Chapter 9 

Six months later, I’d finally settled into my life in London. I thought I’d never see Gralin 

again. 

Then I bumped into him at a company event. 

sata, long time no see,” he said, his voice weary. He looked tired, like life had been kicking 

his ass. 

I nodded, not bothering to speak. 

“I’m working on a new project here,” he said, stepping closer. “It’s… going well. I’m thinking about staying long term.” 

He studied my face, his voice softening. “Are you… still angry with me?” 

“Why ask a question you already know the answer to?” 

Suddenly, gunshots rang out. Screams. People scattered. 

There was a terrorist attack, right outside the building. 

“Run!” Gralin grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the exit. 

But the gunfire was relentless. 

He looked back, pulling me into his arms, shielding me with his body. 

He groaned, a look of pain crossing his face. 

I saw the blood blooming on his shirt, the bullet wound in his abdomen. 

“Can you walk?” I asked, my heart pounding. 

“Go! Leave me! Just go!” 

I gritted my teeth and ran. 

14:26 

Fake Wedding. True Pain 

Chapter 9 

I never thought he’d be the one to save me. Would he die? 

I didn’t know. 

And I didn’t care. 

I thought I heard him whisper, “I’m sorry…” 

I hid in the bathroom until the police arrived. 

Gralin survived. But the bullet had shattered his leg, leaving him paralyzed. 

I visited him once, in the hospital. 

The room was dark, the curtains drawn, the air thick with despair. 

Gralin was lying in bed, his back to me. 

“Thank you for saving me,” I said quietly. 

He turned to face me, a sad smile on his lips. “It was the right thing to do. If it wasn’t for your father…” 

I didn’t answer, turning to leave. 

“Isata… have you forgiven me?” 

I stopped. 

“I can’t forgive you for what you did to my father.” 

He chuckled bitterly. “You think this… this is karma?” 

I walked over to the window, opening the curtains, letting the sunlight flood the room. 

“Maybe.” 

14:26