Chapter 190

Nicole's fingers trembled as she swallowed the entire bottle of sleeping pills.

Andrew was in a meeting when the call came. He bolted upright, abandoning his suit jacket as he rushed from the conference room. Henry's private hospital had tight security, keeping the swarming reporters at bay.

The emergency room light burned crimson.

Andrew stared at that harsh glow, his heartbeat eerily calm. He didn't love Nicole, but she'd once saved his life. This debt demanded repayment.

Four hours later, the exhausted doctor pushed through the doors.

"Mr. Lucas, Ms. Capra is out of danger."

Nicole lay pale as parchment on the hospital bed, her breathing barely visible. Andrew remembered five years ago—how she'd looked just like this after selling a kidney to save him.

He gently clasped her icy hand.

"Nicole, don't do this."

Her lashes fluttered open. The stomach pumping had been agony, her throat raw with pain. She'd considered slitting her wrists but couldn't follow through. Sleeping pills seemed easier—until they weren't.

"Andrew..." Her whisper was ghostly, tears instantly overflowing.

"Is living so terrible?" His brow furrowed.

"I can't!" Nicole jerked upright, suddenly frantic. "Everyone thinks I'm filthy! Those fans...they threw garbage at me!" She trembled violently. "I scrubbed for three hours and still feel disgusting!"

Andrew pinned her thrashing hands. "I'll handle the video scandal."

"You don't believe me!" She shook her head wildly. "That wasn't me! I gave you my virginity, Andrew!" Her fingers clawed at his sleeve. "Someone framed me...it must've been that bitch Susan!"

His eyes turned glacial.

"Andrew." Nicole suddenly collapsed against his chest. "Don't leave me...you're all I have..." Her tears soaked through his shirt. "If you abandon me, I'll die..."

He stiffly patted her back.

"I can prove my innocence." Nicole abruptly straightened and yanked open her hospital gown before he could react.

Pale skin met the sterile air as she grabbed Andrew's hand, pressing it to her bare chest. "Feel me...I'm pure..."

Andrew snatched his hand back, yanking the sheet over her.

"Enough!"

Nicole gazed up through tear-spiked lashes, the ghost of a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She knew this man would never shake the chains of obligation.

"I promise," Andrew turned away, "I won't abandon you."

Outside the room, a slender figure slipped silently into the shadows. Susan clenched her fists until her nails drew blood from her palms.