Roses in the Abyss

4

My body hurt too much, and I didn't have much strength. I quickly rinsed off, and with wet hair, I came out.

When I opened the bathroom door, I saw someone sitting on my bed.

I was so startled that I almost cried out.

Fortunately, I quickly covered my mouth, avoiding alarming anyone.

"How did you get in?"

Chris looked up at me, raising his eyebrows slightly. "I came in through the window."

As he spoke, he pointed to the window sill.

I was speechless.

This was the downside of living on the first floor without security bars.

"Why didn't you dry your hair?" Chris stared at me, frowning with displeasure.

I shrugged. "It hurt, and I didn't have the strength."

Chris looked at me for a moment and then smiled helplessly.

"You really are something."

Saying that, he got up and went to the bathroom, coming out with a hairdryer.

He gestured to me. "Find a place to sit."

I obediently sat in a chair, closed my eyes, and felt his long fingers weaving through my hair, the warm wind blowing gently.

It brought an indescribable feeling of warmth.

Slowly melting the ice in my heart...

5

I felt so comfortable that I was almost drowsy.

Suddenly, the wind stopped.

His laughing voice came to my ears. "All done."

I suddenly opened my eyes and saw him standing in front of me, bending over to look at me.

I involuntarily bit my lip and pointed to the corner of his mouth. "Who hit you?"

Chris raised his eyebrows and gave a teasing smile. "I thought you couldn't see it."

How could I not see it?

I noticed the injury at the corner of his mouth the first moment I saw him.

I just hadn't had a chance to ask.

"My dad did."

Chris curled his lips, his expression a bit strange. "I guess that's the price for getting me out."

He pointed to my face. "Actually, it's mainly to create a 'couple's injury' with you."

I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't expect any serious words from him.

Fortunately, my brain worked well enough to guess.

Master Baton must have been so angry that he hit Chris.

"Does it hurt?"

"Does it make you feel heartache?"

Chris didn't answer the question and I could only nod.

I then saw him grinning widely, like a blooming chrysanthemum.

He looked quite "taking advantage and still playing innocent."

"The old man's hand was quite heavy; it hurt a lot."

Chris pouted and leaned closer to me.

His expression was eager, like a big golden retriever.

If he had a tail, it would probably be wagging like a spinning top right now.

I felt a bit angry.

He did it on purpose. Knowing that I couldn't refuse his requests, he pretended to be pitiful and wronged, making me feel sorry for him.

Such a schemer.

6

I couldn't say no to him.

I cupped his face with both hands, leaned in, and gently kissed the corner of his lips.

Unexpectedly, he seized the opportunity and immediately embraced me, turning the tables.

I had no defense, so I could only weakly snuggle into his arms, letting him take whatever he wanted.

Fortunately, he understood restraint and stopped at the brink of danger.

His fingers lightly brushed over my lips and landed on my cheek.

"Hiss..."

A sharp pain shot through me, and I couldn't help but take a sharp breath.

Looking up, I saw a flash of hostility in his eyes.

I immediately grabbed his hand. "I'm fine! There has to be a price to pay; it's worth it for the future."

Chris's eyes were filled with tenderness.

He embraced me, resting his chin on the top of my head.

He whispered, "It's almost over; it will be alright soon."

I nodded vigorously, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

The world is full of hardships, but meeting you made me realize it was just a false alarm.

7

I was locked in the house for three whole days.

During these three days, Zain brought me food and water; my aunt never appeared.

Even Zain didn't know where she had gone.

After three days, I was finally allowed to leave the bedroom.

However, in the living room, I saw people other than my aunt.

—Chris's parents.

"Come, Lucy, come to me."

In front of others, my aunt always treated me with great affection, being gentle and considerate.

But only I knew that beneath her kind exterior lay a heart so filthy.

"You're Lucy Wendy?"

Madam Baton looked me up and down and shook her head slightly at Master Baton.

Then she turned to my aunt and said, "We are very sorry for the harm caused to the child. We will provide some compensation. However, we cannot accept the demands you made."

My aunt's expression immediately changed. "What do you mean? Our Lucy's purity and reputation have been destroyed, and you don't want to take responsibility?"

"With this incident, Lucy's future is ruined. How will she live her life after this?"

"Chris must marry her; this is non-negotiable!"

Master Baton and Madam Baton exchanged knowing glances.

Master Baton pulled out a bank card and pushed it towards me.

"There is a sum of money in here, enough to ensure you never have to worry about basic needs for the rest of your lives. As long as you agree to our terms, this money is yours. Take it, move to another city, or even go abroad; it will be more than enough.

"Girl, I hear your grades are excellent and you should have a bright future. Don't ruin it over such a small matter."

At his sincere advice, my face showed little expression.

I simply asked calmly, "What do you want me to do?"

They thought I was conceding and looked pleased, hoping I would admit to seducing Chris first.

As expected, I smiled slightly and not yet speaking, my aunt suddenly pulled me into her arms, holding me tightly.

She glared at them, baring her teeth. "Don't even think about it! Although our family isn't wealthy, we are not those who are swayed by money. I treat Lucy like my own daughter and will never allow you to mistreat her like this!

"Now get out of my house!"

While scolding, my aunt threw the bank card at them and urged them to leave.

I nestled in my aunt's embrace and noticed her hand trembling slightly.

It seemed that throwing back that bank card was very distressing for her.

Once Chris's parents left, my aunt immediately released me.

The tenderness on her face had long disappeared.

Grabbing my shoulders with a heated and frenzied gaze, she said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely find a way to get you into the Baton family!"

I was curious about what kind of plan she would come up with.

However, nothing happened in the next two days.

I still couldn't leave the house, but at least I wasn't confined to my bedroom anymore.