A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1059

The area was as dark as a crypt, with only the weak glow of a distant streetlight casting an eerie light on the overgrown bramble bush in front, exposing a large indentation in the earth.

Cedric stepped towards the brambles, bending over, his hands shaking as he pushed aside the prickly foliage.

The sight that met him – Hailey, lying on the ground, her clothes torn, her body smeared with blood – shocked him to his core.

He'd never experienced such terror before. It was as if his blood had suddenly frozen in his veins.

His heart pounded against his chest, feeling as though it had been dropped into an abyss, the sheer dread robbing him of breath.

He tried to speak, to say something to Hailey, but the words refused to leave his throat.

It was as if someone had clenched his throat in a vice. All he could do was extend a shaky hand to touch Hailey's icy face.

At his touch, Hailey flinched. She tried to move but found she couldn't.

Her tears mixed with the blood, trickling from the corner of her eyes.

"Please, don't touch me... please..."

Hearing her plea, Cedric's heart ached so much he could hardly breathe.

"Hailey, it's me."

His voice stopped Hailey in her tracks.

She turned her dry eyes towards him, slowly lifting her eyelids.

Her vision was blurred, and she could hardly make out his face, let alone recognize him.

"No matter who you are, don't touch me... please, don't touch me..."

Hearing Hailey's words, Cedric's eyes welled up with tears.

"Hailey, it's me, Cedric."

Cedric...

I know it's you, Cedric.

And that's why I don't want you to see me like this...

Hailey turned her head away, not wanting him to see her in this sorry state, but the tears flowed freely.

Seeing the man, Cedric was filled with rage.

"Get lost!"

With a powerful kick, he sent the man flying. The man went silent in an instant.

Without a backward glance, Cedric quickly picked up Hailey and carried her back to his car, parked at the hotel's entrance.

The engine roared to life as he sped towards Liana Hospital. Simultaneously, he dialed his assistant to deal with the middle-aged man.

As he hung up the call and his eyes met hers, Hailey felt an unanticipated wave of self-consciousness and she averted her gaze, staring at her lap.

Seemingly understanding her thoughts, Cedric remained quiet. He kept his focus on navigating the streets, refraining from probing any further.

As the car screeched to a halt in front of Liana Hospital, Hailey braved to look up at Cedric who was already unbuckling her seatbelt with haste.

"Cedric," she croaked, her voice barely a whisper, "he didn't touch me. I hit him in the head with a rock."

His fingers stilled for a moment as he was unbuckling her seatbelt. Cedric's gaze dropped to the pale woman beside him.

He studied her for a few silent seconds, then without uttering a word, he scooped her up in his arms and bolted towards the hospital entrance.