Chapter 7

When I woke up again, it was already dark outside.

I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place.

As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside.

"Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend."

My steps froze.

Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance."

Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..."

I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back.

Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance."

The same words. The same solemn promise.

And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman.

Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were.

I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away.

After leaving the hospital, I checked the date.

Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized.

Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good.

No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible.

Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport...

Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with.

The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag.

Landon stood in the doorway.

Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked.

"Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly.

Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you."

He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree."

Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling."

Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much."

"I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..."

She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up."

Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want."

And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer.

Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention.

Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily.

I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation."

Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance.

And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile.

She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days."