Chapter 9 My heart instantly began to pound violently , and my eyes flew open . Only the bedside lamp cast a dim , yellow glow across the room . In its faint light , I saw a tall figure clad entirely in black , half - crouched on the windowsill . Rainwater dripped from the soaked hem of his windbreaker , falling onto the carpet below , where a dark stain slowly began to spread . He had grown gaunt - the once well - fitted black windbreaker now hung loosely on his frame , and the sharp scent of blood clung to him . Yet his eyes burned brighter than ever before , fixed intently on me like a predator locking onto its prey . " It's been a while , Sandy . " I knew it . No one could ever stop me from seeing you . " His voice was hoarse , yet carried a twisted trace of a smile . A cold sweat broke out down my back . Instinctively , my hand crept along the headboard . The emergency button was right there . One press , and the villa alarm would blare , bringing bodyguards rushing in within a minute . But Kenneth seemed to read my intention , " Don't press it , " he murmured , taking a step closer . Then , softening his tone almost to a plea , he added , " I don't want to hurt 0.00 % 08.18 Chapter 9 you . I just want to talk . " " Talk ? " 288 Vouchers I fought to suppress the deep - seated panic rising inside me , pushing myself up against the headboard and pressing my back tightly to the wall , putting as much distance between us as possible . " You're an internationally wanted man , and you broke into your ex - wife's bedroom - just to talk ? " Kenneth , have you lost your mind ? " He let out a low laugh , dark and oppressive enough to send a chill down one's spine . " Ex - wife ? How could you say that , Sandy ? " What we had over ten years doesn't just vanish because of some stupid divorce agreement . " He took several steps forward , stopping just two meters from the bed . In the dim , yellowish glow of the lamp , his face became clearer . It was only then that I noticed a fresh scar cutting across his face - from the edge of his eyebrow down to his cheekbone . Noticing my gaze , he gestured toward the scar with a bitter smile . " See what I've endured just to reach you ? " The officers have been hunting me everywhere I turn . But every time I was close to giving up , your face appeared in my mind , and it gave me the strength to go on . " Come with me , Sandy . Let's go somewhere no one knows us and start over . " 07 % 300 08.18 Chapter 9 " Start over ? " I felt like I had just heard the biggest joke in the world . " So you can go back to smuggling and money laundering ? Or find another mistress to betray me with ?. " Kenneth , look at yourself . You're a wanted man living in the shadows . What makes you think I would ever go anywhere with you ? " At the mention of his mistress , the obsession in his eyes twisted into raw ferocity , his fists clenching tightly at his sides . " I was just playing with her . She didn't deserve to be with me . " In certain angles , she resembled you . That's the only reason I ... " " Enough ! " I cut him off sharply , my voice icy . " Stop trying to justify yourself , Kenneth ! " You chose to be with Jasmine and spent money on her , and she flaunted those disgusting videos online . None of that had anything to do with me ! " " It had everything to do with you ! " He suddenly got worked up and took another step forward , almost looming over the bed . " You just had to make a scene and turn me in . Or I wouldn't have ended up like this ! " Sandy , you know perfectly well that I can't afford to go to jail . My enemies are waiting in there to tear me apart ! " " You totally deserve it ! " I couldn't help but raise my voice , anger overriding my fear . "Kenneth , 61.20 08 18 Chapter 9 you brought this on yourself ! " His face instantly turned livid . 1208 ( Vouchero " You're right . I made all the choices myself . But I also chose you . Was that a mistake , too ? " He suddenly extended his hand , wanting to grab my wrist . " Sandy , come with me . Please ... " 93.36 %