Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 37

Chapter 3

Eliza took a deep breath as she carefully dressed herself, each movement deliberate despite her trembling hands. After a few moments, she reached for her phone and called a taxi. The evening air was cool against her skin as she waited outside, the city lights flickering softly in the distance.

About thirty minutes later, the taxi pulled up in front of the Nightshade Bar, its neon sign casting a faint glow on the wet pavement. The driver helped her out, and she steadied herself with her cane as she stepped onto the sidewalk. A server, dressed in black, promptly appeared and guided her through the dimly lit bar toward a private room.

As the door swung open, a wave of harsh voices washed over her—mockery laced with sarcasm and cruel laughter echoed within the walls. Eliza hesitated for a moment in the doorway, her heart pounding. Benson, cigarette dangling between his fingers, turned sharply to face her. His eyes locked onto her, and for a fleeting second, time seemed to freeze.

Despite the bitterness that had grown between them, Eliza knew there was still a hidden corner of his heart reserved for her. Their shared past, filled with love and pain, was not something that could be erased easily. Yet, the betrayal she had committed—one that nearly destroyed him—had left an unhealable wound. Even after she had offered him her corneas in an act of remorse, forgiveness remained elusive.

Benson cleared his throat, commanding silence. The room fell into an uneasy hush. He drummed his fingers impatiently on the table before finally ordering, “Come here.”

Eliza tentatively moved forward, her cane tapping softly against the wooden floor. Just as she was about to reach him, Isolde, lurking nearby, suddenly thrust out her foot. Eliza stumbled over the low coffee table, crashing down with a loud clatter. Glasses toppled, spilling drinks across the floor in a messy cascade.

Groaning, Eliza struggled to rise, but a firm hand pressed her back down.

“Was that on purpose?” a voice sneered.

“No, I just tripped,” Eliza replied quickly, shaking her head.

Benson laughed cruelly as he yanked her upright by the arm. “Oh right, I almost forgot—you’re blind. Did I tell you to be here in five minutes?”

Eliza’s body trembled under the weight of his anger. “Yes, you did.”

“And how late are you?”

“I don’t know.”

Benson glanced at Isolde, who smirked. “You tell her what the punishment for lateness is.”

Isolde picked up the strongest-looking drink from the table. “One shot per minute.”

Eliza’s eyes widened in panic. She was severely allergic to alcohol; even a small amount could send her into a dangerous shock. She shook her head desperately, hoping for mercy.

Benson, fully aware of her condition, snatched the bottle from Isolde’s hand. His voice was low and rough, as if emerging from some dark place. “Isolde, you said you’re not satisfied. Watch closely. I settled yesterday’s score already. Starting tomorrow, stop causing trouble for her, or I won’t show you any mercy.”

Isolde’s heart raced. She knew the truth—that Eliza had endangered Benson two years ago—but despite that, he still stood by Eliza’s side. A bitter thought crossed Isolde’s mind: perhaps only if Eliza were gone would the past truly be buried, and Benson would finally be hers.

Panic rising, Eliza threw aside her blankets, desperate to find her dog. Yet her weakened body betrayed her, and she collapsed back onto the bed.

“Wow, Ms. Vance, up and about so soon? Who are you in such a hurry to find?” a mocking voice drawled.

Eliza turned her head toward the sound. “Where did Lucky go?”

Isolde’s lips curled into a smug smile. “Eliza, your life is so charmed, isn’t it? Even blind, you manage to capture Benson’s heart. You’ve been asleep for three days, and Benson worried about you the whole time.”

She paused, then added with a cruel edge, “And now that you’re awake, you’re searching for a dog? Do you really think Benson would spare that beast if he knew you cared more about it than him?”

A surge of fear jolted through Eliza. She struggled to sit up, moving toward Isolde. “Do you know where Lucky is? Please, tell me.”

Isolde’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Of course I know. But I don’t want to tell you.”

Eliza clenched her fists, voice shaking with anger. “Where did you take him? Just give him back, and I’ll do anything you ask.”

Isolde chuckled darkly. “Anything, huh? Perfect. I happen to have a ring that fell into the pool outside. Help me find it, and I’ll tell you where that dog is.”