He Stands at the End of My Past

Caspian Henderson has been rigid and restrained throughout his six-year marriage to Juliet Bennett, and their life together feels dull and uneventful. Even their nights together feel like a chore with a set time. He arrives on the dot, does what he came for, and leaves. Everyone in their social circle believes he's the kind of man who will never bend for any woman. That was true until a month ago, when he returned with an orphaned girl who claims to have saved his life. Her name is Willow Everly. She's cold and unapproachable—the polar opposite of Juliet, who has been doted on all her life. Juliet's girlfriends attempt to warn her. "That young woman looks like a handful. You'd better keep an eye on your husband." Juliet beams. "Don't worry. Caspian doesn't even waver when I tease him. There's no way he'd be interested in that delicate little thing." Yet in just a few days, she finds out just how wrong she is. Chapter 1 Caspian Henderson had been rigid and restrained throughout six years of marriage. Life was dull and predictable. Even their intimate moments felt like a scheduled chore. He came when it was time and left the moment it was over. Everyone who knew him said a man like him would never lose control over a woman. That was until a month ago, when he brought home a young orphan who claimed she had saved his life. Her name was Willow Everly. She was cold and aloof, like a white flower blooming on a mountaintop—nothing like Juliet Bennett, who had been spoiled and adored all her life. Juliet's friends tried to warn her. "That woman looks like trouble. You'd better keep an eye on your husband." Juliet curled her red lips into a confident smile. "Don't worry. Caspian can resist even my teasing. There's no way he'd be interested in a soft little damsel like her." However, a few days later, she was proven wrong. In just a month, Caspian and Willow had grown far too close. He brought her to all kinds of events and introduced her to all his friends. Someone even mistook Willow for his wife. She didn't deny it, and Caspian only smiled and went along with it. That same night, he pinned Willow beneath him, his eyes dark with desire and his voice softer than ever. "Willow, you didn't correct them. Does that mean you feel something for me, too?" Willow pushed him away, her expression as detached as ever. "My father only asked you to look after me, not to look after me in your bed." Caspian held her hand and pleaded, "He asked me to protect you, but I fell for you. Can you please give me a chance, Willow?" Without the slightest hesitation, she rejected him. "No." He lowered his head and closed the distance between them, like a man in power willing to bow his head for love. "Tell me… What do I have to do for you to like me?" Willow pushed him away again. "I don't like your rigid, dull personality. So, no matter what you do, I won't fall for you." Because of what she said, Caspian started learning how to win a woman over from his playboy friends. News of it spread like wildfire, and Juliet became a laughingstock. Juliet had been spoiled since childhood and had a fiery temper. With a cold expression, she snapped back, "Instead of gossiping about me, why don't you watch your own husbands? Maybe one of you has a homewrecker hiding in your house, too!" Juliet never expected those words to enrage Caspian. She was knocked unconscious, and when she came to, she found herself hanging outside their beachfront penthouse, suspended 33 feet above the crashing waves. Caspian stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and asked coldly, "Why did you call Willow a homewrecker in public?" Juliet was terrified of heights. Her face was drained of color, yet she gritted out, "I didn't call her that." He hadn't cared at all when others laughed at her, yet the moment she said one thing, he punished her like this. After six years of marriage, she still hadn't been able to warm Caspian's heart. Seeing that she wouldn't own up to what she said, Caspian let out a mirthless chuckle and instructed his bodyguards to release the rope. They loosened their grip on the rope, and Juliet was pushed straight into the sea. There was a loud splash, and the freezing seawater rushed into her lungs and stomach, burning her throat as if she had swallowed pins and needles. Just as she was about to run out of air, she was pulled back up and lifted to the highest point again. Her whole body was soaked, and her eyes were shockingly red. Caspian leaned over and looked down at her with a cold expression. His patience was wearing thin. "Do you know what you did wrong now, Jules?" Juliet felt a pang in her chest as she watched him protect Willow. With reddened, tear-filled eyes, she yelled, "So what if I called her a homewrecker? I wasn't wrong. She is one—she seduced my husband!" Why was she no match for someone who had just entered his life? Six years ago, Caspian and his father, Charles Henderson, had been set up and had gotten into a car accident. Charles died on the spot. Caspian was severely