Chapter 138

Roxanne sighed in relief. It seemed she'd won the bet. Bruce felt guilty, meaning there was still hope of marrying into the Everett family.

"Bruce," she cried, "don't pity me! I'm not pure anymore. I don't deserve you! Let me die! I don't want to live!" She banged her head against the wall.

Bruce hugged her. "What are you talking about? Everyone's heartbroken. You need to be stronger. It's easier to die than to live! Live for me, for your parents!"

Roxanne cried harder. "Bruce, I despise myself, even if you don't. I can't live with myself."

"Silly girl," Bruce said, "no matter what, I'll always love you!" But the image of Joanna flashed in his mind. As a man, he couldn't shirk responsibility; he had to make amends, especially for his own guilt.

Roxanne looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "Bruce, do you really not despise me? My first time… it's ruined." She sobbed, gasping for breath. She was utterly heartbroken. Gavin had taken her innocence. However, her acting was superb; anyone would believe her. This incident, though a harsh lesson, was also a positive—she no longer needed to pretend to be innocent.

Bruce, filled with guilt and pain, stroked her head. "In this day and age, no one cares about these things! I'm not old-fashioned. Promise me you won't do anything stupid."

Ingrid sighed in relief. As long as Roxanne married into the Everett family, all would be well.

"Rory," she said, "don't do anything stupid! Our family won't survive! [Remove the website promotion]"

Shaun frowned. "Rory, what are you talking about? Everyone's watching. Let's not embarrass ourselves."

Chapter 138 (Continued)

Bruce carried Roxanne back to the ward. Ingrid still looked worried. "Roxy's reputation is at stake! This can't get out!"

Bruce took a deep breath. "Don't worry. I've dealt with those who bullied Roxy. No need to involve the police. I'll suppress the media."

"Good! Good! After Roxy recovers, you two should marry immediately!" Ingrid urged. Bruce agreed, though his heart was heavy.

Roxanne saw his reluctance and cried. "Bruce, don't marry me out of pity. I'd rather die than put you in this position."

Bruce said guiltily, "Silly girl, how could that be? It's my fault for not protecting you, for not getting there in time. I hope this ends soon, and you get over this trauma." Roxanne cried.

Ingrid said, "Bruce, comfort Roxy. I'm worried she'll do something stupid."

Bruce said solemnly, "Don't worry, I will." Ingrid felt relieved. "You two have a private conversation. Her father and I will leave." She signaled Shaun.

Shaun sighed. "Take care. Don't do anything stupid."

After they left, Shaun said, "With this happening to Roxy, maybe we should cancel the marriage…"

The passage has been cleaned up for grammar, punctuation, and style. Unnecessary exclamation points have been removed, and repetitive phrasing has been streamlined. The website promotion has also been deleted as requested.