From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 62

A faint light flickered in the darkness.

It was my phone. Someone was calling.

My heart pounded with hope and panic. I was desperate to live. I pressed my face and jaw against the screen, frantically swiping, praying I’d somehow hit the answer button.

The ringtone stopped before I could connect. I was drenched in sweat, my strength slipping away, everything blurring around me.

The phone rang again.

Gritting my teeth, I tried the same thing, using every bit of energy I had left. Still nothing.

I was exhausted—empty, like there was nothing left inside me. Maybe this was it. Maybe I was meant to die at Remy’s hands.

Then, the phone rang a third time.

With the last of my willpower, I tried again. I knew deep down: if I missed this one, I wouldn’t have another chance.

Miraculously, the call connected. The second I heard that deep, familiar voice, I started sobbing, relief crashing over me.

“Ms. Greenwood? Ms. Greenwood! Can you hear me?”

I could—clear as day. But I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t even move my lips.

All I could do was whimper, forcing out whatever sound I could manage.

“Ms. Greenwood, are you in danger? If you are, make a sound—just once.”

I whimpered.

“Are you at home? Whimper once for yes, twice for no.”

One whimper.

Light hit my eyes all at once, banishing the field of flowers. My eyes, unused to the brightness, filled with tears.

My lungs burned as I dragged in air, coughing hard, desperate to breathe.

“Ms. Greenwood! Ms. Greenwood! Are you okay?”

Strong hands gently pulled a towel from my mouth, then loosened the tie and bedsheet binding me. The tie was so tight that every tug sent sharp pain shooting through my body, cold sweat breaking out all over again.

Elliot worked carefully, kneeling beside me. His hands were shaking. His brow was furrowed with regret and anger.

“I’m sorry. I should have called you sooner.”

“Thank you, boss. It’s not your fault.” My voice was barely more than a whisper.

I couldn’t say anything else. I just lay there, gasping for breath, my clothes soaked through like I’d just been pulled out of a lake.