Chapter 162: Nothing But Despair
“Why? Yes, why?” Bradley was laughing, but suddenly, a hint of redness rimmed his eyes.
“Once upon a time, I was simply an ordinary young man with dreams. I worked tirelessly to build my business, with a girlfriend who loved me dearly by my side. From our college days to our wedding, I strived to do everything within my power to provide her with a home. That year, I had saved up enough money, ready to marry her, but fate was cruel. She fell into the hands of a deceitful man who tricked her to East Aploth. By the time I saw her again, she was nothing more than a lifeless body, void of all her organs. The harrowing image of her death lingered in my mind, haunting me day and night…”
Bradley, as if venting, recounted this unforgettable love affair. Raylee was not a fool; she could tell that his girlfriend’s death was inextricably linked to Jeremiah. The latter had committed countless atrocities, harming numerous people without batting an eye. On that fateful day, he faced retribution, and she could only pin it down to his destiny.
“My girlfriend met a tragic end, and all my hopes were shattered, all because of Jeremiah!” Bradley’s gaze, filled with hatred, fiercely swept toward Jeremiah.
“Do you know? When you tricked Jennifer into going to East Aploth, she was already carrying my child. If it weren’t for you, we would have married and been living a happy life by now! Why were you so ruthless? How could you harm a defenseless woman, especially one who is pregnant?”
An emotionally charged Bradley drew his gun once again, intending to riddle Jeremiah with bullets. Raylee held him tightly. “Bradley, you need to calm down. Jeremiah’s actions are unforgivable, but you shouldn’t have taken matters into your own hands. The law should be the one to punish him.”
Bradley let out a cold chuckle. “Using the law against a young scion like him? Ms. Somers, are you kidding me?”
The frantic Raylee explained, “I too have been at the receiving end of Jeremiah’s cruelty. I also wished nothing more than his demise, so I truly understand how you feel, Bradley.”
“Why were you protecting him then?”
“Because I need him. Despite the wrongs he did to me, I need his strength more. Do you know about the District Nine Prison? I was framed and jailed there, languishing for three years…”
As she spoke, Raylee lifted her sleeve, revealing a series of scars that bore an eerie resemblance to centipedes crawling up her arm, their grotesque and terrifying nature laid bare.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. My body is covered by these wounds…” she added, her voice laced with bitterness.
The scene that unfolded triggered a chill down Bradley’s spine. What kind of hell had this girl gone through to end up with such devastating scars?
“You needed him. Is that why you became his fiancée?” Bradley let out a deep sigh. “But I killed him; I shattered your hopes.”
Shaking her head, Kaylee said, “I know you have your reasons. I don’t blame you. But you’re Casimir’s subordinate. If you kill Jeremiah, you’ll surely not be able to escape or return to our country. There are countless ways to seek revenge; why risk everything by choosing this deadly path?”
“Because the dead don’t.” A murderous glint flashed in Bradley’s eyes.
Immediately sensing danger, Raylee asked warily, “Are you planning to kill me?”
“I was considering killing you just now, but I’ve changed my mind.” Bradley stared at her, shaking his head in resignation. “You’re just like my late girlfriend. Both of you are victims of a harsh fate. Ms. Somers, I do hope you survive. After all, where there’s life, there’s hope.”
At that time, the helicopter had already landed on a flat terrain. Raylee watched as hope drifted away from her, her eyes already moistened by tears.
Take care? How am I to take care?
At that moment, they were surrounded by darkness, enveloped entirely by the dense forest. The roars and calls of various animals and beasts echoed around them. A terrifying aura seemed to ensnare her like a suffocating net. The only source of light was the nearby river, its ripples shimmering under the moonlight.
What is the difference between Bradley leaving us here and killing us outright? He was right. What could be more unbearable than the sensation of being given hope and seeing it turn into despair? Seeing her hope being crushed felt like falling into a bottomless abyss. Raylee couldn’t bear the suffocating pain of despair. To make matters worse, she was cradling a man who had been shot twice in the chest.
Jeremiah shuddered violently, causing the anxious Raylee to ask, “How are you feeling now? Hold on for as long as you can. I’ll find a way to save you!”
Even if there was no hope, she couldn’t bring herself to tell the truth. The chances of Jeremiah’s survival might be slim, but she was still willing to take a risk.