Clara lunged forward frantically, trying to protect the remaining manuscripts. But her blurred vision made it difficult to discern directions, and she slipped on the shredded paper, falling heavily to the floor. Her forehead slammed against the corner of the desk, a sharp pain shooting through her, and warm blood trickled down her brow bone, blurring her vision.
She raised her hand to cover her forehead, bright red blood seeping through her fingers, her voice hoarse and almost incoherent: "Liam... that's my life's work... make her stop..."
Liam finally put down the documents and stood up, but instead of going to Clara who was covered in blood, he rushed over and pulled Vanessa into his arms, as if afraid that she would suffer any grievances.
"Enough! Clara!" His voice was harsh and stern, his eyes showing not a trace of pity, only overwhelming impatience. "It's just a few pieces of scrap paper! Why are you going crazy like this? What if you scare Vanessa?"
Clara was stunned.
She raised her head, gazing through her blurred, bloodshot vision at that familiar yet unfamiliar figure. The pain in her forehead and fingertips paled in comparison to even a fraction of the pain in her heart.