Chapter 5 I shuddered and instinctively stopped in my tracks . [ ] That voice was hoarse with a tremor , yet carried a stubbornly familiar persistence deep in my bones . [] I turned toward the sound , and a figure was walking quickly toward me . [ ] Against the backlight , his defined features gradually became clear , his expression carrying that unmistakably familiar presence . It was Sebastian Matthews . ] ] The boy who grew up with me in the old neighborhood , who once rode his beat - up bike to take me fly kites by the river . [ ] After three years apart , his brow carried more maturity . ] ] But his eyes still held that light I remembered . ] That light burned brighter seeing me , though his figure blurred in the blood clouding my vision . [ ] He caught my swaying body , his eyes instantly turning crimson when they met my bloodied face . [ ] " Who did this to you ?! " ] His voice was low , almost growled through gritted teeth . [ ] I managed a weak smile : ] ] " The Stone family . " ] Sebastian's hand trembled , his breathing became more rapid . [ ] He clenched his jaw so hard it seemed he might crush his anger and swallow it . ] " I knew it ... " ] He whispered hoarsely . " I knew it ... " " Vera , do you know ? Ever since you disappeared the night before our engagement three years ago , I've been searching for you everywhere . I looked in every place possible , until tonight when I saw the live stream of the Stone family banquet that's when I finally confirmed it was you ! " ] My heart clenched painfully . [ ] Three years ago , on the eve of our engagement , the Stone family came and forcibly took me away . ] I was one step away from touching my own happiness , but ... ] Chapter 5 Before I could speak , he lowered his head and held me tight , gentle yet firm : [ ] " Don't be afraid . I'm taking you away . " ] " I'm strong enough now to protect you from the Stone family's harm . They'll never touch you again . " ] His embrace was tight , carrying familiar warmth . [ ] My heart silently crumbled in that moment . [ ] Three years of helplessness , grievance , and pain finally found a harbor to confide in . [ ] Sebastian didn't give me a chance to refuse . He took my luggage and pulled me protectively into his arms . [ ] " The hospital has contacted the world's best eye specialists . I'll spare no cost to heal your eyes . " ] " Vera , you'll never be alone again . " [ ] I stared at him in a daze . [ ] Finally , there was someone in this world who would fight with everything they had for me . [ ] The night was deep , bloody tears swirling in my eyes . [ ] " Sebastian ... " ] I called his name softly . ] He looked down . ] Our foreheads touched , his expression full of heartache and determination. ] " I'm here . " ] ] " Vera , this time , no matter where you go , I'll never let go again . I'll keep you safely by my side - no one will have the power to hurt you . " ] Sebastian took me to the hospital . ] A team of world - class eye specialists had been waiting there . [ ] Fortunately , I hadn't missed the optimal treatment window . The surgery lasted seventeen hours straight . I brushed with death several times while unconscious . But I finally pulled through . When I opened my eyes again , Sebastian was by my side , gripping my hand tightly , his eyes red - rimmed as if he hadn't slept for days and nights . " You're finally awake . " ] From Mat Mistress to Filiomames Milan Some This Different Groom Chapter 5 He leaned down , bringing my hand to his face . [ ] " Do you know how scared I was these past few days while you were unconscious ? Thank God you finally woke up . " [ ] Still weak from just waking up , disoriented by the time change , I couldn't tell what day or year it was . ] So I asked him . ] " How long was I asleep ? " [ ] " Three days . " ] He said hoarsely . Only then did I learn that during my coma , he'd stayed by my side without sleep , afraid that when I woke up , I'd feel helpless . and panicked not seeing him there . ] Thankfully ... ] I finally woke up . ] His fingertips trembled as they touched my cheek . [ ] " Vera , don't be afraid . The surgery was successful . Your eyes will gradually heal . " ] The recovery process was extremely long . [ ] Every morning when I woke up , the first thing I saw wasn't a cold mansion, but the breakfast Sebastian had prepared for me . [ ] After each painful treatment , he stayed by my side , hoping that just holding my hand could help him share half my suffering . I finally felt the taste of being loved again . ] ] I gradually discovered that the light I'd lost those three years seemed to be slowly returning , piece by piece , through him ... ] ( 0 )