Chapter 4 The Interrogation

As the police arrived, Chelsey found herself at a loss, perched on the floor amidst the chaos of scattered belongings.

The broken ceramic shards all over were filled with spots of blood, and the one she clutched was now a grim reminder, stained with blood that seemed to tell a tale of its own.

Yosef lay sprawled nearby, a red trail marking his path from his abdomen.

The officers, taken aback by the scene, exchanged uneasy glances.

One of them knelt beside Yosef, checking for signs of life. "He's still breathing. Get an ambulance here, quick!"

Turning his attention to Chelsey, the officer sighed heavily and said to his companion, "We need to take her in for questioning."

Chelsey had called the police after stabbing Yosef, saying it was in self-defense. There appeared to be no contradiction when they looked at her now, hurt, with her garments disordered and Yosef's belt undone.

But the proof of Yosef's injuries' severity was required.

The officers had to make numerous attempts before they were able to remove the ceramic shard from Chelsey's hand.

Chelsey, her grip tight on the shard, hesitated to let it go, as if it were her last tether to reality, even as blood seeped from her wounded hand.

At the station, she faced the interrogation with an unexpected calmness that left even the seasoned detectives impressed.

Outside, a sleek black Bentley pulled up in front of the police station.

The chief, learning the striking license plate, raced over.

Meanwhile, Chelsey, having completed her statement, watched as Killian engaged in a discussion with the police. She hadn't dared to inform Gabriella, fearing it would only add to her worries.

And Killian couldn't possibly know what had transpired.

Then she saw Trevor in the car once Killian led her out of the station.

An idea crossed her mind. She refused to believe it, finding it alarming and ludicrous.

"Do you understand regret now?" Trevor regarded her with a cold gaze, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Chelsey's face had been pale before she reached the police station, but now, her blood ran cold as she connected the dots.

It made sense why she had just phoned the police and they showed up at breakneck speed. With hindsight, it was illogical.

Trevor had orchestrated this, every step of the way!

He had ordered the police to stay nearby, and that was why they arrived swiftly.

Her poise, which she had kept throughout the night, broke down now. "You knew what Yosef Copeland was planning, didn't you?" she accused, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief.

Perhaps he had known all along, even before Yosef started following her.

Trevor remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"You watched him... You stoically stood by while he attempted to rape me, just to teach me a hard lesson? To retaliate against me?"

Chelsey's words faltered as tears welled up in her eyes and her voice choked. "How could you be so cruel?"

Simply because she expressed regret for inciting him, Trevor bided his time for the chance to strike back!

Killian stood beside them, itching to speak his mind. Trevor shot him a glance, causing Killian to bite his tongue and step back.

Exiting the car, Trevor positioned himself in front of Chelsey, his tall, slender figure casting a shadow over her in the confined space.

Trevor draped his coat over Chelsey's shoulders. He wasn't one for fancy perfumes; he preferred the natural scent of essential oils to aid sleep. Therefore, his clothes carried a subtle fragrance of essential oils.

Chelsey recognized the scent all too well.

It was clean, serene, and deeply comforting.

When that scent filled her nostrils, an urge to cry threatened to overwhelm her, but she fought back the tears with all her might.

Trevor's long fingers brushed aside her hair from around her neck.

"Did you get yourself hurt?" Trevor's eyebrows raised, his gaze fixated on her neck and hands.

Chelsey had already received basic first aid from a female officer. A bloodstained piece of gauze clung to her delicate skin, a jarring sight.

Avoiding his touch, Chelsey moved to remove his coat.

Trevor intercepted her, seizing her hand and holding it firmly. He leveled a cold stare at her. "Are you sure you want to pick a fight here?"

"Trevor, let's not muddy the waters with ambiguous words. Others might get the wrong idea about us." Chelsey's expression remained impassive as she pulled her hand away from his grip.

Trevor caught her fingers, lowering his gaze to meet hers. He scoffed. "We're just cousins, sorting out family matters!"

Chelsey's hand stiffened, and she averted her gaze.

Just then, a Land Rover pulled up.

A tall man clad in fencing gear leaped out of the driver's seat. Despite his disheveled appearance, his handsome features remained striking.

"Chelsey, what in the world landed you in the police station?" The man hadn't even reached her, but his voice boomed with concern.

Lyric Osborn, Chelsey's childhood friend, was from a wealthy family with dreams of Olympic glory in fencing. Their bond, forged in the fires of primary school, was stronger than steel.

Approaching, he noticed her injuries, his expression darkening. "Who did this to you?"

Without even sparing a glance at Trevor, Lyric's focus was solely on Chelsey.

"Some creep tried to assault me," Chelsey replied calmly.

Lyric sucked in a sharp breath, his features contorting with rage. "Who's the sorry excuse for a human being?"

He turned to face Trevor fast and gave him a menacing glance. Trevor couldn't be the person.

How could Chelsey allow Trevor to come to this space? He knew she loved Trevor.

Aware of what was going on between Chelsey and Trevor, he became even more enraged upon learning about Chelsey's ordeal and seeing Trevor there.

Chelsey tugged at Lyric's arm, fearing a confrontation. "I stabbed him."

"Is he down for the count?" Lyric asked.

Chelsey shook her head. "The cops said it's nothing too serious."

Lyric's disappointment was palpable. "Why didn't you stab the piece of shit harder? Were you too scared to use more force?"

He then inspected Chelsey's injured hand, his concern evident. "Does it hurt much?"

"Not too bad. I've got some ointment on it." Seizing the opportunity, Chelsey withdrew her hand from Trevor's grasp. "Take me home; I don't want to stick around here."

Lyric nodded. "Sure thing, I'll get you home safe. And then, I'll hunt down that scumbag for some payback!"

Looking at the coat draped over Chelsey, he shook his head. "Don't bother with these grubby clothes!"

With that, he swiftly removed Trevor's coat, tossing it to Killian on the sidelines before wrapping Chelsey in a blanket he had brought along.

Killian caught the coat but avoided meeting Trevor's gaze.

Lyric patted Chelsey's shoulder, offering her reassurance. Then, he turned his attention to Trevor. "Mr. Morris, thanks for dropping by, but Chelsey's in good hands now. You can head out."

Trevor's gaze swept over Lyric's hand resting on Chelsey's shoulder, his eyes frosty. "I'm not as tied up as you, I'm sure. Chelsey doesn't need your help."

Lyric chuckled, stepping closer. "Of course, Mr. Morris, you must have a lot on your plate. I heard you're on the brink of getting engaged. Showing up at the police station at this hour... If word gets out, it might not reflect well on you. Chelsey values her reputation, you know."

The insinuation hung heavy in the air, accusing Trevor of lacking decency.

Chelsey recognized Lyric's attempt to stand up for her, but she feared provoking Trevor further. What if Trevor redirected his anger towards Lyric, jeopardizing Lyric's fencing aspirations?

She reached out to tug at Lyric's sleeve, but her hand trembled violently, cold sweat beading on her skin.

She had pushed herself too far, and now, with the wind blowing, she felt unsteady.

Earlier, when she conversed with Trevor, she had forced herself to maintain composure. Now, waves of dizziness crashed over her.

Before she could succumb to unconsciousness, she heard Lyric calling her name, her world fading to black.

Lyric's aim was off, and Chelsey fell into Trevor's waiting arms.

His embrace enveloped her.

His gaze pierced through the tension like a sharp blade, stopping Lyric's attempt to take Chelsey away.