Chapter 2

"Are you here to show off? Or are you hoping your pathetic face will earn you the Don's pity?"

In the lavish foyer of the Howard estate, Moriah looked down at me, wrapped in a silk robe.

I stood in front of her, holding the thermos. The soup I had spent all night brewing was still steaming.

"The Don ordered me to bring this to you." I kept my voice flat, ignoring her taunt.

Moriah sneered, her eyes like poisoned blades. "Davina, don't think I don't know what you're plotting. You're nothing but a dirty little mistress! You think bringing some soup will make Bastian look twice at you?"

"I don't think that," I handed the thermos over. "This is for you."

Moriah glared, a vicious spark in her eyes. She reached out, but purposely didn't grab the handle.

Crash.

The scalding soup spilled everywhere, ruining the expensive rug. A few drops splashed onto her feet.

"Ahhh!" she let out a bloodcurdling scream. "It burns! Davina, you deliberately scalded me with boiling water!"

I watched her cheap acting coldly. "You dropped it yourself."

"You dare talk back?!" Moriah pointed at me, shrieking. "Guards! Tie her up!"

The guards exchanged hesitant looks. After all, I had fought alongside the Don for years.

"Do my orders mean nothing?!" Moriah hissed. "I am the Don's wife! Anyone who disobeys me will answer to Bastian! Beat her! Hard!"

Not daring to disobey, the guards moved in. Two of them pinned my shoulders down.

"Forgive us, ma'am," one muttered.

Smack.

A heavy slap struck my face. A burning pain spread instantly, and I tasted copper.

"Keep going!" Moriah commanded. "Beat her until she begs!"

Smack. Smack. Smack.

The relentless slaps fell without mercy. My ears rang, and my vision blurred. But I clenched my jaw. Not a single sound. No begging, no tears.

What was this pain, anyway? Compared to the bullets I took for Bastian, compared to the agony of leaving Wynn, this was nothing.

I closed my eyes and counted down in my head.

Five more days.

Just endure five more days, and the pill would take effect. Then I'd leave this hell for good. I'd get to see Wynn. Wynn, who used to gently stroke my hair and promise to always protect me. For him, this was all worth it.

"Hit her harder! Don't stop!" Moriah's voice sounded far away.

My cheeks were swollen tight, blood dripping from my lips. Lily screamed and tried to rush forward but was held back. My knees gave out, and I barely stayed up thanks to the guards gripping my arms.

I was losing consciousness. Just as I was about to black out entirely...

"Stop!"

A furious roar tore through the hall. The doors were kicked open.

Bastian stormed in, radiating pure murder. His eyes locked onto me immediately—pinned down, face covered in blood. His pupils contracted.

"Who gave you the fucking right to touch her?!" His roar was deafening as he kicked the nearest guard to the floor.

Without the guard holding me, I collapsed onto the ground.

Bastian's chest heaved, his eyes glued to the bruises on my face. He turned, ready to explode.

"Bastian!"

Moriah suddenly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist and sobbing hysterically. Bastian snapped his head toward her.

Tears streaming down her face, she pointed at the mess on the floor and choked out, "Davina was jealous that I became your wife. She poisoned the soup to kill me! That's why I had them punish her!"