CHAPTER 48: K.O.: KNOCKING THE HEROINE OUT COLD

Rosalia — POV

"What is it?"

When Mary stood in front of me, I asked her in a cold voice—one eerily similar to Cassel’s tone whenever he dealt with those bastards before.

In fact, I was even colder... even more hateful toward Mary.

How could I not despise the very person responsible for every disaster Cassel suffered in his life—and for his tragic death?

Every time I saw her and that bastard Cecil, a hundred methods of torture and execution flashed through my mind.

It was unfortunate that I couldn’t act on them.

At least not now—not when Cassel was still protecting his family, even if he seemed indifferent toward them.

He never deprived them of anything nor treated them poorly.

"You really are something, aren’t you?"

Mary spoke while staring at me with a gaze that had nothing to do with a saint. If anything, "demon" suited her far better.

Deep hatred, reluctance, and jealousy were carved into her beautiful features—making her look more terrifying than lovely.

"Oh? Has our precious lotus flower finally stopped pretending?"

"You shameless whore. Don’t you feel even a shred of shame, seducing men one after another? How disgusting."

What did this damn protagonist just say? That I seduce men?

Fine, I won’t deny I love Cassel and that I’m happy being close to him, but when exactly did I seduce men?

Before I could ask, Mary spoke again, elaborating in her twisted logic.

"You’ve been hovering around the boss since yesterday, clinging to him, and now you’re hugging the vice-boss. How shameless can you be?"

Ohhh, look at this—does she think I’m seducing Henry? And Cassel at the same time?

What an ugly thought.

"Miss, if you think all women are as painfully shameless as you, then you’re completely mistaken. I wasn’t flirting with Henry. Even if I were—why should it concern you? No one asked for your opinion in the first place. It’s better if you go brew your lotus tea somewhere far away from me—before you end up regretting it."

"You—you—!"

Mary pointed her pale finger at me in outrage.

Little did she know—her agitation only made me happier.

Watching her face twist in irritation was pure bliss.

"I don’t care who you try to seduce, but boss Cassel is my prey. I won’t let you steal him from me. You’d better stay away from him. I’m the chosen one—I always get what I want, and this time won’t be any different."

I wasn’t sure which line of hers crossed my red line and burned my mind.

Was it saying she targeted Cassel?

Or her claiming she gets whatever she wants?

Either way, I knew one thing—

I was going to explode if I didn’t release this rage immediately.

Without caring about my weak body or anything around me, I suddenly jumped out of the car and lunged at Mary, slamming her onto the ground.

I sat over her, feeling nothing—no pain, no hesitation—just deep hatred and darker emotions.

I wished I could kill her.

Scratch her pretty face until it becomes bloody and unrecognizable.

And so... that’s exactly what I did.

I was never the type to fight like a demure girl.

If I hit someone, I formed a fist and struck with my full strength.

That’s what I was doing.

My fists rose and fell repeatedly.

Even if my hits were weak, they were enough to overwhelm a girl my size.

My fingers stiffened, but I didn’t stop.

Mary’s miserable screams echoed in the air, but that only fueled my punches further.

She loved acting, didn’t she?

Then let her act all she wants—I’ll accompany her in her little performance.

People gathered around us; I heard shouting and accusations.

Someone yelled that I was insane, others called me violent or a killer...

Did I care?

Of course not.

My focus was solely on the woman beneath me.

"Your prey? Hah? Your prey? Touch him and you’ll see exactly what I’ll do to you!"

"How dare you even think of targeting him? Do you think I’m dead? Try touching him again—try."

"I’ll kill you. I’ll kill you even if it’s the last thing I do in this world!"

I must’ve looked insane.

Even I would’ve called myself crazy if I saw this scene from afar.

Suddenly, two strong hands grabbed me, lifting me off Mary and holding me tightly.

I struggled, but it was useless—all I could do was curse and spit hatred while glaring at the heroine lying on the bloody ground in a pathetic state.

