The Marriage That Never Existed novel Chapter 18

Chapter 2

Lily actually woke up!

The crushing despair in my chest was instantly replaced by a wave of hope so fierce it nearly knocked the breath out of me.

Seeing my reaction, Tessae rolled her eyes with disdain and sneered.

“You’re getting excited way too soon, Vivian. Your precious little daughter may have woken up, but she’s already been wheeled into the OR.”

“Oh, and she’s been given a critical condition notice too. Just thought you should know.”

Critical condition? My heart stopped. I stared at her, trembling with disbelief and rage.

If it hadn’t been for her, Lily would still be curled up in my arms, safe and sound, asking me for

another bedtime story.

That bitch.

Nathan scoffed and turned to the men outside the sauna.

“Keep a close eye on her. If she escapes, go ahead and pack your things–you’re all fired.”

Then he wrapped an arm around Tessa and walked off, leaving me behind with the sound of my fists slamming desperately against the glass.

The heat inside the sauna was rising fast, and my consciousness was slipping.

If I didn’t find a way out soon, I wouldn’t even get to see Lily one last time.

That thought alone jolted me into action. I scanned my surroundings for anything–anything—I

could use.

And then I saw it.

A small water basin sat near the base of the heater, probably for pouring water onto the coals. I grabbed it and edged closer to the glowing rocks, scooping up one with shaking hands.

Without hesitation, I hurled the burning coal at the glass door.

Nothing.

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Not a single crack.

I didn’t expect it–Nathan really wanted me dead. The sauna walls were reinforced with top–grade, bulletproof glass.

I was out of strength. The heat on the floor was searing my skin, forcing me to my knees as I gasped for breath.

Suddenly, I looked up, and there it was–one last chance!

There was a ventilation duct in the sauna. If I could crawl through it, I could get out.

I could make it to the hospital to see my precious daughter.

With that thought, I ignored the searing heat of the walls and scrambled toward the duct.

Just a little more… only a little more!

Finally, I managed to pry open the vent, hoping to catch a breath of fresh air.

But what I saw made my eyes widen in disbelief.

The duct had been blocked–by someone, I didn’t know who!

My last hope was gone. I ignored the burning floor beneath me and sank helplessly to the ground,

overwhelmed by despair.

Outside, one of Nathan’s men looked in and chuckled.

“Give it up, Vivian. This room is sealed tighter than a vault. Not even a fly could get out, let alone

you.”

“Besides, Tessa set the temperature herself. She just wanted you to sweat it out a bit. What’s with all the drama? Trying to get the boss to feel sorry for you?”

“Nathan loves Tessa, not some orphan who just popped out of nowhere like you. Tessa’s carrying the heir to the family, while you’re here with your useless daughter, getting in the way.”

I whipped my head around and shouted through gritted teeth.

“Shut your damn mouth.”

I looked up at the temperature gauge.

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212°F.

I remembered reading somewhere that once a human body is exposed to 248°F, even if the heat

doesn’t roast you alive, dehydration alone could kill you.

I was out of time.

I had to act now.

Fueled by panic and adrenaline, I screamed toward the door.

“Call Nathan right now. Right now!”

“If I die in here, none of you are getting out alive.”

The guy had been dismissive, but when he saw the vicious, violent look in my eyes, he reluctantly dialed Nathan’s video call and held the phone up to me.

As soon as it connected, I wasted no time, speaking quickly, “Nathan, even if you won’t spare me, give Lily a chance to live. Tessa’s not a good person–please, for the love of God, get her away from Lily.”

“The temperature’s already hit 212°F here, let me out–I need to see Lily!”

I finished speaking, my throat dry, my heart pounding uncontrollably.

Nathan, however, just laughed.

“Vivian, you heartless snake, don’t think everyone’s as twisted as you.”

The camera slowly panned to the right, revealing Tessa, smiling and feeding Lily.

I froze for a moment. Was Tessa actually being nice?

Then I saw what she was holding.

My eyes widened in horror.

I screamed with all the strength I had left.

“No! Stop!”