?<strong>Chapter 363:</strong>


    Ryan remained silent, his eyes fixed on Lucas.


    It seemed as though he wanted to speak but couldn’t find the right words to say.


    Lucas didn’t wait.


    Without a nce back, he stepped into the hospital room.


    Ryan and the woman stayed where they were, just outside the door.


    Both of them knew that right now, Verena needed Lucas more than anyone else.


    As long as Lucas was there, it would be enough for Verena.


    Inside the hospital room, Verenay on the bed, her face ghostly pale against the white sheets.


    Her gaze was distant, fixed on the ceiling.


    It wasn’t until the sound of footsteps reached her ears that her head slowly turned.


    Her eyes brightened at the sight of Lucas.


    “Lucas,” she called out, her voice fragile.


    She tried to sit up, moving instinctively toward him, but then, she suddenly froze as she thought of something.


    Her expression shifted, and she quickly pulled back, clutching the nket to her chest.


    Her lips quivered as she looked up at Lucas, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.


    “Lucas… I feel like I was humiliated. I feel filthy now. Do you… Do you still want me?”


    Lucas’ expression didn’t waver.


    His voice was calm and steady. “They didn’t get the chance to do anything to you. They only took off your clothes. Don’t torment yourself over it.”


    But Verena shook her head, tears spilling over. “No, you don’t understand. They saw me naked! My body… I felt so exposed at that time! I am filthy now!”


    Her hands moved frantically, rubbing her arms as if trying to scrub away invisible stains.


    “Stop,” Lucas said firmly, reaching out to still her hands.


    Verena stopped, her fingers trembling as they curled around Lucas’.


    Her eyes searched his face, a mix of desperation and hope. “You haven’t answered me, Lucas. Do you still want me?”


    For a moment, Lucas said nothing.


    His gaze dropped, the silence stretching between them.


    Then, he gently ced her hands back under the nket. “You’re tired. Rest now,” he said softly.


    Disappointment flooded Verena’s face.


    Her shoulders slumped, and she sank back onto the bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned her face away.


    “Lucas… Just leave now,” she murmured, her voice trembling. “I’m fine. You can go back to work.”


    Lucas hesitated for the briefest moment before saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure justice is served for what happened.”


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