Transmigrated: I Became My Nemesis's Woman novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22: A living, breathing reminder of that experiment

"Mr. Woods, your water," Butler Rupert said politely, placing a glass in front of Taylor.

But Taylor... didn’t move.

He simply sat there, staring blankly ahead, still deeply traumatized by the turn of events that had nearly cost him his life.

So this is what it feels like... when your life almost ends...

Taylor swore he had just seen his entire life flash before his eyes.

If Leo hadn’t called out his name at that exact moment, he would’ve been a gone case.

A framed photo with a black ribbon. Maybe even a dramatic funeral speech.

Taylor couldn’t help but shuddered at the thought.

Just as he was starting to recover, his eyes accidentally met Ivy’s.

Sharp. Calm. Unbothered.

"..."

Then, like a man possessed, he lunged for the glass.

Gulp.

Gulp gulp gulp.

Taylor drank the water as if it were his last chance at survival—because, frankly, it felt like it.

God forbid he delayed and she changed her mind.

Meanwhile, Ivy watched him with a faint frown, clearly puzzled.

Why is he acting like this? Her gaze lingered on him for a moment.

He wasn’t this fragile when he was pointing a gun at me on that cliff.

She gave a small shrug, dismissing it.

Humans were strange.

Very strange. But then, she felt another gaze.

Ivy turned slightly, and there he was.

Xander, staring at her. Again.

Her brows knitted faintly. What is wrong with him now? Why does he keep staring at me like that?

Was there something on her face? Or had he finally lost his mind?

Honestly, at this point... both seemed equally possible.

"This is entirely your fault!" a voice interrupted them all.

Leo placed his hands on his hips, his tiny face scrunched up in pure disappointment.

While Xander remained calm, Taylor froze.

"...Excuse me?" Taylor croaked, still clutching his empty glass like it was his emotional support.

"You ruined the game!" Leo accused, pointing an accusing finger at both of them. "I was this close to winning!"

Xander raised a brow, unimpressed. "You mean running away and laughing counts as winning now?"

"It does!" Leo shot back instantly. "And I would have won if you didn’t barge in like villains!"

Taylor looked personally attacked. "Villains?! I almost died protecting you!"

Leo blinked at him. "...From what?"

Taylor opened his mouth to speak but closed it. Then pointed dramatically at Ivy.

"From her!"

Ivy, who had been silently observing, crossed her arms. "You attacked first."

"I was being cautious!" Taylor defended weakly.

"You came at me with a stick."

"...A defensive stick."

Leo sighed deeply, shaking his head like a disappointed parent.

"Unbelievable."

Then, with full authority only a child could carry, he declared—

"We’re playing again."

"No."

Taylor’s response was immediate. Firm. Absolute.

"No, young master. Respectfully—no. I choose life."

"You don’t have a choice," Leo said sweetly.

"I absolutely do—"

"You’re it."

"...What?"

"You’re going to wear the blindfold this time," Leo continued, already picking it up. "And you have to catch us."

Taylor stared at him in horror.

"Us?"

Leo grinned.

"Yes. Me... and Mommy."

Taylor slowly turned his head toward Ivy, who was already looking at him.

Calm. Silent. But most importantly, deadly.

"No," Taylor whispered, shaking his head. "No, no, no. This is a setup. I refuse. I officially resign from this game."

"Too late," Leo chirped, marching toward him.

Taylor scrambled back on the sofa. "Boss! Say something! Stop your son!"

Taylor looked betrayed. "Fair?! I was almost strangled five minutes ago!"

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