Chapter 4
Cersei looked up, gazing silently at Louis. Meanwhile, Violet had already broken into frantic sobs. “Louis! Save me! I’m so scared…” Her shrill voice echoed through the empty factory. Louis’s gaze shifted between the two women, his brow deeply furrowed. Three seconds. Five. Ten. Finally, he spoke, his voice hoarse. “Let Violet go.”
Cersei closed her eyes, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. Of course. The kidnapper laughed, cutting Cersei’s ropes with the knife tip and taunting, “Some wife you turned out to be, Mrs. Harris. What a joke.” Before his words finished, he shoved her hard. Caught off guard, Cersei fell backward! “Cersei!” Louis’s eyes widened in horror as he lunged forward to grab her, but only caught the edge of her billowing clothes. Wind rushed past her ears as Cersei watched Louis’s terrified expression. She only found it laughable. He had willingly abandoned her, so why did he now wear such a panicked look?
Chapter 4
“THUD!” Her body crashed heavily onto a platform one level below. Pain exploded through her limbs. Warm liquid pooled beneath her, staining her pale dress red. Louis raced down the stair, his voice trembling as he gathered her in his arms. “Cersei! Hold on, I’m taking you to the hospital…” Cersei wanted to push him away, but even lifting a hand felt impossible. In her daze, she heard the kidnapper’s escaping footsteps, Louis frantically calling for doctors, and the piercing wail of an ambulance siren… When she regained consciousness, the stark white hospital ceiling filled her vision.
The doctor stood beside her bed, his tone grave. “Mrs. Harris… you were pregnant. I’m sorry. The baby didn’t make it.” Cersei didn’t hear the rest. She touched her flat stomach in shock. Her heart felt like it had been crushed in someone’s fist. She and Louis had tried for years, yet could never conceive. And now, just as she was ready to walk away, a life had come—only to vanish, as quietly as it arrived. Like fate’s final mockery.
The hospital door burst open as Louis stumbled in, his eyes red-rimmed. “Cersei, I’m so sorry… I didn’t know you were pregnant…” He grasped her hand, his voice choked with emotion. Cersei withdrew her hand and turned away from him. Louis panicked, pulling a card from his pocket and pressing it into her palm.
Chapter 4
“I’m using a forgiveness card… Cersei, please don’t be angry, okay?” She slowly turned to look at the card that once carried sweet promises, and suddenly smiled. “Louis, do you remember what you said on our wedding day?” He froze. She softly repeated his vow from years ago. “You said you’d never need even one of the forgiveness cards.” Louis’s eyes reddened further. His voice came out hoarse. “It’s my fault… Cersei, I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.” Cersei remained silent, closing her eyes in exhaustion. He sighed with relief, then asked, “How many are left? The forgiveness cards… was it sixty-something?” Cersei opened her eyes, looking at him quietly. She didn’t correct him. Only two forgiveness cards remained.