Chapter 22 A dull thud of something heavy falling echoed from the stairs . Hazel instinctively turned her head and saw Vincent lying motionless in a pool of blood on the first floor . Her steps paused , but her eyes remained expressionless . It was as if the person lying on the ground was a stranger . David breathed a sigh of relief . He had previously worried that Hazel still had feelings for Vincent and would soften at this sight . But now it seemed she had truly given up on this man . Then he squeezed Hazel's hand and whispered , " Never mind . Let's go home . " Hazel didn't look back and followed David out of the investment promotion conference venue and into the waiting Maserati . The car drove smoothly on the way home . Hazel leaned against the window , a hint of warmth finally appearing in her eyes . The nightmare that had plagued her for so long seemed to be finally coming to an end . After returning to his mansion , David walked straight into the kitchen and soon brought out a bowl of steaming lotus seed porridge . " I just made this for you . It's soothing . Have some . " He placed the porridge in front of Hazel and handed her a spoon , his eyes filled with tenderness . Hazel picked up the spoon and sipped the porridge , she gradually felt better . But this peace didn't last long . Her phone suddenly rang and the caller ID showed it was from an unfamiliar number . She hesitated for a moment , then picked up the phone . A familiar male voice came from the other end , " Is this Mrs. Clarke ? I'm Mr. Clarke's assistant . " Hazel paused , her tone cold , " What's up ? " " Mr. Clarke fell down the stairs and hit his head . the doctors say there's nothing they can do . He's in a coma now , practically brain - dead . " The assistant's voice was tinged with tears . " We tried everything , but nothing worked . They said if someone he cares about talks to him , maybe he'll respond . Please , Mrs. Clarke . Come see him . Even just for once . " Hazel's fingers tightened around the phone and she was silent for a moment . David noticed her hesitation , reached out and ruffled her hair and whispered , " If you Chapter 21 2/2 91.3 % 9:00 Wed , Oct 15 want to go , I'll go with you . I know you need closure . " When the two arrived at the hospital , Vincent's ward was crowded with people . 98 Seeing Hazel and David approach , the assistant hurried to greet them and usher them into the ward . David stood at the door to the ward , not entering . He simply looked at Hazel . " I'll wait for you outside . I'll give you ten minutes . Is that enough ? " Hazel looked at him , suppressing his jealousy yet remaining tolerant and couldn't help but smile . " That's enough . " The ward was silent , with only the sound of the ECG monitor . Vincent lay in bed , his head swathed in thick bandages . His complexion was as pale as paper , the fire and vitality that had once defined him completely gone . Hazel walked over to the bedside , looking at his lifeless face , her eyes suddenly moist . She spoke softly , her voice quiet and unprecedentedly calm . " You know , Vincent ... I don't hate you anymore , but I don't want to forgive you either . " " The doctor said the last thing a vegetative patient loses is hearing . So , you should be able to hear what I'm saying , right ? " There was a hint of sadness in her tone . " You truly deserve to die . You owe it to my father and sister to atone for their sins . They were so innocent , yet they died tragically because of your foolishness and paranoia . Why do you still want to be with me again ? It's impossible . " " There's one more thing I haven't told you . " Hazel's voice choked . " We once had children , twins . But back then , you only had eyes for Milena . You hurt me again and again for her and I was so brokenhearted . I had no choice but to abort the babies ." " Vincent , you deserve what you've become today . " She gave Vincent one last look , her eyes devoid of any lingering affection . " In the next life , let's not meet again . " With that , Hazel turned and left , never looking back . She didn't even see the moment the ward door closed . Tears slowly flowed from the corners of Vincent's tightly closed eyes ... Chapter 22 212 95.7 % 9:00 Wed , Oct 15 B. 98