Chapter 47: Was Candy Gone?

Annabel realized her slip of the tongue. Clearing her throat, she explained, "I took up Taekwondo at school."

"Taekwondo?" Rupert chuckled, saying nothing more.

They soon arrived at the hospital, where a doctor thoroughly examined Rupert. As Annabel expected, the cut on Rupert's hand was not serious. His leg was severely bruised, but thankfully, no bones were broken. He would be fine after a few days' rest.

Annabel sighed in relief. "You're going to be okay."

Rupert looked at her and asked, "Why? Do you care about me?"

"What's wrong with caring about you? After all, you got hurt trying to save me," Annabel retorted, pursing her lips. She was grateful, though his help had been unnecessary.

The doctor gave Rupert a detailed prescription: "Apply this ointment three times a day, and take these pills—one in the morning and one in the evening."

"Thanks," Rupert replied.

Annabel carefully noted the instructions. It was early morning by the time they left the hospital.

As soon as they were in the car, Rupert said, "Go to Water Moon Community."

"Huh? Aren't we going home?" Annabel asked, confused.

"It's late," Rupert said, smiling faintly. He didn't want his mother, Erica, to know about his injury, let alone that he'd been injured saving Annabel. He didn't want Erica to take her anger out on Annabel, and he also wanted to spend some time alone with Annabel. Whenever she was at the Benton family home, she hid in the guest room. He never got to spend time with her alone. Now, he suddenly wanted to. Perhaps his grandfather was right; he should get to know her better.

The night streets were quiet. Outside, colorful neon lights illuminated Annabel's pretty face, making her seem almost magical. Rupert leaned back, half-closing his eyes, and watched her intently as she drove.

The silence was broken by Rupert: "Annabel, Nina was fired. What do you think about that?"

"Huh?" Annabel was momentarily confused. Then, shrugging, she said, "She deserved it. She tried to hurt you. You'd have been an idiot to forgive her."

This was not what Rupert wanted to hear. He sat up, looking at her. "I mean," he said slowly, "I'm going to promote you. You'll be the next director of the secretary department."

Although Annabel had only been with the company for a few weeks, he knew she could handle the responsibility. He wanted to give her a chance.

Unexpectedly, Annabel resolutely shook her head. "No, thanks." Rupert was stunned. "Why not?"

Everyone coveted a director position at Benton Group. Yet, Annabel refused without hesitation. She pursed her lips disapprovingly.

"I'm doing it for your sake. I'll be breaking off our engagement in two months, then I'll leave, and you'll have to select a new director. You have to think about the future."

"Where are you going?" Rupert's expression darkened.

"Anywhere but here. I don't want to stay in your home," Annabel answered casually. The world would be her oyster. Rupert scowled, saying nothing more. He was unhappy, and it showed. Did he mean nothing to her?

Half an hour later, they reached Water Moon Community, a luxury residential area owned by Benton Group, located in the center of Douburgh and conveniently close to the Benton Group building. Rupert often rested there after working late.

"Here we are," Annabel announced.

Rupert didn't reply. Annabel turned to see him asleep. She tapped his shoulder. "Rupert, we're here. Time to wake up."

He frowned deeply in his sleep. In his dream, he was back in that small, dark room. Gangsters had beaten him severely. Exhausted, he felt he could no longer hold on.

Candy shook his hand anxiously. "Wake up! They're gone! Let's get out of here!"

Half-asleep, Rupert heard the anxious voice again. "Rupert, wake up!"

Candy Candy was calling him! He grabbed her hand, and they ran wildly into the woods. "Hurry up! They're right behind us!"

They encountered a cliff. In the distance, they heard the gangsters shouting.

"I can't run anymore" Candy said.

Rupert watched as Candy fell into the abyss. "Candy, no!"

Suddenly, he grabbed Annabel's hand. "Candy, don't leave me!"

"Rupert? What's going on with you?" Annabel stared at him, wide-eyed.

What was wrong with him? It seemed Candy had left him. But why? Did she not like him? Reject him? It seemed impossible. With his handsome looks and high status, he was the perfect husband. No girl would ignore his charm. Yet, judging by his outburst, he seemed to love Candy deeply. Why would she leave him? Was Candy gone? That was probably why he was so obsessed.

The more Annabel considered this, the more she believed it. She didn't ask any questions.

Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. He wiped it away, regaining his cold, aloof demeanor. "Nothing. Just a bad dream," he said. "Anyway, we're here."

Annabel opened the car door for him. He pointed to his injured leg, smiling meaningfully. "You have to help me."

Annabel looked at him indignantly.

"You're the one who kicked me, remember?" he said matter-of-factly.

"Fine," she gritted her teeth, begrudgingly helping him out of the car.

With his arm around her shoulder, she helped him to the elevator. They were so close; she could feel his hot breath on her neck. He was heavy, and she was soon breathless.

They reached his apartment door; it was locked. "Where's the key?" she asked breathlessly.

"In my pocket."

"Okay. Give it to me." She was too tired to reach into his pocket.

He held up his injured hand, smiling faintly. "I got injured saving you. You'll have to get the key."

Was he deliberately making things difficult for her?