Chapter 5 She Is Still Alive

Corinna feared that tonight might be her last in the biting cold.

Yet when her eyes fluttered open again, she found her injuries tended to, albeit clumsily, and her clothes changed.

At least she was still breathing.

Still, the presence of the woman before her did not spark any joy in her survival.

"You are awake," Monica said softly. "Are you feeling any better now?"

"If you had been whipped like I was, you'd know exactly how I feel," Corinna retorted, her mouth twisting into a bitter sneer.

Despite the sharp pain that came with every movement, she managed to inch backward slightly.

Monica sighed heavily. "Corinna, you mustn't hold your father at fault for what happened yesterday. You're aware of the hardships our family has faced over the years. Since the incident, none of us can practice medicine. We were forced into business just to make ends meet. We have fought hard to reclaim our place in this city. Your father fears that if you pursue medicine secretly and get discovered, the consequences will go beyond mere punishment. He believes he was disciplining you for your own good."

Corinna let out a derisive laugh.

Her father had nearly ended her life, and they claimed that was for her own good?

Such a loving father indeed!

Changing the topic abruptly, Monica said, "We've been thinking, Corinna. It might be time to find you a suitable husband, someone who can look after you. Perhaps that will also help ground you."

Oh.

Trust was far from her mind when it came to her stepmother's intentions.

"The family of the potential groom is affluent. We've sent them your photograph, and they are quite pleased with you. They intend to make a formal proposal soon. You see, this marriage could offer you a life of comfort and luxury."

"Okay."

Corinna's response came without hesitation or inquiry, a simple acceptance.

Monica looked taken aback.

Was Corinna subdued, or was she plotting her next move?

Keeping her smile, Monica continued, "Once you are married and become a mother, you'll see the wisdom in what your father and I have done for you."

Seeing that Corinna had no intention of speaking further, Monica stood up. "Your father will be pleased to hear this. I'll convince him to hire the best doctor for you."

Corinna kept her eyes shut, choosing silence over conversation.

Watching this, Monica exited the room.

After sharing the news with Brad about Corinna's acceptance of the marriage proposal, Monica took her daughter, Cassie, out for a shopping spree.

Meanwhile, they summoned a regular doctor to attend to Corinna, despite earlier promises of securing the best.

*

When the doctor arrived, the servant merely gestured towards Corinna's room and disregarded him.

Colten hadn't experienced such disregard in years.

In his usual circles, he was celebrated as a brilliant mind in medicine.

Yet today, he found himself filling in for a less esteemed doctor to check on Corinna, and he knew better than to stir any trouble here.

He hastened to Corinna's room.

After knocking and entering, he walked over to her bedside.

Corinna was lying on the bed, her face ashen and her brows furrowed as though she was ensnared in a troubling dream.

The moment she sensed someone's presence, her eyes snapped open, instantly fixing a wary stare on the man before her.

Was this the doctor Monica had arranged?

He looked vaguely familiar, yet her thoughts were too jumbled to place him.

Her look was piercing, almost lethal.

Colten quickly introduced himself. "I'm the doctor here to treat you," he said as he leaned in closer. Lowering his voice, he added, "Andres Spencer sent me here. My name is Colten Wallace."