injured, and Henderson Group was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. When Juliet, who was overseas at the time, heard the news, she flew back to the country without the slightest hesitation and told Caspian's mother, Victoria Hudson, that the Bennetts were willing to form a marriage alliance. Back then, Victoria asked her for the reason for her decision. Juliet answered truthfully that she had liked Caspian since high school and couldn't just stand by and do nothing. And so, she had married Caspian while he was still unconscious and helped the Hendersons through their darkest time. Caspian had regained consciousness a month later. When he was told Juliet was his wife, he was surprised, but he still looked at her warmly. "Hello, I'm Caspian. Please take care of me from now on!" He treated her well and gave her everything she desired. However, ever since he had brought Willow home a month ago, everything had changed. "How dare you call her a homewrecker, Juliet? Then what does that make you, the woman who married me while I was unconscious?" Her mind went blank. What did he mean by that? Before she could make sense of it, she lost her balance and plunged back into the freezing ocean. Saltwater flooded her chest until her vision faded into darkness. When she came to, she found herself in a hospital. She had gulped down so much seawater that her lungs felt like they were on fire every time she tried to breathe. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at the ceiling. In all her life, she had never suffered humiliation like this. She pulled out her phone and called her younger brother, Rowan Hall, who lived abroad. Her voice was hoarse as she said, "Help me prepare a divorce agreement and a plane ticket. Once the divorce is finalized, our family will withdraw every form of support we've given the Hendersons." She paused before continuing, "Also, help me look into a woman named Willow Everly." Chapter 2 Rowan worked fast. Within a day, he prepared the divorce agreement and booked Juliet's plane ticket. The only thing he still hadn't uncovered was Willow's background, but Juliet wasn't in a rush. There were 30 days before the divorce could be finalized. It was more than enough time to figure everything out. Victoria, who had been recuperating in the countryside, rushed back the moment she heard Juliet was hurt. When she found Juliet lying in a hospital bed, barely able to speak, she felt both heartbroken and furious. "This is outrageous! I can't believe Caspian actually hurt you for another woman. I'll go find him right now and make him apologize to you on his knees, Jules!" "It's alright, Victoria." Juliet held her back and reached for the divorce agreement on the bedside table. "I've been married into your family for six years, and I've never asked you for anything. Just this once… Could you take this to him and have him sign it?" Victoria's pupils contracted as she looked at the agreement. "Do you really want a divorce, Jules?" Juliet hummed softly with a blank expression. Victoria studied her for a long while before letting out a heavy sigh. "Caspian doesn't deserve you." As she watched Victoria walk out with the agreement, Juliet felt a familiar tightness in her chest. She had once believed she and Caspian could live out their lives with mutual respect, and that would be enough for her. However, love was either there or it wasn't. It had taken her six years to realize it, and she hated how blind she had been. Juliet chuckled bitterly to herself. The moment she closed her eyes to get some rest, the door was shoved open, and Caspian's furious voice filled the room before he even stepped inside. "You sure know how to play the victim, Juliet. I can't believe you got my mother to back you up!" As soon as his words fell, a stack of checks hit her chest. It didn't hurt, but it made her chest tighten. Juliet clenched her fists and looked up, only to find Willow standing behind Caspian. Willow's expression was stoic as she said, "I didn't even hold it against you for calling me a homewrecker last time, Ms. Bennett. But now, you've asked Mrs. Henderson to insult me with a check. What exactly are you trying to do?" Willow stepped forward, her voice edged with hostility. "I don't want to become the lady of the Henderson family, and I'm not short of money. Your husband is the one pestering me. Instead of coming after me, maybe you should keep your man on a tighter leash!" Juliet almost burst into laughter when she heard that. "Is your head alright, Ms. Everly? Should I pay for a doctor to take a look at you?" Willow's face flushed red, and she ripped her hand out of Caspian's hold. "I'm moving out today, Mr. Henderson! I don't want your money, and I don't need you to take care of me. Let's go our separate ways so no one can call me a homewrecker again!" "Don't go, Willie!" Caspian hurriedly wrapped his arms around her, sweat breaking out across his forehead. "What am I supposed to do if you leave me?" "Get a hold of yourself, Mr. Henderson!" Willow broke free from his hold