Chapter 4

"Jolene can dislike me all she wants, but I'm pregnant. How could she push me? This is intentional harm! Attempted murder!"

Gunner, seeing she wasn't bleeding, visibly relaxed, then warned her with a stern face.

"You know you're pregnant, yet you still insist on participating in this competition? If there's a next time, you'll face the consequences yourself!"

Though it was a warning, the indulgence and concern in his words were undeniable.

Snowdrop playfully stuck out her tongue, "I know, I'll take good care of our sweetheart."

Gunner's expression softened slightly as he helped her to the hospital.

Throughout it all, he didn't glance at me once.

I lay on the ground, unable to get up. Finally, a female contestant took pity and called 911 for me.

I was numb with pain, my heart filled with a deathly silence.

In the hospital, after getting my cast, I was wheeled out to see Gunner waiting at the door.

Gunner took my wheelchair from the nurse, sighing.

"I've smoothed things over with Snowdrop. She won't press charges against you. Consider this matter settled."

"Jolene, be a good girl and withdraw from the competition, okay? She's pregnant. Even if you win, it won't be a fair victory."

I almost laughed from anger, "You came here to persuade me to quit the competition? I thought I'd at least get an explanation."

The pain in my waist left me with no desire to argue. I turned my face away and took a deep breath.

"Let me emphasize once more, I won't withdraw from the competition. I have to win that championship!"

Seeing my resistance, Gunner left in silence.

I stared at the empty hospital room and started another automatic call.

I heard him instructing his secretary, "She refuses to withdraw. If Snow's unborn child gets hurt during the match, it'll be too late."

"Let's arrange for a substitute in the final. An ordinary substitute can't beat her, so we might need to use drugs if necessary."

The secretary hesitated, "Won't that harm your wife?"

Gunner's voice was cold, "She brought this on herself. Tell the substitute not to hold back. As long as she doesn't die, it's fine!"

"She's been spoiled all these years. It's time she learned a lesson."

I sat on the bed, stunned. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.

The dull ache in my heart far surpassed the pain in my body.

I cried for a long time before finally making an overseas call.

"Grandpa, I want to come home."

On the day of the final.

Due to a foot injury, Snowdrop chose to send in a substitute to face me.

The substitute was 6'1", built like a tank, with a frame twice my size.

She looked particularly agitated, her face flushed - clearly in an abnormal state. I calmly put on my gloves, flashing a smile at Gunner behind me.

"After the match, I have a surprise to tell you."

This was the first time in days I had smiled at him.

Gunner was visibly taken aback, a flicker of reluctance and struggle passing through his eyes.

He pressed a warm towel to my face. "Jolene, actually......"

Just then, a commotion erupted nearby.

A staff member was shouting through a megaphone, "We have a pregnant woman going into labor here, please make way!"

Gunner's expression changed drastically. No longer focused on our conversation, he hastily made an excuse and rushed off.

I tossed the warm towel aside, stomping on it.

Gunner, I gave you a chance......

The match begins.

My opponent, enhanced by drugs, has the advantage in size and strength. I'm forced on the defensive, constantly retreating.

Seizing the momentum, my opponent leaps up for a flying punch.

In that instant, I feel like my entire jaw is about to shatter. My ears ring as my head slams hard against the floor.

My nose seems broken, the pain numbing my nerves.