Videl had spent three weeks in the hospital recovering.
She wasn't fully back to her old strength, but she was no longer the fragile girl who had first been wheeled in. The worst was over. Her wounds had closed, her vitals had stabilized, and the doctors said she could move around, as long as she listened to her body.
There was still a faint ache beneath her ribs and a slight heaviness in her steps, but she could stand, walk, and even cover short distances without help. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough, more than anyone had expected from someone who had almost died.
Needing a break from the sterile smell of disinfectant and the cold, quiet air of the ward, she decided to visit the small hospital garden. The moment she stepped outside, warm light brushed her face and a quiet breeze rustled through the flowers. Her shoulders loosened. For the first time in weeks, she felt something close to peace. A soft breath left her lips.
But it did not last.
She heard footsteps behind her. When she turned, Pamela stood a few steps away, staring at her like she had seen a ghost.
"Videl… it's really you. You are…" Pamela struggled for words, shock written across her face.
"Alive?" Videl finished calmly. "Yes, I am. Disappointed?"
Pamela blinked, forcing innocence, eyes flicking over Videl's pale, fragile frame. "Disappointed? Why would I be? I'm just… surprised to see you here. You're looking pale. Don't tell me it's all heartbreak and scandal that did this to you."
Videl's fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms. Her voice dropped, low and dangerous. "Spare me your fake concern, you heartless bitch. You were the one who tried to kill me."
Pamela froze. For a heartbeat, her practiced smile faltered. She hadn't expected Videl to know.
But Videl was not done. She stepped closer, gaze icy. "Tell me—after you already have Eric, after ruining my reputation… why the hell would you want me dead?"
Pamela's lips curved into a serene, almost smug smile. The act of innocence was gone. "Oh, Videl… you've misunderstood. I only wanted to help you," she said softly. Her eyes gleamed, cold yet radiant. "Your name has been dragged through the mud. The scandal, the heartbreak… everyone thought the worst of you. I just wanted to help you end the pain. You should be grateful."
"You bitch!" Videl lunged forward, rage propelling her.
But Pamela suddenly screamed, "Don't touch me! I'm pregnant!"
Videl froze mid-movement, shock anchoring her feet.
Pamela straightened, expression smug. "If you lay a finger on me, I'll make sure Eric locks you up. You know he will."
Videl's hand dropped slowly, trembling—not from fear, but from rage threatening to split her chest open.
Pamela smiled wider. "You must be surprised, right? Yes, I'm one month gone." She touched her stomach lightly. "Eric and I have been together long before your little scandal. The setup only made things easier."
The world tilted. Videl staggered, knees threatening to buckle. So Eric… he had been with her all along, even before the setup. The betrayal sank deep, twisting like a knife.
Pamela watched her reaction with pure satisfaction. She reached into her purse and held out a cream envelope. "We're getting married in two weeks."
Videl's fingers trembled as she took it. Elegant script. Their names. A date. A venue.
It was real. A carefully crafted slap to her face.
"Don't miss it," Pamela giggled, sharp and venomous. "It's my big day."
Videl's fists clenched harder, nails cutting into her skin. Her chest heaved, pulse roaring. Fury and disbelief twisted into a tight, coiled storm inside her.
Pamela leaned closer, her voice soft but sharp, dripping with venom. "Come to think of it… it's actually good you're still alive. Seeing you like this makes me happy. And you know what would make me even happier?"
Her lips curled into a wicked grin. "Seeing you break completely."
Videl's breath hitched, fury surging so violently her whole body trembled. Her vision blurred at the edges, rage tightening inside her like a drawn bowstring, ready to snap.
"Watch me break you first!" The words tore out of her, sharp and furious, with no restraint left in her shaking frame.
She lunged forward.
Before she could touch Pamela, Pamela let out a sharp gasp, stumbled back dramatically, and collapsed onto the garden stones. Her hands clutched her stomach, tears streaking her face.
"Videl! What have you done? My baby!" she screamed, voice raw, accusing.
Videl froze. She hadn't even touched her.
Her eyes darkened. What game was she playing this time?
Then she heard a voice shout behind her.
"Pamela!"
Her gaze snapped to the entrance of the garden. Eric was running, panic and fury written across his face.
In that instant, everything clicked.