Chapter 56 - You Shall Not Marry Him

"Katherine, is it possible for you to let Qi Dong off the hook?" Ursula inquired, her tone soft but insistent.

Katherine, usually stubborn, hesitated. The thought of forgiving the man who'd shattered her heart seemed impossible. "I'd rather serve him to the dogs," she retorted sharply.

Ursula's concern drifted to Scott Fisher, wondering how he'd fare against Katherine's wrath.

"Let's drop the gloom." Katherine shifted gears, her smile blossoming as if the darkness had never touched her. "I'll drive you home. It's late."

Ursula, feeling a twinge of guilt, acquiesced. "Katherine, I can take care of myself."

"Nonsense. My place is in the same direction, and it'll make visiting Adam easier," Katherine said, clearly pleased with herself.

"You've got it all figured out," Ursula acknowledged with a laugh.

The name Scott Fisher was a sensitive subject for Katherine, transforming her instantly.

Ursula felt for her friend's heartache, understanding that some wounds were deep.

After Katherine sped off, Ursula walked alone, unaware of the footsteps trailing her until she reached her building's stairwell.

Panic set in as she remembered the security guard's warning about a stalker. She wished Katherine were there; she'd know how to handle this.

The follower's steps quickened, his boozy breath now is close.

Ursula's instincts screamed as she reached her door, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"What’s the hurry?" the man slurred.

Ursula backed against her door. "My boyfriend's inside," she lied.

The man laughed, "Sure, but I know you're alone."

He advanced, and Ursula threatened to call the cops, her hands trembling.

He snatched her phone and threw it, shattering it. Ursula screamed and fought back, her fear giving way to fierce resistance.

He slapped her, tearing at her clothes, but she fought back, determined to escape.

Suddenly, a figure appeared, subduing the attacker and rescuing Ursula. It was Matthew.

Ursula, despite her fear, felt a wave of relief. She was safe, thanks to him.

"Are you okay?" Matthew's voice was tinged with anger and concern.

"I'm fine," Ursula replied, her fear subsiding in his protective presence.

Grateful for his intervention, she knew things could have been much worse. As he covered her with his coat, she realized how much she still relied on him.

Matthew saw the injuries on her face, his expression got serious. He'd been too gentle with her attacker.

"Don't worry about him, just minor injuries," Ursula reassured him, though her voice was soft.

"Where's the first aid kit?" Matthew's voice was terse.

"In the TV cabinet." she answered.

Matthew treated her wounds with unexpected tenderness, his frustration evident with each application of iodine.

"Don't move," he ordered when she offered to do it herself.

Ursula complied, feeling like a chastised child, contrasting with her usually unruly godson.

After he finished, Matthew's gaze lingered on Ursula, who felt increasingly uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

The tension was palpable as Ursula ventured, "Why are you here so late, Matthew?"

His face darkened at her question. "I heard about Timothy's proposal."

Ursula was taken aback. How had Matthew found out?

"You look happy about it," Matthew noted, a cold edge to his voice.

"No, it was unexpected," Ursula stammered, thrown off by his knowledge.

Matthew had learned of Timothy's intentions by chance, and it gnawed at him.

"Do you remember our agreement?" he asked suddenly.

Ursula nodded.

"Don't accept his proposal," Matthew stated, unsure why he cared, but unwilling to retract his words.

"That's it? I agree." Ursula replied, relieved. She'd never planned to marry Timothy, and her agreement seemed to satisfy Matthew, who simply responded, "Hmm."