Chapter 273

---- Chapter 273 But none of that mattered to Giselle anymore. After surviving such a harrowing descent into hell, the only thing that truly mattered was being alive. Donovan had sat through her entire statement to the police, finally learning what had happened to her during those two months she'd been missing. His gaze stayed fixed on her for along time, but he couldn't seem to find words that didn't feel hollow or inadequate. Nothing he could say would capture the storm of emotions crashing in his chest. Yes, only now did he truly know this woman.

Before, it was as ifhe hadn't known her at all. Silently, he remained by her bedside, pulling a tissue to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead. When he finished, he brushed his fingers along her cheek. "Rest. Don't overthink it. I'll take you home this afternoon." She wasn't used to this kind of tender attentiveness and pushed his hand away, turning her face aside. "Thank you for your help. You should go back to your work. The police are here, and I'm safe now." Her cool, polite tone sat heavy in his chest. He would have preferred a slap to the face, it would have hurt less.

---- "Don't worry." He clasped her hands tightly in both of his, his gaze locking on hers with uncharacteristic intensity. "I'm not leaving you again, not even for a moment." A pang tightened her chest, but her eyes remained blank. After letting him hold on for a moment, she pulled free and gave awry smile. "Now you know, don't you? I was sold to that kind of place. I spent two months as a prostitute. I'm. filthy all over. Keep your distance so you don't get your hands dirty." Hearing that, the words didn't shake him. Whether she had been forced into that life or not, he didn't care.

What mattered to him was the fear she had endured, the pain she had suffered, the deep wounds left on her mind and body. "Don't say anything else." He couldn't stop himself from catching her hand again, pressing it briefly to his lips. His voice was low and rough." Giselle, you'll never know what I went through in the months you were gone. But it's over now. Whatever happens, I want to make things right between us." She had never heard his voice so gently, never seen his eyes so gentle. For a few seconds she simply stared at him, almost dazed, before lowering her eyes. "Thank you.

But that's not necessary. "This whole ordeal had nothing to do with you from the very beginning . Even if I'd died, it wouldn't have been your fault. You don't owe me any guilt. still, I'm truly grateful for ---- everything you've done today." She realized that now, back home, the hatred she once carried for this man was gone. There was no hate, but no love either. She saw him simply as a familiar acquaintance-someone she could speak to in a normal tone. Yet her calm detachment only made it harder for him to breathe. "Oh, and one more thing," Giselle added, turning to him.

"Get in touch with Gideon for me. Let him know what happened. He must be worried sick."