May the Flames of Hell Engulf You

When I got home the next day, I realized that Brandon hadn't come back all night.

It was also only after returning that I noticed all my medical reports had been left in the entryway. I hadn't even had a chance to put them away.

They were right there in plain sight, yet Brandon hadn't noticed them at all.

I let out a self-mocking laugh and didn't bother tidying them up. It was not like he would see them anyway, right?

Brandon didn't come back until the afternoon.

However, he wasn't alone. His assistant followed behind him, carrying luggage, and Lexie was beaming with joy.

The moment they saw me, the air seemed to freeze for a second.

Brandon instructed his assistant to put away Lexie's things. Once the assistant left, he turned to explain to me, "Daniella, Lexie is pregnant. Her boyfriend isn't around, and he asked me to look after her. It's not safe for her to live alone, so I let her move in with us. Plus, she can keep you company."

I studied Brandon carefully. He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world, without the slightest hint of guilt.

I found it all rather dull and simply murmured, "Okay."

Brandon didn't seem reassured. Just as I turned to head upstairs, he grabbed my hand. "There's nothing going on between me and Lexie. She has a boyfriend, and I have you, Daniella!"

His grip was tight enough to hurt. I frowned slightly. "I know."

Right now, I didn't want to hear any more of his excuses.

If he wanted Lexie to move in, then it was fine by me. I wasn't planning to stay here much longer anyway.

After taking a deep breath, I went upstairs and started packing my clothes.

There was no need to pack anything for colder weather. I wouldn't be around long enough for that. I just grabbed a few summer outfits, and in the end, my suitcase wasn't even half full.

That was good. At least it wouldn't be too heavy to carry.

I didn't expect Brandon's expression to instantly shift when I walked out with my suitcase.

He blocked my way and asked, "Daniella, what are you doing?"

I told him I didn't want to stay there anymore and wanted to move out.

Brandon's frown deepened. "Stop throwing a tantrum. I told you, I only let Lexie move in because she's pregnant. It's not safe for her to live alone."

I felt sick.

I wasn't as strong as Brandon to begin with, and now, with him physically stopping me, I couldn't break free. Anger flared up inside me.

"Oh, really?"

I looked him dead in the eye and said casually, "I thought Ms. Gilmore was carrying your baby."

Brandon froze.

Lexie, standing to the side, arched a brow before putting on a pitiful expression and tugging on his hand. "Mr. Foster, it's fine if I don't stay here. Don't argue with Ms. Pace because of me."

Her words triggered Brandon instantly, and he shoved me. "Daniella, when did you become so unreasonable?"

I barely heard what he said. A sharp ringing filled my ears, my vision blurred, and my legs suddenly gave out.

Instinctively, I reached for something to hold on to, but before I could, my body collapsed.

"Daniella!"

I heard Brandon's panicked voice. He seemed like he wanted to help me but stopped.

Because right beside him, Lexie said, "Ms. Pace must be doing this just to stop me from moving in…"

Meanwhile, Brandon actually believed her.

He scoffed coldly and said, "Stay on the floor if you want. I'd like to see how long you can keep up the act."

Then, he walked away.

A chill spread through my chest.

As for when my consciousness finally faded completely, I had no idea.