Chapter 8 1288 Vouchers I stood in the center of the ring , drenched in blood and shaking uncontrollably . The referee raised my hand high , declaring me the winner . The manager of the Crimson Lounge stepped onto the stage . " Congratulations , ma'am . According to the rules , you may choose to take 150,000 dollars in cash or select any item from tonight's auction . " 150.000 dollars - a fortune for people like us , who had nothing left . Every eye in the room was fixed on me , their gazes full of speculation . Almost everyone assumed that after surviving hell , I would obviously choose the money . After all , the battered woman on the stage didn't look like she was worth 150,000 dollars . Edgar sneered from his box , certain I would take the cash . Natalia's face lit up again , eager for drama . Rita looked at me , with no trace of greed for money in her eyes - only worry and pain for me . She even shook her head slightly , mouthing the words , " Ella , take the money... live well ... " I looked into Rita's eyes , filled with unconditional love . Without a moment's hesitation , I spoke firmly into the microphone , " I choose her . " I lifted my bloodied hand , pointing to the woman on the auction platform , tears streaming down her face . " Rita . " I just want my sister . " For a moment , the entire room fell silent . Then , a wave of shock and heated discussion swept through the crowd . Some were confused , some mocked me , but others were visibly moved . The manager seemed surprised , but quickly regained his professional composure . " As you wish . " 0.00 % 09:31 Chapter 8 The signaled his staff to untie Rita I brushed aside the staff who tried to help me , dragging my nearly broken body step by step toward the auction stage . Rita , finally freed , broke away from those around her and stumbled toward me . Under countless watchful eyes , we fell into each other's arms . " Ella ... my Ella ... " Rita clung to me , sobbing uncontrollably , careful not to touch my wounds . " Riri ... it's over ... we're ... going home ... " Leaning against Rita , I finally let go of all the strength I'd been forcing myself to hold . Supporting each other , we ignored Edgar's murderous glare behind us and struggled out of that hellhole . Outside , dawn was breaking . We didn't dare go to the hospital - afraid Edgar would find us . Rita found a trustworthy doctor at a small clinic and paid a hefty fee for a house call to treat my injuries . Fractures , bone cracks , multiple soft tissue bruises , minor internal trauma ... My injuries were serious , but thankfully , not life - threatening . The doctor said it was a miracle I was still alive . Rita cared for me day and night , her eyes red from exhaustion . After my repeated insistence - and " threats " -she finally started eating and sleeping on schedule , though she refused to leave my bedside . Ever since the Crimson Lounge ordeal , Rita seemed changed . The timidity and hesitation in her eyes faded , replaced by a quiet resilience and calm She began thinking about our future . " Ella , you were right . I can't keep living in the past , in Edgar's shadow . " She spoke softly as she changed my bandages , " I want to start designing again . " 44.76 % 09:31 Chapter 8 288 Vouchers I looked at her in surprise and delight . " That's amazing , Rita . You should've done this long ago . You're a genius . " Rita smiled a little bitter , but with new confidence . " Genius might be a stretch . I just love it . And ... " Her gaze sharpened . " There are some debts that need to be settled . " 91.34 %