and stormed off without a backward glance. As soon as Willow left, Caspian spun around and gripped Juliet's chin so hard that it felt like he might crush her bones. "Juliet, I'm warning you to stay away from Willie! If I ever catch you bullying her again, I won't let you off!" Juliet tightened her fists as she watched him chase after Willow. Not long after, Victoria returned with the signed divorce agreement. Her eyes misted over as she apologized. "I'm so sorry, Jules… I tried to talk that woman into leaving. I didn't think he would treat her like she's everything to him. He didn't even look at the divorce agreement before signing it. In 30 days, you'll be officially divorced." Juliet hummed softly before shifting her gaze to the window. Chapter 3 In the days that followed, scandals about Caspian flooded the internet. One moment, it was about drones scattering rose petals in the sky. The next, he was dropping to one knee with a diamond ring. The spectacle made plenty of people jealous. Juliet was soon labeled as the abandoned wife in their social circle, but she didn't care. She went to a bar with her friends to blow off steam. As soon as she walked into the private room, her hoarse voice made her friends furious. "That bitch actually stole your man? We're going to get revenge for you!" The girls were about to storm out when the door opened, and a young woman with a high ponytail walked in with a crate of alcohol. "Hello. Here are the drinks you ordered." Realizing who she was, the girls erupted. "Well, well, well. Isn't this the holy maiden herself?" "We were just about to look for you, and you walked right in." Juliet was taken aback when she took in Willow's waitress uniform. Caspian was obsessed with Willow. How could he possibly let her work in a place like this? Willow spotted her too. Her expression hardened, and she straightened up. "I think I made myself clear, Ms. Bennett. Instead of harassing me, you should be keeping a close eye on your husband. "Also, as for the rumors online, I don't like any of it. In fact, I think feelings gained that way are the cheapest. I'm working here to avoid him, so I hope you won't tell him I'm here, Ms. Bennett." Juliet was caught off guard. Before she could gather a response, Willow flipped her ponytail and turned to leave. Her friends slammed the door shut and pointed straight at her nose. "You've got some nerve acting like the wife when you're the side piece!" "How dare you raise your voice at Jules, you piece of trash?" Willow's brows knitted as she argued, "It's her fault for not keeping her husband under control. I didn't spread my legs for him. If anything, I'm the victim here! If anyone should apologize, it should be her—" "What is she supposed to apologize for?" Juliet's friend slapped Willow across the face before grabbing her hair and dragging her to the table. "Since you like being the mistress so much, we'll let you be one to your heart's content! Girls, let's strip her and put her on display!" Startled, Willow screamed, "Let go of me!" Juliet snapped back to reality and stopped her friends. "Forget it. She's not worth it." Her friends were about to argue when Willow, who was still on the floor, spat in her face and glared at her with burning rage. "Drop the act, Juliet! You came here just to humiliate me, didn't you? You can't control your man, so you're ganging up on me instead!" "We're ganging up on you?" Juliet's expression darkened as she lifted her hand and slapped Willow. "Look closely. This is what it means to be ganged up on!" As soon as those words left her mouth, the door burst open, and a furious voice filled the room. "How dare you lay a hand on her, Juliet?" Caspian marched in, seized Juliet's wrist, and struck her across the face with full force. Juliet fell to the floor. Her head was ringing, and her cheek burned. Clenching her fists, she glared at him with bloodshot eyes. Caspian's chest tightened, and he was about to help her up when Willow demanded, "Ms. Bennett, you wanted to strip me to humiliate me, and now you've slapped me. Have you gotten everything out of your system? Can I go now?" Chapter 4 Willow stood frozen in place. Her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, and her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Yet, she stubbornly kept her chin up. "What did you just say, Willie?" Caspian stared at her in disbelief. Willow yanked her hand out of his and choked out, "Mr. Henderson, what will it take for you to leave me alone? Your wife wants to rip my clothes off in public. Are you satisfied now?" Juliet's friends' jaws dropped. They were about to retaliate when a violent crash echoed through the room. Caspian had grabbed a wine bottle and hurled it at the ground, sending shards of glass flying everywhere. He shifted his ice-cold gaze to Juliet and seethed, "Juliet, did I or did I not warn you to stay the hell away from Willie? Why don't you ever listen?" Juliet pushed herself up from the floor. Her eyes were blazing red as she glared at him. "I didn't even know she worked