Chapter 2

A man said, "Come on, how could she die just from a couple of bites? If she did, honestly, she brought it on herself. She was the one who insisted on dragging Katie out that day, and then what? Katie got into a car crash, lost her memory, and forgot all about Scott."

Another man said, "And don't forget what the doctor said. That day at the hospital, when Victoria tripped, Katie suddenly remembered something. The doctor said certain events could trigger Katie's memory and help her recover faster.

"If it wasn't for that, do you really think Scott would ever lower himself to be with Victoria? He went through all that trouble just to trick her, like she's even worthy of him. If she dies and Katie sees it, maybe Katie will remember everything in one go."

The voices outside cut into Victoria's heart like blades, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

'Turns out, everything I've suffered was all because of Katie,' Victoria thought bitterly.

She and Scott were childhood sweethearts, betrothed since they were little. After her coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen, their engagement was officially set.

Back then, Scott only had eyes for her. Everyone thought they were made for each other.

But for some reason, ever since Katie showed up, it was like Scott became a whole new person. All he cared about was Katie now.

Just when Victoria was starting to believe her engagement to Scott was truly over, everything changed.

Katie got into a car accident and lost her memory.

And then, acting completely out of character, Scott didn't stay by Katie's side. Instead, he turned around and proposed to Victoria, who was now deaf.

Victoria spent the whole night wide awake, too excited to sleep. She thought her happily ever after was finally within reach.

But in the end, it was nothing but a cruel ploy. Scott's way of making Victoria suffer, all to help Katie regain her memories.

Over the past three years, Scott had lied to Victoria thirty-three times, toying with her at his whim.

He even drugged her, making her deaf for three years straight.

Victoria gave him everything, heart and soul, but never got even a sliver of real affection in return. What a cruel joke.

'Since he loves Katie so much, then I'll just step aside,' Victoria thought bitterly.

The dogs were still mauling her, but Victoria pried them off her body with every ounce of strength she had.

She struggled to her feet, grabbed a wooden chair nearby, and smashed it down on the dogs with all her might.

When one was staring death in the face, adrenaline kicks in, unleashing a surge of raw power.

Over and over, she brought the chair down.

She lost count of the blows, but finally, the dogs were left lying there, whimpering and completely unable to move.

Victoria finally went down, her body giving out completely.

With the last ounce of strength she had left, she called up an old friend. "Got any deserted islands left? I'll take one."

Romeo Barrett texted back: [Well, well, it's been a while. And you just show up wanting to buy my island? That's bold of you, Victoria.]

Romeo's flippant tone made Victoria feel a bit uneasy.

But then again, it made sense. She and Romeo hadn't seen each other in forever. They were so distant now that he didn't even bother calling her Julia anymore.

Romeo used to be their childhood friend, growing up alongside both her and Scott.

But ever since that huge fight they had two years ago, they'd completely lost touch.

Back then, when Scott started spending all his time with Katie, Victoria became a total laughingstock. Everyone was mocking her.

But Romeo, being the bad boy he was, made sure to teach those people a lesson they wouldn't forget.

That day, Romeo said he wanted to get her out of there, but Victoria refused.

She told Romeo she was engaged to Scott.

Victoria could still remember Romeo saying to her, "Engagement? Haven't you heard? Scott's already with someone else. If he can fall for someone else, why can't you move on too?"

"Julia, Scott doesn't love you anymore. How about you let me protect you from now on?"

Victoria knew how Romeo felt about her, but at that time, all she cared about was Scott.

They had a big fight and went their separate ways, both upset.

But all that holding on had only left her broken, inside and out.

Now, she couldn't help but wish she'd gone with Romeo when she had the chance.

Now that she finally snapped out of it, maybe it wasn't too late after all. "Enough with the small talk. Do you have one or not? Just tell me straight. I can actually hear you now."

Romeo was stunned. "Your hearing's back?"

Victoria stayed silent, and Romeo chuckled awkwardly. "Of course, Victoria! If you want an island, I'll make it happen, even if I have to pull one out of thin air. Thing is, I'm still stuck overseas for work, and the fastest I can wrap things up is three days.

"So how about this: give me three days, I'll come pick you up myself, and personally deliver you to your new island. Sound good?"

Victoria was about to say no, but then she remembered that Romeo only owned private islands, and she had to take a speedboat or a private yacht to reach them.

Victoria didn't know anyone who sold speedboats, and if she just went and bought one herself, it'd be way too suspicious.

Victoria didn't want anyone to know she was leaving, especially Scott.

Plus, she was all banged up and would need someone to help her out.

Victoria replied, "Alright, I'll text you my location when it's time."

She hung up and slumped to the ground.

She didn't even have the strength to push the dogs away anymore.

Barely clinging to consciousness, Victoria heard the warehouse doors burst open at last.

Scott was the first to burst in, shouting her name again and again, his voice trembling with panic.

Victoria struggled to open her eyes. 'Am I just seeing things?' she wondered.