Chapter 3: Protecting Vivian

Henry sat beside Vivian hospital bed, his eyes fixed on her fragile form. Her pale skin was a stark contrast to her once radiant complexion and the dryness of her mouth, sunken cheeks, and faint scars on her neck mocked him.

Reminders of the brutal attack lingered, the pain still feeling like an open wound.

Weeks had passed since that fateful day, yet the memory of it haunted him. He was away, oblivious to the horror unfolding at home. Lily his wife, had transformed into monster, capable of inflicting fatal knife wounds on the one person he swore to protect.

The memory of that day replayed in his mind like a nightmare. He was in a meeting lost in corporate strategies, when his phone rang. Vivian hospitalized, Lily the culprit. His world crumbled.

Henry rushed out of the meeting room, his heart racing , his mind screaming. 'Please Lord, don't take her away from me.' He burst into the hospital, panic gripping his chest.

"Vivian!" He cried, his voice shaking.

The doctor's words sliced through him. "She's in surgery. We'll do everything we can."

Henry collapsed onto a chair, his eyes fixed on the operating room doors.

Finally, the doctor emerged. "She's stable, but we're unsure when she'll wake up."

Henry felt shattered, his soul crushed.

Visiting Lily at the police station only fueled his rage. Her clothes, stained with Vivian' s blood, seemed to scream 'guilty.'. Every shred of evidence pointed to her heinous act.

Henry grasped Vivian's hand , his eyes locked on hers as she struggled to open them. The hospital ward's fluorescent lights hummed above, casting an eerie glow on Vivian's pale.

"Vivian, darling. You're finally awake," he exclaimed, relief washing over him like a tidal of wave.

Vivian's voice barely registers above a whisper. "Henry.... what happened?"

Henry shooked his head, trying to shield her from the truth. "Nothing, you shouldn't worry about it. "

But Vivian's gaze pierced His, fear and desperation etched in her face. "Lily... Lily tried to Kill me?" She stammered, her breath catching.

Henry's heart clenched. "I didn't do anything to her. She threatened to kill... and..." Vivian's voice trailed off.

Henry wrapped his arm around her pulling her close. "Relax, Vivian. No one will touch you while I'm here." He whispered. "And don't worry about Lily; She's in jail now".

Tears streamed down Vivian's face. "I never hurt Lily, why did she do this to me? I treated her like a sister..." Her words cracked and she sobbed.

Henry regret was parable. "I'm sorry, Vivian. I should've been there for you. I regret leaving you alone with her that day".

Vivian desperate hug nearly crushed him. "But you're here now, Henry. That's all that matters," she whispered.

Her words melted his heart. "You're right, Vivian. As long as I'm with you, nothing bad will happen. I promise."

Henry's protective instinct surged as he gazed into Vivian's tear-stained face. "But first, I'll ensure everyone who hurt you pays dearly," he vowed, his voice low and resolute.

The hospital's beeping machines and muted conversation faded into the background as he focused on Vivian's safety. The fluorescent lights above immediately cast a warm glow over the room.

Henry couldn't help it; he reached for her lips and kissed her deeply until she let out a gasp. His thumb brushed her wet cheeks softly, pulling to her side. When he pulled off, he stared at her.

As Vivian's tears subsided, he gently stroked her hair, his fingertips tracing the contours of her face.

"Vivian, you're safe now," he whispered, his breath caressing her ear.

Vivian's gaze locked into His, her eyes brimming with fear and vulnerability. "Henry, I was so scared," she confesses, her voice barely above s whisper.

His heart aches as he pulled her close, cradling her fragile form in my arms.

"I'm here," He said, his voice filled with conviction. "Forever"

The hospital bed freaked softly as Vivian nestled deeper into his embrace. Her IV beeped steadily, a reassuring sound that reminded him of her fragile state.

As he held Vivian, he felt a deep sense of protectiveness wash over. He vowed to never leave her side again, to shield her from harm and ensure her safety above all else.

Vivian's weak smile lit up the room, filling his heart with joy and relief. "I know" she whispered, her hand finding mine.

Their figures intertwined, a symbol of their unbreakable bond. As he walked out Vivian's VIP room, a mix of emotion swirled within him.

He was relieved that she was awake, angry toward Lily, and determined to protect Vivian at all costs. He strode down the hospital corridors, his footsteps echoing off the sterile walls.

Henry's driver and secretary, Jon, waited in the lobby, his eyes scanning the area before settling on him.

"Sir" he greeted, falling into step behind Henry.

The cool evening air enveloped Henry as he exited the hospital, a welcome respite from antiseptic scent of the hospital. Jon opened the car door and Henry slid into the plush leather seat.

Jon followed, taking the front passenger seat. "Is Ms. Vivian awake, Sir?" He asked turning to face Henry .

"She's well, and soon she'll be discharged," Henry replied, his gaze fixed on the cityscape.

Jon nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "That's great to hear, sir."

☆☆☆

The bell pierced the stale prison Sir, signaling the start of another dreadful day. Lily relucantly emerged from her cell, joining the line of prisoners. The fluorescent lights above cast an unforgiving glare, illuminating the Fran, concrete walls.

As she stood before her cell, the guards methodically checked each one. Her gaze drifted to the trio of women ahead, their eyes fixed on her with mrnacubg intent. Their threat gestures sent shivers down my spine.

'Oh, God, why won't they leave me alone?' she asked herself.

Rachel's brief protection had given her false hope. Now, she was vulnerable again.

The guards divided the prisoner into workgroups, and Lily was assigned to clean the bathrooms. Her heart sank. Born into the affluent Monlin family, she was the treasured only daughter, pampered like a princess.

Lily's parent spared no expense in ensuring her comfort. Every need was catered to, every whim fulfilled. She never lifted a finger. Their mansion boasted an army of maids, each specialized in a task. She'd never held a broom, never scrubbed a floor.

However now, she stood amidst the harsh reality of prison life. The bathrooms pungent smell assaulted her as she began cleaning. The other prisoners worked in silence, their faces reflecting resignation.

Then, those three woman 'The Trio' Lily call them entered the bathrooms. Their wicked laughter echoed off the tiles. Everyone paused, sensing the tension. Their leader, a towering figure with a scat above her left eyebrow, sneered.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here!"