Chapter 409

Nicholas had given her the weapon when she'd fled for her life. It was meant for protection.

When Dominic had rescued her, the dagger was still clutched in her trembling fingers. He'd tried to take it away, fearing she might harm herself in despair. But Evelyn had insisted on keeping it.

She'd hidden it under her pillow ever since. This blade had saved her once before - it held meaning beyond mere steel.

Never in her darkest moments had she imagined Dominic would humiliate her like this. He'd shattered her dignity completely. In that instant, all rational thought vanished - she wanted him dead, then herself.

She'd kill him first, then end her own life!

As a doctor, she knew exactly where to strike for a quick, painless death.

Evelyn gripped the dagger tightly, scanning his exposed neck in the fading sunset light.

His eyes remained closed in peaceful slumber. The sheets had slipped down, revealing his vulnerable throat.

Her hands shook violently as she raised the blade.

One swift motion, and within thirty minutes, she'd be free forever!

Just as the dagger aligned with his jugular, hesitation gripped her.

Did she truly want this? Did he deserve to die?

Killing him meant her own death too. Could she abandon Lily and Henry like this?

Tears blurred her vision. She didn't want to die. She couldn't kill him, yet couldn't endure his torment either. Maybe just incapacitating him...

But could she disable him without causing fatal damage?

Her breathing came in ragged gasps.

She couldn't do it. Slowly, her arm began to lower.

Then Dominic's eyes snapped open.

He saw the dagger hovering above him. Comprehension dawned instantly.

His hand shot up, seizing her wrist with crushing force.

Evelyn nearly screamed in shock. Her lips moved soundlessly, no explanation forthcoming.

"Trying to kill me?" His voice was raw, trembling with emotion. "Evelyn... you were going to kill me?"

Pain shot through her wrist from his iron grip.

"Dominic, let go!"

"Is this revenge for our son?" He wasn't listening, lost in his own anguish.

There was no point denying it now.

"Yes! I want you dead! I can't take your torture anymore!" The words burst from her like poison being purged.

"Fine... fine..." Dominic muttered darkly. He tightened his grip on her hand and forced the dagger toward his own chest. "Here. Right through the heart!"

His bare chest gleamed in the dim light. The blade's tip pierced skin, drawing a thin line of crimson.

Evelyn sobbed in terror. "Stop! I don't want to kill you! I changed my mind!"

"Afraid I'll haunt you?" He pressed deeper, wincing as blood welled. His voice dropped to a pained whisper. "Don't worry... I won't come looking... Not in this life... or the next..."

Evelyn screamed hysterically, "HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"