But now, the child I cherished more than anything was about to have his legs cut off by his own father. And all because his father’s childhood sweetheart was kidnapped.
It was beyond absurd.
Xavier heard my pleas, but he continued his preparations. He picked up the cleaver and walked to the table.
For the first time, he looked me in the eye. For the first time, his voice carried an ounce of regret.
“Summer, I’m sorry. I know this might all be a misunderstanding, but I can’t take that risk. If something happens to Wendy…
“I’ll never forgive myself.”
I stared at him in disbelief, my heart sinking into despair.
“Then what about me?
“I risked my life to bring Lucas into this world. If something happens to him, how am I supposed to go on?
“Xavier, have you forgotten? You once said you would always protect me, that you would love me forever. Is this your way of loving me?”
His hand, raised in midair, hesitated. For a moment, hope flickered in my heart, and I opened my mouth to say more.
Then his phone rang.
The moment I heard Wendy Xander’s personal ringtone, my hope shattered.
Xavier glanced at me, then answered the call.
“Xavier, help me! I’m scared, please save me…”
Her sobs came through the phone, delicate and pitiful. The concern in his eyes deepened, nearly tangible.
But before he could speak, another deep and menacing voice cut in.
“Mr. Smith, have you made your choice? If you take any longer, this beauty will be ours.”
“Don’t you dare touch her!”
Xavier’s voice was a furious roar, but there was no response from the other end.
The call disconnected.
The beeping of the dead line filled the room.
I was even more devastated than he was.
I wanted to plead but before I could, he was already moving. Without hesitation, he strode to the table and picked up the cleaver.
His voice was ice-cold.
“I’m sorry, Summer. Wendy and I grew up together. I can’t just let her suffer.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Lucas gets the best prosthetic legs.”
I trembled all over, watching in horror.
“No, Xavier… please… don’t do this.”