here, Caspian!" Willow let out a shaky laugh. With teary eyes, she sneered, "Right. I accidentally took a job here, and I accidentally walked into this room. Let's just call this a misunderstanding, Mr. Henderson. I'll leave, alright?" "Drop the act!" Juliet's friends snapped and shoved her. Willow screamed as she fell backward, her arm landing right on the scattered glass. In an instant, blood gushed out. Caspian's gaze hardened as he stared at her wound. "Do you all have a death wish?" The women shrank back in terror. Juliet stepped between them with a frown. "Stop scaring them, Caspian." Caspian held Willow, who was trembling in his arms, and gave Juliet a cold look. "Why? Are you going to stand up for them?" Juliet took a look at Willow's bleeding arm. "It's just a cut. You don't have to make such a big deal out of it," she said apathetically. Willow bit through the pain and forced out, "Ms. Bennett, you can look down on me all you want, but don't you dare treat me like an easy target!" Tears cascaded down her face right after she said that. Caspian looked heartbroken as he wiped away her tears. "Don't cry, Willie. I'll get back at them for you!" "I don't need your help! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be getting picked on!" Willow thrashed wildly, yet he only tightened his hold on her. "I know, I know. I'm at fault too. I'll make it up to you after I deal with them." He lowered his head and pressed a light kiss on the top of her hair. "I'll show you something new I learned later tonight. I'm sure you'll like it!" With that, he shot daggers at Juliet. "Why do you always have to pick on Willie, Jules?" Juliet clenched her fists when she heard his accusation. "Caspian, if I really wanted to pick on her, do you think she'd still be alive right now?" Last time, she had only called Willow a homewrecker, and she had ended up hanging above the ocean. She wondered how far he would go this time. "So, you'd rather lie to my face than tell the truth, huh?" There was a cold glint in his eyes as a mirthless smile curled at his lips. His long fingers slid across his phone screen, and he started naming her friends' families. "The Lawson family. The Sandler family…" Juliet's friends blanched as he continued. Right after listing their families, he made a call. "In three days, I want—" Before he could finish, Juliet snatched his phone out of his hand. "What are you trying to do, Caspian? If you've got a problem, take it out on me!" She stared him down. She was furious, yet her vision was already clouded with unshed tears. The more she looked at this man, the less she understood him. "So, you admit it, after all?" he said with a mocking curve of his lips, his gaze growing colder. Juliet gritted her teeth, dug her nails into her palms, and looked up at him. "Caspian, you won't believe me no matter what I say, will you?" "How am I supposed to believe you?" Caspian lunged forward, gripping her chin. Anger swirled in his eyes. "You've been lying to me since the day we got married!" Right after saying that, he shoved her away and gestured to the bodyguards at the door. "My wife loves glass. So smash every bottle here and cover the floor with it. Then, bring everyone in the bar here and tell them drinks are on me tonight." Juliet felt the blood drain from her face. "What are you trying to do, Caspian?" "You're about to find out," he responded with a lazy smile. Within minutes, the floor was littered with sharp glass shards. A huge crowd gathered outside the room to watch the scene unfold. Soon, the room was buzzing with ridicule and amusement. "Isn't that the abandoned wife from the Henderson family?" "Yeah, she's not even worth a strand of Willow's hair now." Juliet lowered her gaze, hiding the storm in her eyes. When she looked up again, her gaze was cold as frost. "Are you sure you want to go this far?" Caspian leaned against the couch's armrest, swirling a wine glass between his fingers. "Are you going to take your clothes off, or should I have someone do it for you?" Before she could respond, he jerked his chin at the guards. "Forget it. You guys, strip her and throw her on the floor." As soon as his words fell, several guards swarmed her, pinning her down as she thrashed wildly. Rip after rip, the sound of fabric tearing filled the room, and in seconds, Juliet was left in nothing but her underwear. Then, someone shoved her from behind, sending her stumbling and falling onto the bed of broken glass. Juliet's scream tore through the room. Pain spread through her limbs as glass shards pierced deep into her skin. Blood pooled beneath her almost instantly. Her whole body trembled uncontrollably from the pain, her nails scraping across the glass, creating a shrill, grating sound. The crowd erupted with excitement. "Damn, her body's insane! Quick, record it! This will go viral for sure." The onlookers raised their phones, and the flashing lights were so bright that Juliet couldn't even open her eyes. She lifted her head and looked at Caspian with teary eyes, only to find him holding Willow and