Chapter 34
Almost simultaneously, before Ogden could make sense of what was happening, a fist came flying toward his face.
“Ah!” Ogden stumbled backward from the blow, landing awkwardly on the ground a second later. He burst out with a string of curses. “Damn it! Who the hell? Mr. Robertson?”
Ogden’s eyes widened in shock as he saw Baldrick holding Nancy protectively. When Baldrick passed by and heard voices inside, he pushed the door open to find Nancy in trouble. And there was Ogden, trying to tear Nancy’s blouse, spewing insults at her!
Without hesitation, Baldrick draped his jacket over Nancy, his heart aching at the sight of her pale face. He gently touched her head.
“Don’t be scared. I’m here. I’ll handle this. You go ahead and step outside.”
After that, Baldrick strode toward Ogden, his presence more menacing than ever. Everyone knew Baldrick always had a smile, but then, his handsome features were grim.
“Mr. Robertson, it was Mr. Gordon’s idea, I swear. It… this has nothing to do with you. You can’t possibly-”
Bang! Baldrick’s foot connected with Ogden’s head in a fierce kick. “Can’t what? Continue. I’m listening.”
Ogden was seeing stars, especially from the sharp pain in his nose, and a metallic taste filled his mouth. Fear finally took hold of him.
“Please, Mr. Robertson, I was drunk. I didn’t mean to take advantage of Nancy. Please, have mercy on me…”
“That’s not what I want to hear,” Baldrick said, delivering another brutal kick to Ogden’s side.
Crack! Ogden’s screams followed the sound of breaking bones until he passed out from the pain.
The room fell silent.
Baldrick turned around to see Nancy standing at the doorway, even thinner than the last time he saw her. His heart clenched at the sight.
Rushing to her side, he was about to speak when he noticed the phone in her hand.
The voice from the phone said, “The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”
“Nancy.” Baldrick looked into her hollow eyes, feeling his heart squeezed.
Nancy chuckled bitterly. “Cyrus brought me here tonight to sign a contract. Midway through, I returned from the restroom to find Cyrus gone, and Ogden claimed Cyrus wanted me to sign the contract with him.”
Baldrick clenched his fists so tightly he didn’t even feel the pain. “Cyrus, that fool! Everyone knows what Ogden is like. How could he leave you alone with him?”
“Because he doesn’t love me. Because someone else is more important.” Nancy’s voice was full of resignation and self–mockery.
Nancy thought, ‘It’s better this way. After one thing after another, I won’t regret leaving and erasing my identity. Baldrick couldn’t contain himself and pulled Nancy into a tight embrace. “Nancy, it’s okay. There will always be someone out there to cherish you wholeheartedly. Cyrus doesn’t deserve you. You’re too good for him. And you’ll find someone better!”
Nancy welled up in tears, and her nose tingled with emotion. This time, she didn’t push Baldrick away. The person who had promised to protect and be with her forever had chosen someone else.
Nancy couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Cyrus, what does commitment mean to you?‘
1/2
Chapter 34
Meanwhile, at Silverleaf Manor, Hayley said, “Cyrus, what are we going to do? Your mother insists I get an abortion, or she’ll come herself to make sure of it.”
Hayley sat on Cyrus‘ lap, her eyes swollen and red from crying, much like a wounded bunny.
Cyrus pressed his lips together. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone harm our child.”
Hayley nodded vigorously. “Just hearing you say that means everything to me. You’ve been so good to me.“
Cyrus was nonchalant. “It’s not just for you. This child might be mine and Nancy’s.”
