The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 569

Seeing that he refused to speak, Vanessa took another step forward. Her knee slammed into his stomach a second time, harder and more precise, grinding ruthlessly into the most vulnerable part of his abdomen with sustained, agonizing pressure.

Garrison's body violently convulsed. A mouthful of blood spilled from his lips, trailing slowly down his chin before dripping onto his grayish-blue uniform, blooming into a dark red stain.

Vanessa looked down at the blood. The coldness in her eyes vanished, replaced by a deep, sickly thrill.

She extended her index finger, gently swiping the crimson smear from the corner of his mouth. Raising her finger to her lips, she licked it agonizingly slowly.

The metallic taste of rust dissolved on her tongue. Her smile deepened, her eyes curving into crescents.

"Your blood is sweet."

Garrison was in so much pain his vision blurred.

The halo of the fluorescent light pulsed in his eyes, turning Vanessa's face into a wavering, twisted shadow.

Through the haze, he realized: *So this is the real Vanessa...*

He wanted to laugh, but pulling at his split lip only triggered a fresh wave of stinging pain.

Seeing his unfocused eyes, Vanessa sneered and pulled her hand back.

Unrushed, she retreated to the folding chair, sat down, and crossed her legs. She fished a slender cigarette from her pocket and tapped it lightly against her thumbnail.

The lighter clicked, the flame illuminating her flawless profile and the faint, mocking curve of her lips.