch! You’re horrible!” Yvonne sprang to her feet, pointing at Tracy, who was pinned helplessly to the floor.

After yelling, Yvonne bent down, grabbed a rock from the floor, and hurled it furiously at Tracy’s face. “You hurt my mom, you hurt Nathan–I’m going to smash your face in!” Tracy couldn’t dodge, and a nasty bruise blossomed on her face. She glared at Yvonne with pure hatred and spat, “You’re just like your mother. You’ll grow up to be a man-stealer too.” “Shut up!” Yvonne snapped at her. I supported Nathan with all my strength, shooting Tracy a furious glare. In my memory, she always pretended to be nice, but I never thought she’d cross the line and actually break the law. The sound of the ambulance was getting closer, its siren echoing through the air. I looked at Nathan, my heart aching with worry. His face was pale from the pain. Someone had called the cops, and Tracy was taken away. Yvonne and I rushed Nathan to the hospital. Jared was on his way when Yvonne, still crying, told him everything that had happened. He hurried straight to the hospital. Nathan was taken into the emergency room, and I waited anxiously outside, my heart burning with anxiety–I was worried sick. Fortunately, the doctor came out and told us the stab wound wasn’t serious–none of Nathan’s vital organs were hurt. He got three stitches and would be kept in the hospital for observation. Hearing that, my heart, which had been in my throat, finally settled. When Nathan was wheeled out, I rushed over right away. “Nathan, are you okay?” I asked, worry written all over my face. Nathan just gave me a gentle look and shook his head. “I’m much better. Don’t worry.” “Thank you!” I’d said it so many times since all this happened, but no matter how many times I say it, it never feels enough. Nathan let out a gentle laugh. “Seriously, you don’t have to keep saying that. As long as you and Yvonne are safe, that’s all I care about.” “Nathan, I’m so sorry. If I’d known we’d run into that awful woman, I never would’ve texted you about breakfast this morning. It’s all because of me,” Yvonne sobbed, tears streaming down her face. She’d probably never seen anything so violent before–it really scared her. I looked at Yvonne, a bit skeptical. “Why did you text Nathan so early?” Yvonne sniffled. “Because we’re heading back to Grandpa William and Grandma’s place this afternoon. I figured Nathan would want to see you before we left, so I messaged him while you were brushing your teeth.” I squeezed Yvonne’s fingers gently. “Alright, I understand.” I made sure Nathan got a private room. The nurse came in and said to me, “You’re his wife, right? Here are a few things you need to know. Please read them and sign.” Nathan and I exchanged a glance but didn’t bother correcting her. Yvonne blurted out, “Nurse, you got it wrong! My mom and Nathan haven’t gotten married yet.” The nurse looked surprised for a second, then laughed. “Sorry, you three really do look like a family.” Right then, the door swung open and Jared walked in. His face tensed up for a moment, but when he saw Nathan lying injured on the bed, guilt washed over him. “Nathan, I’m really sorry. Tracy only went after Victoria because of me, and now she’s ended up hurting you too. I’ll take care of all your hospital bills and any other costs.” “Dad, you’re finally here! You have to make sure that awful woman gets locked up and never comes near us again. She even threatened to scratch Mom’s face–she’s just plain vicious!” Yvonne, who was at that age where she just had to say everything on her mind, went on and on. At the mention of Tracy, Jared’s expression turned icy. “Don’t worry. I won’t let her or the Darwin family off the hook.” The cops came to get our statements. Since I didn’t fight back when Tracy slapped me, they charged her with assault. Jared took over dealing with the police, and with how things were looking, Tracy probably wasn’t getting out anytime soon. I asked Sally to come pick up Yvonne. In the quiet hospital room, I watched Nathan, who had dozed off without me noticing, and my heart was heavy with guilt. He was so young, with that handsome face and that mix of black and silver in his hair. Honestly, I owed him more than I could ever repay. Looking back at how we met, how we got close, and everything we’ve been through, Nathan was truly one of a kind–gentle, strong, mature, thoughtful, and always there for me. And above all, he was insanely capable. He really was the definition of perfect. “Victoria…” As I was gazing at Nathan, he suddenly woke up. I didn’t even know how long he’d been awake. My eyes were on him, but my mind had drifted far away. Nathan had been watching me too, and when he saw me spacing out, he finally called my name. I snapped back to reality and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Is your wound hurting again?” Nathan shook his head. “No, that’s not it. Do you have anything you need to take care of? If you do, you don’t have to stay–I can just call my assistant over instead…” “I’m fine!” He got hurt because of me. ‘No matter what else is going on, nothing’s more important than being here for him right now.’ “The Spring Festival is just three days away, Victoria. Didn’t you say you were going home to spend it with your parents? Yvonne said your flight was this afternoon…” “I’m not going back,” I replied. I’d just called my parents from the hallway–not giving any details, just letting them know I probably wouldn’t make it home for the New Year. We’d already seen each other at New Year’s, so they didn’t make a fuss. They just told me to take care of myself while I spent the holiday away.