Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder 46

Zhan's POV:

I didn't want the kiss to end.

For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe. Like maybe, just maybe, there was a version of the world where I wasn't just someone people used, hurt, or tossed aside. Wang's lips were warm, gentle, nothing like the pain I'd known. When we parted, and he held me close, it felt like I'd found something real.

But reality came crashing back the moment I remembered where I was, who was in this house?

Wang's mother.

My stomach twisted just thinking about her. Her eyes. Her voice. The way she looked at me like I was a thing, not a person. And now she wanted to trade my freedom like a piece of furniture for her son's marriage. I couldn't stay here. I wouldn't.

Wang pulled back slightly, concern etched across his face. "You okay?"

"No," I said honestly, clutching the hem of his shirt like a lifeline. "I can't be here. Not in the same house with her."

Wang's brows furrowed. "You won't be alone. I'm right here."

"I know," I whispered, heart pounding. "But if you leave this room, even for a second, I'll be back in that place scared, waiting for the next blow. I can't Wang, I can't stay here."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. Wherever I go, you come with me."

"You mean it?"

"I mean it," he said, his voice fierce. "You don't ever have to be alone again."

Something inside me cracked. Relief. Gratitude. Love. It all swelled up and spilled from my eyes, but I didn't hide this time. I let the tears fall as he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight.

I didn't care where we went. As long as he was there, I'd follow him to the ends of the earth.

"We need to go to the hospital to collect your files, go to the police station as well, and to your high school," Wang said, already moving out of bed.

I nodded, pushing the blanket off. "Okay."

"We need to freshen up first," he added with a small smile.

Before he could say another word, I jumped out of bed and grabbed his hand, dragging him straight to the bathroom. He laughed softly behind me, probably surprised at how fast I moved. But truthfully, it wasn't just the urgency of our errands, being this close to him, after everything, made me feel grounded.

And let's be honest, on a normal day, with how fine this man looked, I'd have done way more than just bathe.

But that could wait.

We had work to do. Justice to fight for. And this time, I wasn't doing it alone.

The ride to the hospital was quiet. The driver drove, Cheng sat in front, focused and sharp as always, while I sat in the back with Wang, our hands lightly tangled together. His thumb brushed the back of my hand now and then, keeping me alive.

"We'll start at the hospital," Wang said. "Get your medical records something concrete to back up your injuries."

I nodded, but my chest felt tight.

When we got there, Cheng did most of the talking. He asked for my patient file, gave my name, and listed the approximate dates. The receptionist typed away, her eyes flicking between the screen and us.

Then she frowned. "I'm sorry, but... there's no record of any Zhan admitted during that period."

My heart dropped. "Check again," I said quietly.