Chapter 464: She Is Leaving

Elvis hadn't treated his wound; the excessive movement reopened it, staining his white shirt crimson. He relentlessly searched for the jewelry, certain he would find it. Half an hour passed, then an hour, then five grueling hours under the rain. The mud was too deep; the jewelry was likely lost in its depths. His handsome face was pale, his strength exhausted, his chest wound burning. Infection was a serious threat.

He was about to give up when his finger brushed against something hard. He’d found it!

Olive slept soundly, her beauty illuminated by the dim yellow light, her scent lingering in the room. Elvis entered, his cold heart softening. He showered, discarding his bloody shirt, then emerged in a black silk robe. He placed the necklace around Olive's sleeping neck, the ring on her finger.

She awoke to a chill, two arms enfolding her. She knew it was Elvis. She saw the jewelry on her neck—the pieces she'd thrown into the pond! He’d found them. His hasty departure hadn't been anger; he'd been searching. Her heart ached, her eyes welling.

A kiss landed on her face. Elvis’s voice was hoarse, "Put it on. If you dare lose it again, I'll punish you severely."

Olive tried to move away, but Elvis held her tightly. "You still have strength? Should we go another round?"

His threat froze her. He kissed her cheek, then lifted her gown. "Again?"

She bit his arm. He winced but smiled softly. "Still angry, mama? Sorry." He buried his head in her neck. "Olive, I'm tired. Let me sleep."

He held her close, inhaling her scent, and fell asleep. Olive heard his shallow breathing. Could he be planning to spend the night?

She shifted. He mumbled, "Be still, Olive." He was exhausted, but afraid she would leave. Only by holding her could he feel safe.

Shame, resentment, grievance, and powerlessness warred in Olive's heart. His embrace trapped her, a dense web she couldn't break free from. Perhaps she couldn't. She'd become an obsession he couldn't let go of.

But she had to leave. Staying meant a lifetime under Crystal's control, sharing Elvis with Li Yanran. Her life shouldn't end like this.

She was leaving.

The next morning, Elvis awoke to an empty bed. His eyes widened. Where had she gone? Bodyguards guarded the exits; she couldn't have left.

He pressed his hand to his festering, infected wound, groaning in pain. A high fever burned him, but the physical agony was insignificant compared to the emptiness in his heart. Olive was gone.

He searched the room, his gaze finally falling on the balcony. Olive sat quietly in a corner, her face in her knees, the open window whipping her hair and dress in the cold wind. She looked desolate.

Elvis's heart sank. A crushing weight settled on his chest, making each breath a struggle. Slowly, he reached out and carried her inside.