"You damn heroine! I’ve always hated you! I hate you, I hate you! You and everyone around you! You always hurt my beloved villain—try approaching him again and I’ll kill you! I’ll throw you to the zombies and let them devour you just so you feel the misery he endured!"

"You say you’re the chosen one? You claim you always get what you want? Try it then. With me here, let’s see how ’chosen’ you’ll be. I swear I’ll crush you. I’ll destroy you—that’s my oath!"

"If you’re the chosen one, then I’m the spark that will burn you—and whoever chose you."

"Let me go! Let me go! I’ll kill her! How dare she lay her eyes on my villain again? Let me—"

Suddenly, a soft, fragrant breeze reached me.

And the only thing I saw was Cassel’s face—his dark eyes staring directly into mine.

My heartbeat vanished.

My voice disappeared with it.

What in the world was this situation?

But the reason my eyes widened wasn’t because Cassel was looking at me.

It was because Cassel was kissing me.

He silenced me by pressing his mouth firmly against mine—

and even slipped his tongue inside...

W–what...?

"Mmmph—mm—!"

I tried speaking and pushing him away, but it was hopeless.

I couldn’t escape, and what was worse—and far more terrifying—was that we were staring into each other’s eyes while kissing.

What do I do? What do I do??

I didn’t have the same wild strength I used against the heroine.

Now I felt like a frightened chick.

And I definitely didn’t have the mental fortitude Cassel had.

After resisting uselessly, all I could do was shut my eyes and accept my villain’s scorching French kiss.

Come on—who can kiss with their eyes open?

Only shameless people...

And those who have thick skin....which I am not.

I don’t know how long it lasted, but after what felt like a long time, Cassel finally let me go.

He probably wouldn’t have stopped if not for Cecil’s loud, panicked, accusing voice:

"Cassel! What the hell is going on with that girl in your arms? Look how she attacked Mary! Does she think bullying my people—Cecil Zancroft’s people—is easy?"

Once Cassel pulled his lips away from mine, I opened my eyes and met his black ones.

They were pitch-black—dark, terrifying, and for some reason, filled with heavy emotions and deep hunger.

I had no idea what Cassel was thinking—and I didn’t dare to ask.

"Cassel, hand that girl over. I’ll make sure she understands the consequences of messing with my Mary."

Cassel tore his gaze from me, and I finally breathed again.

Then he let out a low, dangerous chuckle.

"Since when did you have the right to touch what’s mine? Have I given you too much face?"

Cassel’s voice was cold, threatening, terrifying.

One wrong word from Cecil and the man would probably lose his head.

Perhaps survival instinct kicked in, Cecil stepped back immediately, dragging Mary with him.

As for Mary, with her furrowed brows, bloodied nose, dirty bruised face... she looked miserable. Her crying was pitiful and beautiful—but seeing her like this finally gave me some satisfaction.

I lifted my hand—and pain shot through my fingers.

"A-ah—"

It hurt so much. I had used too much force with a body that could barely move.

If Cassel weren’t supporting me, I would’ve collapsed long ago.

He gently took my hand and blew softly on my bloodied knuckles.

"Now you feel pain? Why didn’t you take care of your body earlier?"

I felt embarrassed at Cassel scolding me like a little girl...

But at the same time, warmth spread inside me.

No one had ever cared when I hurt myself before.

But Cassel, despite his anger and furrowed brows, still cared the moment I screamed in pain.

So this is what it feels like... to be loved.

It felt good—so good—to have someone who cares.

"What are you all crowding around for? Move! Get back to work! We’re leaving for City B in an hour. There’s nothing left to watch—show’s over!"

After Henry dispersed everyone, he turned to Cassel and said:

"Boss, I’ll handle the rest. You can rest in the car until we leave."

He glanced at me too—specifically at my blood-stained hands. His usual gentle expression was replaced by seriousness and a bit of anger.

"There’s a first-aid kit in the car."

After saying that, Henry hurried away to manage the others.

Cassel carried me back to the car again—but this time, he got in with me and shut the door hard behind us.

And just like that, it was only the two of us.

As if we were in our own private world—separated entirely from everyone else.

Which only made my anxiety skyrocket.