The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 6

Before Old Mr. Shawn could respond, Chuck's expression changed. "Mr. Sanger, do you have any idea what you're asking?"

Garnett held Old Mr. Shawn's gaze, speaking slowly and clearly, "Sir, Victoria is my only child. I wouldn't be begging like this if I had any other choice..."

"Sir, under any other circumstance, I would never dare make such a request. But thinking of Claud, and the past we share... for my daughter's sake, I am kneeling before you to ask for this single act of grace."

At the mention of that name, even Chuck fell silent.

Claud. Claud Shawn. Elias's father.

Twenty-seven years ago, Claud had been in a horrific car accident. It was Garnett who had risked his own life to pull him from the wreckage. Although Claud didn't survive, Garnett's actions had at least allowed him an open-casket funeral.

After a long silence, Old Mr. Shawn rose, leaning on his cane. "...Alright."

Garnett's eyes reddened. He lowered his head to the floor once more, then again, in humble gratitude.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

"Mr. Shawn, sorry to bother you," said the two officers at the door. "Garnett Sanger, it's time to go."

Garnett nodded and staggered to his feet.

With a click, one of the officers snapped handcuffs onto Garnett's wrists and began to lead him out.

Young Victoria's face turned deathly pale. She tried to follow, but Chuck grabbed her by the wrist. "Miss Sanger, don't go after them."

She didn't understand what was happening. She wrenched her arm free and ran out, but she was only in time to see her father being pushed into the back of a police car.

"Dad!"

Victoria's eyes flew open, and she bolted upright, wrenched from the nightmare.

Daylight was breaking, a faint light filtering through the gaps in the curtains.

Her temples throbbed, her mind still caught in the fog of the dream.

She pressed a hand to her head and sat up, the blanket sliding to the floor. She looked down at the clothes she was still wearing, and the memories of the previous night came rushing back.

"Ma'am, you're awake!" Anne, returning from her grocery shopping, saw Victoria sitting up and hurried over. "Ma'am, how are you feeling?"

She placed the back of her hand against Victoria's forehead.

Victoria's lips, pale and dry, pressed into a thin line.

Anne immediately realized her mistake.

She had been transferred from the main estate to take care of Elias and Victoria after their wedding. She knew better than anyone how strained their relationship was.

Realizing she had said the wrong thing, Anne stammered, "He must have been very busy last night..."

"Anne, it's alright." Victoria cut off her attempt at an excuse. "You've been up all night looking after me. Take the day off. Go get some rest."

"But you've only just recovered. What if the fever comes back? I'm fine, really. Please let me stay and take care of you."

"It's okay. I can manage on my own," Victoria insisted gently. "Go on."

Anne couldn't argue. Besides, a whole night of work had left her own back aching. She nodded, put a pot of soup on the stove to simmer, and then left The Imperial Crest Estates.

Victoria sat on the sofa for a long time, letting her strength return. She remembered the soup and was just getting up to turn off the stove when the front door was pushed open from the outside.

It was Elias.