The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights novel Chapter 6

I slept until sunset. My body still hurt, but I felt much better.

For three days, Dr. Hayes never left the house. He focused entirely on helping me recover and hired a maid to apply medicine to my wounds.

On the fourth day, Thaddeus stormed in. The maid avoided my eyes guiltily as she opened the door and left.

"Scarlett." That familiar voice made me tremble uncontrollably.

Thaddeus didn't notice. He walked straight up to me and glared at Dr. Hayes.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you contact me sooner? Why didn't fight back when they hurt you?"

My face went pale. I instinctively backed away, which cut Thaddeus to the core.

"Scarlett, I'm so, so sorry. I swear I had no idea they were doing that to you. I just wanted to teach you a lesson, make you struggle a little—not anything like this. I didn't know..."

"Please come home with me. Let me revenge for you—I'll personally hunt down every single person who touched you. No one could get away with jail. Just come home with me, Please?"

By the end, his eyes were drowning in regret.

Vivienne arrived moments later, breathing heavily. When she looked at me, her eyes flashed with hatred before she quickly masked it with a fragile expression.

"Scarlett, I'm so sorry," she whispered tearfully. "You must hate me now. It's all my fault. I should have kept quiet. I'm the one who hurt you..."

She sobbed dramatically. Thaddeus automatically wiped her tears, his face softening with concern.

I said nothing. I stood frozen beside Dr. Hayes, terrified to my core. But Vivienne wouldn't leave me alone.

"Why are you with Dr. Hayes? Are you two running away together? What about Thaddeus? He's your fiancé!"

At this, Thaddeus finally turned to Dr. Hayes, his expression darkening.

"Hayes, I need an explain! You knew I was searching for Scarlett. Why didn't tell me?"