whispering in her ear. His expression was so tender—it was as if he had never been angry at all. The metallic tang of blood filled Juliet's mouth as she bit down on her lip, a hollow, bitter chuckle twisting in her chest. In the end, her vision blurred, and she lost consciousness. Yet Caspian never spared her a glance. Chapter 5 Juliet didn't come to until three days later. Her wounds weren't deep, but they were scattered all over her body, as if something had gnawed holes in her skin. Thin streaks of blood seeped from them, making her look disturbingly ghastly. Caspian was lounging in a leather chair with a book in his hand. The moment he noticed her stirring, he closed it and said coldly, "If you're awake, go apologize to Willie." Juliet froze for a second before letting out a derisive chuckle. "And how is she worthy of that?" Her words hit a nerve. Caspian's expression hardened in an instant, and he shot to his feet before stalking toward the bed. He towered over her, exuding that familiar, suffocating pressure. "I must've spoiled you rotten if you've already forgotten your place." Juliet abruptly burst into laughter. Her fingers dug into the sheets as she responded lazily, "Aren't you giving yourself a little too much credit, Mr. Henderson?" If it hadn't been for her, Henderson Group wouldn't be what it was today. If not for her, he wouldn't be standing here so comfortably. That title dropped between them like a stone in a well. It grated on him in a way he couldn't explain. She had always called him Cas, or Caspie, or anything playful she could come up with. Juliet had never addressed him in such a distant manner. His expression darkened, and his tone turned frosty. "Don't forget your little group of friends." "Caspian Henderson!" Juliet shot upright, bracing herself on the bed. The sudden movement tore at her wounds, making the color drain from her face, but her eyes burned with fury. "You're despicable!" Caspian curled his lips in satisfaction as he took in her reaction. "Oh, and one more thing. Willie is injured and can't work. So, you'll have to cover her shifts at the bar for a few days." Right after saying that, he left. Juliet trembled with rage as she watched his figure disappear through the door. Deep down, she felt nothing but disgust. It turned out he did know how to love someone. He just never loved her. He was willing to grind her into the dirt for another woman. … Night fell, and Juliet pushed through the stabbing pain and dragged her body to the bar. The moment she entered, a set of clothes was tossed at her. The bar manager took one look at her and said, "Put that on and get to work." Juliet pinched the fabric between her fingers. It was barely enough to cover anything. Her brows drew together. "I'm not wearing this." Under the lights, her scabbed wounds looked dark and rough. These clothes would only draw more attention to the scars and make people stare at her like she was some kind of monster. The bar manager sneered, as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world. His eyes were full of disdain as he said mockingly, "Do you still think you're the lady of the Henderson family? In this bar, whatever Mr. Henderson says goes." That was right. She was in Caspian's territory, and she was nothing more than a drifting weed. Juliet closed her eyes for a moment before pulling the outfit on. The fabric scraped over her scabbed wounds, making her suck in a sharp breath from the pain. As soon as she emerged from the changing room, a crate of beer was shoved into her arms. "Deliver this to room 2061." Juliet slowly carried the crate upstairs. When she reached the private room, loud laughter exploded from inside. "Ms. Everly, you lost the dare! You know the rules—you have to Frensian kiss the guy next to you for 30 seconds!" "What a coincidence! The guy next to her is Mr. Henderson!" Willow's clear, crisp voice followed, dripping with practiced innocence. "It's just a dare, Mr. Henderson. Please don't take it to heart." Juliet had grown up in high society. She had seen all kinds of women, yet this was her first time seeing a mistress act so pure and unapologetic. Then, she heard Caspian chuckle. "It'll be my pleasure," he rasped. A heartbeat later, wet kissing sounds and soft moans seeped through the door. Juliet's stomach twisted, and she burst through the door, only to see Caspian cupping the back of Willow's neck. He kissed her as though he couldn't breathe without her. Their tongues tangled in the dim light, and they were so lost in each other that they didn't even notice her walk in. Juliet slammed the beer crate onto the table. "Here are your drinks." The room went still in an instant. Willow hurriedly pushed Caspian away. Then, she grabbed a tissue and wiped the corner of her lips. Her cheeks were burning, yet her eyes were clear and bright. When she shifted her attention to Juliet, her tone was innocent. "Please don't get the wrong idea, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Henderson and I were just playing truth or dare. If it bothers