When Ashes Speak

I couldn't dodge in time.

The pink sports car came barreling towards me, hurling me through the air before I crashed heavily onto the ground.

Selena tried to hit me again, but the slick road caused her car to spin out of control, smashing into several parked cars.

Selena's forehead was cut by the shattered windshield, knocking her unconscious.

Bystanders quickly called for an ambulance.

Bradley rushed to the scene, anxiously checking Selena's injuries.

He then turned to look at me lying motionless on the ground, his eyes filled with hatred.

"Olivia, I've been far too lenient with you. That's why you've become so arrogant, constantly provoking Selena."

I tried to speak but could only manage a painful whimper.

Bradley carefully lifted Selena into the ambulance.

I weakly reached out my hand, "Help me..."

Bradley sneered, "You're not even bleeding. Stop acting."

He then ordered the driver to leave.

I watched helplessly as the ambulance drove away.

The physical pain, no matter how intense, couldn't compare to the agony of my crushed spirit.

A kind passerby took me to the hospital.

When told I'd been hit by a car, the nurse was shocked:

"Internal injuries with no visible wounds are the most dangerous! Don't move! I'll get a doctor now!"

My consciousness began to fade.

Suddenly, a large hand gripped my wrist tightly. Bradley commanded:

"You and Selena both have O-negative blood. Go donate blood to her immediately."

Without waiting for my response, he forcibly dragged me towards the blood donation room.

The taut nerves in my heart finally snapped.

I shook my head, tears falling like broken strings of pearls.

"Bradley, I have severe anemia. Please, don't..."

Bradley's footsteps faltered slightly.

He gently caressed my face, his tone unusually tender:

"Darling, bear with it. I promise this is the last time."

"Once you recover, we'll get married and live a good life together."

The doctor gently advised, "Mrs.Hunter only has superficial injuries. She doesn't need a blood transfusion at the moment."

Bradley insisted, "Hurry up! Selena has a weak constitution. It's better to be prepared."

The thick needle pierced my arm.

As the blood flowed out rapidly, my whole body trembled uncontrollably, my face growing increasingly pale.

With a final bout of dizziness, I collapsed on the floor.

The nurse panicked, "Who let a car accident victim donate blood? Quick, save her!"

"Initial diagnosis shows the patient has three fractured ribs, a ruptured spleen, and is in a state of severe blood loss!"

I was lifted onto a stretcher and rushed to the operating room.

Bradley's frantic cries echoed in my ears:

"Didn't she have no external injuries? Why is her condition so serious? Get the city's best surgeons here immediately. We can't let anything happen to her!"

When I opened my eyes again, a nurse stood by my bedside, looking immensely relieved.

"You're finally awake! We were all worried you might not make it."

She brought over a bowl of red date and oatmeal porridge:

"Mr. Hunter ordered this blood-nourishing meal specially. Drink it while it's hot."

I glanced at the array of expensive tonics arranged on my bedside table.

Struggling to sit up, I intended to return them all.

As I passed the neighboring room, I saw Bradley cradling a bowl, tenderly feeding Selena.

The gentle smile on his face didn't escape my notice.

A group of young nurses huddled together, whispering:

"Mr. Hunter really dotes on Miss Selena. Can you believe a billionaire like him personally cooked bone broth for six hours, just so she could have it the moment she woke up?"

My strength suddenly left me, and the tonics I was holding clattered to the floor.

Just then, I received a text from Dad:

[Sweetheart, that deal you closed saved the company. The crisis is over. Get some rest now. Daddy's worried about you.]

My eyes welled up with tears as I leaned against the wall, feeling an immense weight lift from my shoulders.

Trying to recall the so-called "deal," I drew a complete blank.

At the same time, a representative from the luxury brand I had previously worked with sent their regards:

[Mrs. Hunter, the payment has been settled in full. We look forward to potential future collaborations.]

I looked up towards Bradley in the hospital room. My numb heart could no longer stir any ripples, only a sense of relief remained.

Bradley, from this moment on, we're even.