Chapter 25

Julia POV

Even as those words spilled from his lips, they held no power over me. Not a single bit of it affected me. I had endured far worse humiliation and abuse from my own family than this feeble attempt. I could handle it all. But deep down, fear gripped me, not because of him, but because of them. Their leering eyes followed my every move from where I lay.

I fought to control the tears welling up inside my eyes, determined not to let them see my vulnerability. Why was I always the one subjected to such abuse? What had I done to deserve this? I wanted to ask him why he was doing this. But how could I? Was it because of that slap? If only he knew that it had all happened because of him. What was he blaming me for?

“I didn’t put you in a difficult situation, did I? You’re a pole dancer before, this is no different.” he sneered. Anger burned his eyes, yet there was a hint of uncertainty. It was as if he was compelled to act this way, forced into it. His words created a chasm betwee