you, I'll just kiss someone else next time. It's not a big deal." "Don't you dare!" Caspian seized Willow's wrist. The desire that lingered in his eyes turned into blazing anger. He yanked her straight into his arms and kissed her cheek again and again, his voice thick with possessiveness. "You're mine." Juliet couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a derisive chuckle. She spun on her heel and bolted out of the private room. She hurried into the restroom. Gripping the sink, she stared at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked hollow. Her face was gaunt, her body marked with scars, and her complexion was pallid. She was worlds apart from the woman who had married Caspian with a heart full of joy. The higher she had been then, the harder she crashed now. Juliet splashed water on her face and turned to leave, but before she could take a step, someone grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward the door. "Mr. Henderson asked for you." Chapter 6 Juliet was dragged back into the private room, where Caspian waved her over. "Come here, Jules." Juliet didn't budge. The person behind noticed and pushed her forward. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get over there!" When she approached Caspian, he picked up a glass of liquor from the table and handed it to her. "Willie's injured, and she can't drink. My mom said you handled all my social events while I was in a coma, so you can definitely take it. From now on, whenever she loses, you'll drink for her." Juliet's expression changed drastically. Back then, even though she had saved the Hendersons, her family wasn't based in the country, so she couldn't offer them much support. The only thing she could do was attend every dinner and meeting to pull in investments on Caspian's behalf. Juliet had drunk so much alcohol that her stomach bled, yet she had still forced herself to push through it. She had always thought he knew nothing about it. Yet, he had known all along, and now, he wanted her to drink for the woman he loved. Willow reached out as if she wanted to snatch the drink from him. "Ms. Bennett, if you don't want to drink, I can do it myself. Worst case, I'll just end up back in the hospital. I don't want to ruin everyone's fun." Caspian dodged her and turned to Juliet with a cold look. "Juliet, you used to drink way more than this, and you were fine. What, is one glass going to kill you now? Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't want your friends to end up on the streets because of you, right?" Juliet didn't want to hear another word from him. Without a second thought, she snatched the glass and downed it in one go. Willow didn't spare her a glance. Her expression was full of arrogance as she said, "Thanks, Ms. Bennett." From then on, every time the bottle spun and landed on Willow, she wouldn't answer anything, so Juliet had to drink in her place. After an hour, Juliet was so drunk she could barely stay on her feet. Her wounds were burning and itching, and her stomach felt like it was on fire. "This is the last round, Ms. Everly. If you don't answer this question, you'll have to drink three glasses." Willow nodded. The person smiled mischievously. "Have you and our Cas done it?" As soon as their words fell, the whole room erupted. Dozens of eyes landed on Juliet, waiting to see her break. Her stomach hurt terribly, yet she bit her lip and remained silent. Willow's face flushed, but she hastily schooled her expression. "Don't say things like that. Ms. Bennett is right here." The people beside her didn't even acknowledge Juliet and kept fanning the flames. "That sounds like something's up!" "Caspian's been learning from all the playboys in our circle. For all we know, he's already tested the waters." Caspian smirked, pulled Willow into his arms, and ruffled her hair affectionately. "She won't be answering that question." "In that case, she has to down three glasses!" Caspian passed the glasses to the person beside him. Juliet's forehead was damp with sweat, and her voice was hoarse. "I can't drink anymore, Caspian." Hearing that, Willow broke free from Caspian's hold. "Then, I'll drink." She snatched the first glass and downed it in one go. Then, she coughed so hard that her eyes watered, yet she still tried to reach for the second glass. Caspian hurriedly took it away and patted her back with a frown. "Are you alright?" Juliet watched him fuss over Willow and knew exactly what was coming next. Before he could force the drink down her throat, she snatched the remaining two glasses and gulped them down. Clutching her stomach, she asked, "Can I leave now?" Right after saying that, she turned and walked toward the door. Before she could push it open, Willow said, "I should thank you for today, Ms. Bennett. I have some hangover relief pills in my bag. You should take one." "I'm good," Juliet turned her down coldly. Willow took a step forward. "Are you looking down on me, Ms. Bennett?" Juliet pursed her lips and looked at Willow icily. Caspian's expression hardened. "Don't