Tristan’s eyes were rimmed red, brimming with hurt he tried desperately to hide from Emily. He stepped closer, but she instinctively moved back. His face fell and he looked at her, helpless and wounded. “Okay, I’ll explain, just let me… I didn’t know anything about the engagement. I swear. And just now, someone drugged me. I never agreed to any of this…”
He broke off, frowning, his hand clutching the collar of his shirt. He dropped his head, breathing heavily. The flush on his cheeks darkened, and sweat started to gather at his temples and along his neck.
Emily’s brow creased as she watched him. She was about to reach out when Hilaria rushed in again, trying to support Tristan. “Mr. Davis, let me take you to the hospital. Mr. Davis, please…”
Tristan yanked his arm away, his voice sharp and low. “Get out.”
Hilaria froze, her hand awkward in the air, her heart sinking. She still wasn’t willing to let go and tried to reach for him once more.
Tristan moved toward Emily, hoping to grab her hand, but a dizzy wave crashed over him. He gasped, heat rolling off him, and nearly collapsed, catching himself on the wardrobe just in time.
His vision swam and he couldn’t see Emily’s face clearly. He only knew he could barely stay upright and she was still keeping her distance.
A sharp ache twisted inside him, making his throat clench. He reached out, voice rough. “Emily…”
Emily’s frown deepened. She stepped up and took his hand. “Are you feeling awful?”
Just those few words softened something deep in Tristan.
He felt the warmth of her palm and leaned into her, pulling her into a shaky hug. He bent close, his voice barely above a whisper in her ear. “Yeah… It hurts. Emily, it hurts so much. Can you take me to the hospital? Please… I really can’t take it.”
Emily held him up, her own brow furrowing as he kept repeating how much he hurt, and as she caught the faint trace of a woman’s perfume on him, something heavy settled in her chest. “Let’s just get to the hospital. Don’t talk right now.”
From a few steps away, Hilaria called out, “Wait…”
Tristan clung to Emily even tighter, terrified she’d push him away. All he felt was regret, humiliation, and a growing fury toward Hilaria.

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