Chapter 8

The three kidnappers were stunned. "Boss, did we grab the wrong person?"

The leader scowled, "Impossible! I saw the photo. It’s this girl!"

"But didn’t Theo just say he’s marrying into the Carter family?"

"The Taylors are masters at playing with people’s hearts. You believe him? Theo, if you don’t pay, this girl’s other fingers won’t be safe!"

I lay on the ground, waves of excruciating pain washing over me. I couldn’t help but beg him again. "Third brother, consider this 60 million a loan from you. I’ll definitely pay you back! Please, don’t leave me!"

Theo was silent for a few seconds, then chuckled.

"You’ve been calling me third brother for years, and you really think you’re a Taylor? You don’t even know your place. You’re just a plaything I use to amuse myself when I’m bored, no different from a cat or a dog. 60 million? Are you worth it? Alright, everyone, I have things to do. Do as you please. If you want money, go to the Lewis family. Don’t bother me again."

Listening to the busy tone on the phone, I felt utterly hopeless.

After hanging up, the enraged kidnappers broke two more of my finger bones.

I curled up in agony, my dress bunched up to my waist. One of them leered, tossing aside the hammer and moving to undress me.

"Since this girl isn’t Theo’s woman, I might as well have some fun!"

The sound of ripping fabric was clear. His rough fingers trailed across my chest. I was completely desperate.

I glared at the man in front of me. Even if I were to die, I would take one down with me! He buried his face in my neck, biting randomly. I turned my head and bit his ear hard.

"Ah! You bitch! You want to die!" He punched my chest and stomach, making my vision go dark, but I kept my bite until his ear bled profusely.

He finally broke free, then kicked my ribs hard. I heard a crisp crack.

The man raised the hammer high, aiming at my head. I closed my eyes. The leader suddenly stopped him.

"Wait! What did Theo just say? Go to the Lewis family for money? What does this girl have to do with the Lewis family? We caught her near the Seaside City Bridge, by the Lewis mansion! Girl, are you from the Lewis family?"

I spat out blood, my voice faint, "Didn’t you... do any research before kidnapping someone? My grandfather is Mr. Lewis. Can you really afford to offend both the Taylors and the Lewis family?"

The kidnapper leader stared at me darkly. After a while, he said, "Keep an eye on her. I’ll make a call."

I breathed a sigh of relief. At least my life was spared for now. I never imagined that, in Theo’s heart, I meant nothing. My hands, my life, he didn’t care at all. I had been in Seaside City for eight years, and he was the one who had given me the most warmth and protection. I trusted him too much.

For many years after, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if Theo had chosen to save me.

I would have been eternally grateful to him. My simple affection would have turned into a god-like dependence and love.

With the power of the Lewis and Taylor families, they could have found the best doctors in the world to heal my fingers.

I would still be the dazzling Fiona Lin. But Theo abandoned me. Once, Phoebe told me I was just a surprise, an interlude in Theo’s otherwise monotonous life. Vibrant, lively, interesting. But that was all. I foolishly hoped he would love me.

This was the punishment given by fate. Three broken fingers taught me a harsh truth.