Chapter 6 Please Don't Hit Me

Wesley's eyes widened in surprise. "How could I forget? Your grandmother nearly collapsed from the shock. Thank goodness you followed that young lady back home."

Owen gave a slow nod. "That woman was Anna. She was only thirteen, and she'd been taken too. She risked everything to help me escape."

"Anna?" Wesley stared at him, stunned by the revelation.

A shadow passed over Owen's face. "That same year, she was in a terrible car crash. I've always felt something was off about it, but no matter how hard I searched, nothing suspicious ever turned up. The accident left her the way she is now. Marrying her is the only way I can get her out from under the Russells' thumb. It's all I can do for her, Wesley, before my time runs out."

Wesley's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. "Who says your time's up? I'm meeting with Dr. Bradley today. There might be a miracle out there-someone with a real cure. Don't throw away your hope yet."

Owen let his head rest against the back of his wheelchair, resignation softening his voice. "The doctors say I have half a year left, at most. There's no sense in chasing miracles."

He motioned for Roderick to pass a folder of documents to Wesley. "I need you to handle everything if I'm gone."

Wesley flipped through the papers, his shock plain. "You're leaving everything to Anna? Won't that just paint a target on her back?"

Owen's reply was steady. "That's why I need you to watch over her. When I'm gone, she'll have no one else. I just want her to live a quiet, safe life."

A determined look settled on Wesley's face. "I'll keep trying for a cure. But if anything happens, you have my word-no one will touch Anna as long as I'm here."

With nothing left unsaid, Owen signaled for Roderick to take him back to his room.

"We've arrived, Mr. White."

"Go ahead and get things ready. You don't have to stay with me," Owen responded.

"Understood."

Owen pushed the door open and saw the wedding dress lying abandoned on the floor.

He could hear the water running in the bathroom, so he rolled himself inside, switched on the lamp by the window, and quietly picked up a book to read.

Anna came out of the bathroom with only a towel around her, and her face turned cold as soon as she saw Owen.

Owen glanced up at her right then.

He noticed water dripping from her hair and motioned for her to come closer. "Why didn't you dry your hair before coming out here?"

Anna quickly hid her reaction, forcing a simple smile as she walked toward Owen with her hair still wet. "It'll dry on its own."

"You really should dry it first, or you'll end up with a cold," Owen said, reaching for a towel and gently patting her hair dry.

Anna kept sneaking glances at Owen while he did this. He was gentle, and he did not seem to be pretending.

Why was he being so nice to someone everyone called a simpleton?

Owen noticed the purple marks and scabs on Anna's arms. Some were old, and some looked fresh, which meant she had taken a bad beating. When he spoke again, his voice was cold. "Where did those bruises on your arms come from?"

Anna lowered her gaze to her arms and pushed out a small pout. "Daddy hit me because I kept sneaking extra food."

She slipped closer and wrapped both hands around Owen's arm while she blinked up at him. "I promise I won't sneak food again. Please don't hit me. I can't stand getting hurt."

"You're safe here. You can eat whatever you want, and no one will lay a hand on you," Owen reassured her as he rested his hand on her head. "I'll make sure no one ever bullies you."

Anna brightened at his words and threw her arms around him, swaying as if she were playing a game. "You're so nice to me. I feel happy."

Even with the towel between them, Owen could sense the softness of her chest. His body went rigid for a moment, though he still allowed her to cling to him.

While she stayed wrapped around him, her expression shifted into something far colder.

Her fingers brushed the ring on her hand, and she slipped out a thin silver wire with practiced ease. If she chose to strike now, she could end this man's life without a single witness.