The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 56

He told her she needed to leave, that it was dangerous here. If those people caught up, she wouldn’t make it out alive. But the girl didn’t listen. Instead, she gritted her teeth, dragged his battered body, and somehow got him into a hidden cave.

“It’s safe here,” she whispered, her voice steady. “They won’t find us.”

He stared at her. She was so young. Winter had just begun, but she was wearing nothing but a thin, faded dress, the color all but washed away. She looked like she’d been living in these woods for ages, just her and the doll she held close to her chest.

He was freezing, the pain from his injuries gnawing at him. Then the girl slid her arms around him.

“Are you cold?” she asked softly. “If I hold you like this, you’ll feel warmer.”

He looked into her eyes, clear and bright, like sunlight through glass.

“Why are you here by yourself?” he asked. “Where’s your family? Don’t you have a home?”

She was quiet for a moment. “I don’t have a home. I don’t have parents either. Nobody wants me.”

He pulled her into a hug, holding her small frame close. “If I survive this, I’ll take you with me. I’ll be your family. I’m Davy.”

He slipped the pendant from around his neck and gently fastened it around hers.

That night, they clung to each other in the icy darkness of the cave. Their warmth was the only thing that kept them alive.

But in the morning, she was gone. No matter how hard he searched, he couldn’t find her.

Then his team arrived. All he could do was board the helicopter and leave.

Where are you… don’t go…

David muttered the words, then snapped awake.

It had been a dream.

He’d dreamed about her again.

Ella was still asleep, nestled in his embrace. Her face was so small and delicate, her cheeks dusted with the softest baby hair. Long lashes rested against her skin like tiny fans.

She looked so peaceful and sweet that, for a moment, David felt as if the world itself had quieted down. It was like the girl from his memories had finally come back to him.

He couldn’t stop staring at her.

Suddenly, Ella shifted in her sleep. She didn’t wake, but the oversized white shirt she wore slipped a little, sliding off her shoulder and revealing a pale sweep of skin.

David’s breath caught. He was healthy now, and she was right there, vulnerable and close. He forced himself to look away.

Then he remembered the bruise on her waist.

With the blanket still covering them, he carefully lifted her shirt just enough to check. He was careful not to look where he shouldn’t.

Her waist was bare now, and the bruise was impossible to miss. Angry shades of purple and blue stood out against her skin. Just looking at it made his chest tighten.