be ungrateful, Juliet." Juliet didn't want to waste her breath on them anymore, so she took the pill and swallowed it. However, as soon as she took a couple of steps, her stomach lurched, and she doubled over, vomiting as everything went black and she crumpled to the side. "Juliet!" Caspian's eyes widened, and he hurried over to catch her. Then, he heard Willow gasp. "Oh no, I think I gave Ms. Bennett the wrong pills! I picked up the antibiotics by mistake." "What antibiotics?" someone asked. "Metronidazole." Chapter 7 Juliet's face flushed an unnatural shade of red, the color spreading from her cheekbones all the way to her ears. Yet her lips were drained of color, trembling faintly with each shallow breath. A sharp pain spread across her chest as if something inside her were about to burst. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't open her eyes. A familiar voice sounded near her ear. "Is Ms. Bennett going to be alright, Mr. Henderson?" Caspian noticed how calm Willow looked and felt an inexplicable wave of irritation. His expression hardened as he snarled, "What do you think? She drank alcohol and took metronidazole. Of course, it's serious!" Willow stiffened when she heard his harsh tone. Then, she lifted her chin stubbornly. "Mr. Henderson, if anything happens to Ms. Bennett, I'm willing to take full responsibility. If she dies, I'll answer with my own life." Without saying a word, he stared at her, his expression inscrutable. Willow's heart raced, but she took a deep breath, stepped forward, and softened her tone. "This is all my fault, Mr. Henderson. If I had checked the label properly, I wouldn't have grabbed the wrong medicine… and Ms. Bennett wouldn't be suffering right now. If you want to punish me, go ahead. I'll accept any punishment you give!" Caspian sighed, pulled her into his arms, and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, Willie. She'll be fine. I'll take care of everything." Willow pursed her lips, tears trickling down her cheeks. "But I did make a mistake. I need to pay for it." Caspian lowered his head and looked at her helplessly. "Do you really want to pay for it?" Willow nodded as tears slid down her otherwise calm face. "However you want to punish me, I'll—" "Marry me." He pecked her lips, his tone dead serious. "Willie, you disappeared right after you saved me. We've already missed out on so many years. I don't want us to be apart anymore." Willow froze for a moment before nodding. "Alright." When Juliet heard that, her chest tightened so painfully that she couldn't bear it anymore. In the end, she coughed up a mouthful of blood and blacked out on the spot. … When Juliet finally regained consciousness, she had no idea how many days had passed. She opened her eyes, the sharp ache in her chest making it hard to breathe. Caspian rushed over the moment she stirred. "You're finally up." Juliet looked at him coldly. Her voice was so hoarse that it was barely audible. "Where's Willow?" His expression shifted. He knew Juliet had been spoiled all these years, and he feared she might go after Willow. So, he handed her the documents in his hand. "She took the wrong medicine because she was drunk and lightheaded. She didn't do it on purpose, and I've already decided on a punishment for her. This is something I prepared just for her. Sign it, and I'll put her to work." He had prepared something just for Willow? Was he going to put her to work? Was he talking about a divorce agreement for Juliet and making Willow work hard as the new lady of the Henderson family? Juliet sneered inwardly. With a stoic expression, she accepted the document, signed it, and handed it back to him. "I hope you keep your word." Caspian had braced himself for an argument. He hadn't expected her to sign it so readily. He took the document and said, "I'll go take care of this first. Get some rest. I'll come check on you later." As Juliet watched him walk away, she suddenly remembered how nervous she had been when he woke up from his coma. She had been terrified he wouldn't like her. Yet when he had said, "Please take care of me from now on", her heart had exploded with joy. However, all of that was gone now. Juliet tried to get out of bed when a sharp pain tore through her chest. In a heartbeat, a metallic tang rushed up her throat, and she coughed out a mouthful of blood. Rowan, who had just reached the door, witnessed this scene. His eyes widened in shock. "Juliet!" The moment she laid eyes on him, all her bottled-up frustration burst free. As she clutched his wrist, tears streamed down her face. "Ro…" Rowan scooped her into his arms in one swift motion. His expression was dark with fury as he yelled over his shoulder, "Get a doctor, now!" Within minutes, a doctor rushed in. After a thorough examination, his expression was grim. "Ms. Bennett's health is far too fragile. We can't treat her here. She needs to be transferred abroad immediately!" Rowan's eyes misted over as he made calls to hospitals abroad. Ten minutes later, he boarded a plane with an unconscious Juliet.