In the chaotic asylum, Katherine desperately ran toward the exit.
Her legs burned with exhaustion, threatening to buckle with every step, and her pace slowed as her strength faded.
"Thud!"
She stumbled the next second, crashing hard onto the floor. Her pale knees scraped against the rough surface, blood quickly welling up.
"Stop her! Grab her—"
Harsh shouts echoed behind her, accompanied by the thunder of approaching footsteps.
Katherine shuddered. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself upright.
No… I have to get out of here! she repeated in her mind, moving forward on sheer will alone.
Just as she was about to be caught, her eyes locked onto a pair of long, well-defined legs striding toward her with calm precision.
The man wore a sharply tailored black suit. His chiseled features were set in an icy mask. Thin lips pressed into a cold line, and his dark eyes held not even a flicker of warmth—just a detached, commanding chill. He exuded an aura of unshakable authority, like a king surveying his realm.
"Help me!"
Like a parched traveler spotting an oasis, Katherine’s eyes lit up. With clenched fists, she launched herself toward him.
In one swift motion, she flung her arms around his neck, clinging tightly as she gasped for air—trying to steady herself after the frenzied chase.
Damon’s brows furrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. He instinctively moved to shove her away—until her trembling, honeyed voice reached his ears.
"Husband… someone’s trying to kill me. Please… you have to save me."
Her delicate face, flushed and streaked with tears, turned up to him. Her eyes were full of desperation, shimmering like broken glass.
Damon arched an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his usually impassive face. His cool gaze swept over her.
"Miss Katherine?" he said, voice low and laced with curiosity. "What are you doing here?"
Katherine’s heart skipped a beat. He knew her? But how? How could she have forgotten such a strikingly handsome man?
"Hurry! Grab her before she escapes!"
Before she could respond, a group of nurses charged toward them, their voices sharp and panicked. Her words caught in her throat—now wasn’t the time for explanations.
Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at him again. “Husband, they’re trying to kill me! Please, save me!” she pleaded, tugging lightly on his tie. Her long lashes fluttered in practiced helplessness.
But no matter how convincingly she acted the fragile damsel, the sharp glint in her eyes—watching his every reaction—betrayed her. Like a fox in sheep’s clothing.
Damon studied her, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His arm shifted ever so slightly, tightening around her waist to keep her from slipping away.
Then he turned his gaze to the approaching nurses, cold and commanding.
"Katherine, you—" The head nurse’s voice faltered the moment she recognized Damon. Her face stiffened, then quickly twisted into an awkward smile.
"M-Mr. Salvador! Apologies! Our patient disturbed you."
She shot Katherine a venomous glare, mouthing, Get over here. Now!
Katherine shrank further into Damon’s chest. “Husband… they’re terrifying me…”
Amused, Damon arched a brow, his tone unreadable.
Another nurse stepped up beside the first, forcing a smile. “Mr. Salvador, please don’t believe her nonsense. She’s unstable. Just earlier, she stabbed her own brother!”
She reached out, grabbing Katherine roughly. Her face kept shifting between forced smiles and angry scowls, making her look almost absurd.
Katherine—frail and delicate—was dragged downward. She clung desperately to Damon’s arm.
"Honey, I’m not crazy! They’re lying. Please, take me with you… darling, don’t leave me!"
The head nurse scoffed. “How could the President possibly be your husband? Your condition’s clearly deteriorating. Stop this nonsense!”
She threw a quick glance at Damon. Seeing that he didn’t object, she grew bolder, yanking Katherine away forcefully.
The sound of her body being dragged across the floor scraped through the air like a knife. No matter how she struggled, it was no use. Katherine was being pulled away—fast.
She saw a group rushing over with a stretcher. Panic overtook her, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
It’s over. The escape failed. What now?!
“Strap her down!” the head nurse barked.
Just as the order was about to be carried out—
“Hold it.”
A deep, icy voice cut through the air like a blade.
Everyone froze.
Katherine’s heart, heavy with dread, suddenly flared with hope. Her wide, frantic eyes locked onto the man—her last chance.
Even the nurses held their breath, paralyzed by the weight of that voice.
The head nurse turned with a strained smile. “President, you—”
But her words died instantly under Damon’s glacial glare.
Each word that followed dripped with menace.
“Did I give you permission… to take her away?”
