"How could this happen... Dad! It’s all my fault! I’m the unfilial daughter! I should have listened to you back then. You said he was a deceitful scoundrel, and I argued violently with you! Dad... why am I so foolish? Why!" She cried out, her heart wrenchingly, while hitting her head forcefully.

Xia Zhennan walked to the stairs, hearing the hysterical cries from the bedroom. The anger in his eyes gradually turned into a cold indifference.

Du Fengjun, since you have been ruthless, don’t blame me for being unjust..."

******

The next morning, Du Fengjun’s phone rang.

It was a call from the hospital.

"Hello, Mrs. Du. If you have time today, could you please come to the hospital to sort out Mr. Du’s belongings and settle the bill."

Du Fengjun nodded and said, "Okay, I’ll be there soon."

Du Fengjun got dressed, skipped breakfast, and went out.

As the car slid past the villa, she didn’t notice the man emerging from the woods beside it.

The car smoothly drove down the highway, while Mrs. Xia’s mind was in chaos, as she drove towards the hospital.

As the car turned past the suspension bridge, suddenly, a large truck approached in the opposite direction.

She quickly turned the steering wheel, but the car lost control for a moment, giving no response.

Mrs. Xia panicked, frantically turning the steering wheel.

"Ah—!" Mrs. Xia screamed. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Bang!" The big truck couldn’t dodge in time and instantly crashed her car off the bridge.

The car burst into flames, engulfed in a fierce blaze.

Passing vehicles stopped, and a series of sirens sounded, like the wail of death.

"Xiaonuan... what I feared most has happened... Nothing can change it, but I’ve done all I can for you.

Xiaonuan... although you are not my biological daughter, I’ve always cherished you as if you were a precious jewel.

Back then, I hoped you would marry into the Nangong Group, wishing you a lifetime of stability and happiness.

Mom’s gone, you must take good care of yourself.

Mom loves you..."

******

"Ah—!" With a low cry, the girl lying in bed abruptly sat up.

"Xiaonuan, what’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" A large hand reached out and held her hand, the man’s magnetic, gentle voice came.

Xia Xiaonuan turned to look at Nangong Yaoling in front of her.

On the man’s handsome face, his dark pupils were filled with compassion.

Xia Xiaonuan nodded, and Nangong Yaoling reached out to wipe away a tear from the corner of her eye.

"What did you dream about? Don’t be afraid... I’m always here beside you." He held her hand tightly, drawing her wholly into his embrace.

Xia Xiaonuan held onto Nangong Yaoling tightly. She had just dreamed of her mother’s accident, watching her mother leave in front of her, covered in blood, while Mr. Xia stood by with a puzzled smile.

She didn’t know why she would have such a dream, and even after waking up, it still felt terrifying.

The familiar scent of the man enveloped her, and she felt the strength of his arms, his breathing and heartbeat, gradually bringing her peace.

"I dreamt of mother... she... was so scary..." Xia Xiaonuan murmured.

Nangong Yaoling’s body stiffened.

"Xiaonuan..." he called softly in anguish.

Could she have sensed something? Or learned something? Why did she suddenly have a nightmare?

"Nangong Yaoling, let’s go back. Let’s leave tonight, shall we?"