Tears streamed down her cheeks, hot and unchecked, as her breathing grew ragged.

She typed again, her fingers shaking. "When will you end things with her?"

Hubert's eyes flickered, a mask of concern settling over his features.

He leaned back, rubbing his chin. "Rita, are you sure you want to tie yourself to me? Kaia is ruthless. She sent someone to scare you before, and now this attack on your throat. What might she do next? Are you not terrified?"

Fear surged through her, a cold wave crashing over her resolve.

Terrified? Of course she was.

Kaia's shadow felt like a noose tightening with every passing second. But to walk away from Hubert, to surrender the fragile hope of their future together—how could she accept that?

Her fingers hovered over the screen, typing words born of desperation. "You promised to protect me."

Hubert's sigh was heavy, burdened. "I did. But you see how relentless Kaia is. Guarding against her is like trying to hold back a storm."

Rita's heart sank, a hollow ache spreading through her. His words felt like a retreat, a subtle unraveling of the promises he once made. Did he not want her anymore?

Panic clawed at her chest, and she typed, her words sharp with urgency. "Are you abandoning me?"

Hubert's gaze softened, but it lacked conviction. "Never. I am just worried that staying with me will only bring you more pain. Kaia is a viper."

The truth of his words settled like ash in her mouth.

Rita's breath hitched, torn between the urge to flee and the stubborn refusal to let Hubert go.

What was she supposed to do? Her mind spun, trapped in a maze of fear and unease.

"Rita, do not dwell on this for now," Hubert said, his voice gentle but firm. He rose, smoothing his jacket. "Rest. We will figure this out once you are out of here."

Desperation surged, and she grabbed his wrist, her lips mouthing a silent plea. "Stay with me tonight."

He patted her hand, his touch brief, almost mechanical. "I have arranged a caregiver to look after you. Rest well. I will visit tomorrow."

Rita's gaze lingered on the empty doorway, where Hubert's shadow had long since faded, and the caregiver he arranged for her entered.

Her heart churned, a storm of questions swirling in her mind. She sat rigid on the hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic biting at her senses.

How had it all unraveled so fast?

One moment, she stood on the cusp of her dreams, her voice ready to soar into the music industry. Now, her throat was poisoned, possibly rendering her unable to speak forever.

Was it truly over?

Her career, her passion—could it all collapse because of Hubert?