Chapter 70 Xavier could still see the first time I'd cooked for him . " I'm sorry - nobody ever let me cook , so it might taste awful , " I'd laughed , hands shaking with nerves . " At the start of our relationship his mother had scolded me for my lack of polish . In that moment , though , Xavier had wondered quietly whether I was simply too noble for small , everyday tasks . The reporter replayed yesterday's accident over and over . PRINCESS MIA IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT " Princess Mia was traveling in a taxi when a drunk truck driver collided with the vehicle . The driver died at the scene . The princess suffered serious injuries . Doctors say this is especially troubling because she underwent emergency surgery a week ago and spent three days in critical care . Some fear she may be targeted - she was kidnapped three years ago , and now this . " Xavier remembered my bloodshot eyes from the night before and the words I'd said : " I understand . You want to set her aside because she's sick and can't take care of herself , while I can go home on my own . " But I never made it home . My whereabouts were unknown . " Three days ... three days ... she was kidnapped , " Xavier muttered , his body trembling . A week earlier - on the day of our anniversary - I had disappeared and missed the royal celebration . I'd been so excited I'd bought a whole new wardrobe almost as if I wanted him to show me off . To whom ? My family ? At that moment , Xavier staggered back like he'd been struck . Was this really my life - the princess's life - hanging by a thread ? Or was it some terrible coincidence ? I- I lay unconscious in the hospital's large room while doctors watched the monitor's faint , wavering beeps . The pulse could fade away at any moment . < " Your Majesty , we've done everything we can , but the princess shows no improvement , " the lead physician said , hesitating as my mother gripped his hand . It was the first time anyone in the palace had seen Queen Elena unravel like this . " It's like what ? Tell me she'll wake up , " my mother begged . " " Your Majesty , I'm afraid the princess may be suffering from severe shock and grief . Her will to recover appears diminished . Medically , we've completed all procedures . For now , the only thing that might help is surrounding her mind with comforting memories - family , laughter - things that could stir a desire to live . " The moment my mother heard that , she fainted . My brother was left to hold me . In the corridor , my mother - in - law walked with Vanessa , both noses wrinkling against the antiseptic smell . " " Vanessa , are you sure this is the right ward ? Did Mia really have an accident , or is she playing for sympathy ? If anything happens to my grandchild , I won't let her go unpunished ," my mother - in - law snapped . " Aunt , my friend's a paramedic , " Vanessa replied smoothly . " He said a woman matching Mia's description was involved in the crash at the crossing . I'm worried for Xavier - this could be a ploy to manipulate him . " " A trick ? " my mother - in - law scoffed . " Let me see what that - what that woman is capable of . If she dared cheat on my son , I'll ruin her . " Vanessa hesitated , then forced out , " Well ... my friend said a man arrived first , broke the car and carried the woman - Mia - out . He held her in his arms and took her straight to the hospital . What if she's been unfaithful to Xavier ? " Vanessa's words were sharp , a steady stream of poison disguised as concern . " Isn't it odd that her husband wasn't the one who found her ? " % " Let me see how low that woman can fall ," my mother - in - law hissed . " If she cheated on my son , she'll pay . " N They skirted past security - Vanessa pretending to be staff - ready to barge into my room without knocking . Then a man's voice floated out from inside . " You were right . This is her true face . Even if she lives , I'll make sure she wishes she were dead . " Xavier's mother recorded the voice on her phone . Inside the room , Felix held my hand and broke down . " Mia , I should never have let you marry that bastard , " he sobbed . " We've been inseparable since we were kids . How could I let you suffer like this ? God , I was a fool . " N He cupped my pale face , tears slipping free . " Do you remember when you were nineteen and snuck out to drink ? I found you and scolded you , but I wasn't angry - I was only worried because you looked so small and sad . I lied when I said I hated your wildness . No matter what , I love you . Mia , don't leave me . Wake up and yell at me - call me a boring fool who wouldn't survive without your smile ." Felix placed a large bouquet of tulips by the bedside . " When you wake , we'll go somewhere far away . I won't let you stay in this place one second longer , " Outside the room , Vanessa and my mother - in - law continued their venom . P P " Look at the kind of woman carrying my son's child , " my mother - in - law sneered . " After seeing this - this filthy affair - I'm not even sure it's Xavier's child . " " You mean- " Vanessa began , but was cut off . " " Yes . She must have been sleeping around . She fooled my son , and everyone will see the truth now . " They stalked away in a fury while Vanessa followed , mouthing sympathy but radiating malice . " I've always liked Xavier , " Vanessa murmured . " If not for circumstances , we could have been together . Auntie , why not make me the new daughter - in - law ? Xavier cares for my boy , and I like him too . " " What if Xavier won't accept it ? " Vanessa asked . " Don't worry , " my mother - in - law snapped . " I'll make that woman pay . If she survives , she won't forget it . I'd rather she die . " Soon after , a video of me and Felix - private , intimate moments - was uploaded to social media from an anonymous account . The footage spread fast , and whispers began before anyone even knew the full truth . "