Chapter 1034:
âRitchie!â
Somewhere amidst the chaos, faint cries reached Ritchieâs earsâmany voices, yet all seemed irrelevant.
He let them fade. Rhys might have been unreliable in many ways, but he trusted Rhysâ integrity.
He was certain Rhys would ensure Harleeâs escape.
Ritchieâs only concern now was Tonya.
He had sworn to her that theyâd enjoy countless ordinary couple moments together.
But now, it was clear those promises would remain unfulfilled. Still, he believed in her strength. Others would cherish her even in his absence.
His final wish was that she wouldnât grieve for long.
Forgetting him was acceptable, but carrying heartbreak? That was unbearable.
Through the carnage, Bart, his arm mangled, pushed forward. With sheer grit, he caught Ritchie as Ritchieâs body began to give way, shielding Ritchie from another shot by absorbing the impact himself.
Bart didnât mind. Women only saw his wealth, leaving him without true connections. If he perished, it would mean little.
But Ritchie? He had Tonya, someone who brought him true joy.
Bart couldnât stand the thought of fate robbing them of that happiness. If a life needed to be given, it would be his.
Harlee flinched as sharp sunlight cut through her eyelids, forcing her to close them once more. The brightness was harsh and excruciatingâ¦
Every tale finds a home at gⱯlnÏνð®âsâ¤com
Her body felt as though it had been pummeled endlessly, each movement igniting unbearable agony. She recalled the bullet that had struck her arm, but why did every inch of her ache now?
Harlee attempted to lift her left arm but found no sensation. Slowly, she raised her right instead, noting the splint on her fingers and the IV taped to her hand.
At least this wasnât hell.
But why the unbearable pain?
Could it have been the poison?
Suddenly, a nervous yet gentle voice broke the silence.
âDonât move. The doctor said your injuries are severe. Youâll need three months of complete rest.â
Summoning all her strength, Harlee glanced toward the source. Rhys sat by her side, his face unkempt and marked by exhaustion.
His hands, trembling as they clasped together, betrayed his overwhelming relief.
At the sight of Rhys, Harlee froze for a second before recalling it had been him who carried her out of the courtyard when her consciousness began to slip away.
He had made sure she survived.
âI didnât expect Matteo to abandon escape for vengeance. Iâm sorry.â Rhysâ voice carried a mix of guilt and relief.
His expression revealed the weight of an oversight.
He hadnât foreseen it.
Arrogance had led him to believe Matteo wouldnât dare retaliate.
Harlee shifted slightly, her voice raspy and strained, as though dragged through gravel.
.
.
.