Chapter 5

Just one month left on my calendar.

I booked a flight and planned to travel.

I didn't expect the last person to board to be Landen himself, and of course, his seat was right next to mine.

I was surprised.

Honestly, after that time at the hospital, I never expected to run into him again.

He spotted me too.

While he was putting his luggage away, I slipped on my sleep mask and pretended to be asleep.

He looked annoyed just seeing me, and honestly, I wasn't exactly thrilled to see him either.

No way was I gonna set myself up for humiliation by going over to him.

The first-class seats were super spacious, and I could even lie back and sleep.

I pretty much slept through the whole flight. My hair probably looked like a mess by the time we landed.

Landen was busy working, the sound of his keyboard clicking away beside me.

It wasn't until the plane was about to land that I finally took off my sleep mask and sat up.

I started snacking on some food, trying to get a bit of energy back.

"Where are you headed?" Landen asked.

I looked up, surprised.

There was no one else around. He was definitely talking to me.

I took a sip of milk.

"Isn't everyone on this plane headed to Westvale County?" I replied.

Landen's gaze turned frosty for a second.

"I'm asking which part of Westvale County you're headed to," he said.

"Are you actually worried about me?" I shot back.

Landen just stared at me like I was the dumbest person alive.

Just then, the plane touched down.

I got up and snatched up my luggage.

Of course, it wasn't concern. He just didn't want us crossing paths again in Westvale County.

I didn't bother explaining where I was headed. I grabbed my bag and was the first one off the plane.

Westvale County was so big. There was no way I'd ever see you again, Landen.

I'd given up loving you.

Three days later, we still ended up bumping into each other at the entrance of the Global Hotel.

We both knew how to enjoy life, so of course we picked the biggest hotel in Westvale County.

But honestly, we were the last people who should be meeting like this.

"Olivia."

I was already walking away, but he still called out to me.

I took a deep breath.

"What do you want? There are so many hotels around here, Mr. Harrington. Why not just pick a different one?" I said, keeping my tone cool.

"With the way you've been lately, looks like you finally wised up," Landen said, his voice icy.

I really didn't see that coming from him.

"Yeah, I've moved on. Wishing you and Emily a lifetime of happiness," I said.

"Thanks. Hope you find some joy in the days ahead," Landen replied.

Inside, my hands curled tight, trying to keep it together.

"Alright," I replied.

I was about to take a step and leave.

"Mr. Harrington, your laptop's here. We can head out now," someone called out.

Suddenly, a man brandishing a knife burst onto the scene, racing past me and lunging toward Landen.

Just as I opened my mouth to warn him, the attacker plunged the blade into my body before I could get the words out.

"Let go of me, you fucking bitch—" the attacker yelled.

"You're asking for it," he snarled.

The world started to blur around me. All I could feel was blood pouring out of my body, like it didn't even belong to me.

But I clung to the attacker's wrist for dear life, refusing to let go no matter what.

Blood was everywhere, soaking everything around me.

It hurt so much.

My grip was slipping. It was so hard to keep holding on.

Landen kicked the guy away and sent the knife flying, but when he saw all the blood pouring out of me, his eyes actually trembled.

"Olivia." His voice was so soft, almost gentle.

He'd never called my name like that before.

Landen dropped to his knees and scooped me up from the ground, cradling me tightly in his arms.

His assistant pinned the attacker to the floor, holding him down.

"Ms. Lane?" the assistant blurted out, shocked.

Landen shouted, his voice raw with panic.

"What are you all standing around for? Call an ambulance now!" Landen barked, panic in his voice.

Whenever I moved my lips, blood just gushed out. I tried to say something, but in the end, I just shut my mouth, letting the silence swallow me.

"Don't say anything, Olivia. Hang in there. We're almost at the hospital," Landen said.

Landen lifted his hand and carefully wiped the blood from my damp lips, his touch unexpectedly gentle and full of concern.