Chapter 126

Victoria pulled out her phone. It was William calling. She hesitated for a moment, gave Samuel an apologetic smile, and stepped into the hallway before answering.

As soon as the call connected, William's voice, cold and furious, erupted from the other end. "Victoria, where the hell did you go? Why didn't you come back to the hotel last night?"

Victoria was taken aback but quickly composed herself. "Sorry, something urgent came up. I had to get back to Silvermist City."

William struggled to contain his anger. "What was so urgent?"

Victoria hesitated. She wasn't sure how to explain to William that she had come back to Silvermist City for Samuel.

William's patience wore thin. "Victoria!"

Hearing the change in his tone, Victoria quickly replied, "A friend of mine was in a car accident. I came to Silvermist City to visit them."

"Your friend?" William scoffed. "Wendy? Or is it that Samuel guy?"

Victoria's heart skipped a beat. "How did you know?"

On the other end, William's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Victoria, you're something else. One minute you're all lovey-dovey with me in Harborview City, and the next, you can't wait to run back to Silvermist City to throw yourself at another man!"

Victoria, who had felt a twinge of guilt, now felt her eyes sting with unshed tears as she listened to his accusations.

She fought to keep her voice steady. "William, our one-month agreement is almost up. I don't need to report my every move to you, do I? Don't forget, your fiancée Alice is still waiting for you in Silvermist City."

William's eyes narrowed at the mention of Alice. "What do you mean? Are you saying that as soon as you return to Silvermist City, you're done with me?"

Victoria took a deep breath, holding back her tears. "Yes. After all, she's your fiancée, the one you love the most. I have no reason to keep holding onto you. Do you expect me to remain the hidden lover forever?"

"Don't you dare!" William's voice was filled with rage. "Victoria, I'm warning you, don't push my limits."

"Am I pushing your limits, or are you pushing mine? William, tell me, who do you choose: Alice or me?" Victoria's voice was firm, unyielding.

She knew asking this was setting herself up for heartbreak, but she had no choice. She needed to break free from this situation.

She couldn't continue being just a mistress.

William's lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes dark and unreadable.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "You know, between you and her, there's only ever been one choice."

Hearing this, the last bit of hope in Victoria's heart vanished.

Of course, no matter how much they acted like a normal couple in Harborview City, it was all an illusion.

How could she expect William to give up Alice for her?

Alice, the one he had once fled a wedding for, the one he cherished above all.

Victoria took a deep breath, calming herself. "I understand. In that case, I wish you and Alice all the happiness."

Just as she was about to hang up, William's voice came through urgently. "Victoria, what if I said that even if I marry her, I'd still take care of you? Would you believe me?"

Victoria was momentarily stunned, then let out a bitter laugh. "William, don't you think that's ridiculous? Are you asking me to stay your secret mistress forever? What do you take me for?"

Her voice was filled with anger, but more than that, it was filled with sorrow.

"No, you misunderstand." William's voice was desperate. "I mean..."

"William, is there anything else? If not, I'm hanging up."

"Wait." William's voice softened. "Victoria, let's talk when I get back..."

"William, I'm exhausted. I'm really tired." Victoria's voice broke. "Since you've chosen Alice, please, don't disturb me anymore. I've decided to be with Samuel."

Victoria said everything she needed to in one breath.

"Don't you dare!"

Before William could finish, the call was disconnected.

William stared at the phone in his hand, his face growing darker by the second, his eyes filled with a storm of emotions.

He threw the phone against the wall, shattering it, his teeth clenched in fury.

Victoria wiped away her tears, composed herself, and walked back into Samuel's hospital room.

Samuel saw her red eyes and immediately knew who had upset her. He felt a pang of helplessness but managed a gentle smile.

"Victoria, come sit and rest for a bit."

Victoria nodded, sitting down beside him and forcing a smile. "Sorry, Samuel, for making a fool of myself in front of you."

She lowered her head, trying to hide her vulnerability.

"Don't say that. I'm more worried about you than anything else." Samuel patted her hand gently, comforting her.

"Thank you, Samuel."

Samuel shook his head and reached out to smooth her hair.

"Samuel, I made you something. I hope you don't mind." Victoria suddenly remembered the gift she had made for him at the craft store. She quickly retrieved it from her bag and handed it to him.

Samuel's eyes lit up with surprise. He hadn't expected her to get him a gift.

"Thank you, Victoria." Samuel opened the box.

Inside was a wooden palette with his name carved into it.

"You made this yourself?" Samuel's eyes sparkled with joy as he held the palette.

Victoria nodded, a bit embarrassed. "After the art competition, you helped clear my name. I didn't know how to thank you, so I made you a gift. I hope you don't mind."

It was her first attempt, so it wasn't perfect, and the colors were plain. But it was heartfelt.

"I love it! I really do!" Samuel looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth.

Victoria sighed in relief. "I'm glad you like it."

As they chatted, a nurse came in to change Samuel's bandages.

Not wanting Victoria to see his wounds, Samuel looked at her awkwardly. "Victoria, you must be hungry. Why don't you go get something to eat?"

Victoria suddenly remembered that neither of them had eaten breakfast. She felt a bit guilty. "I'll go get us some breakfast. There's a new restaurant nearby that has great food."

"Thank you, Victoria."

After Victoria left, the smile on Samuel's face disappeared completely.