Chapter 1

Elijah's POV

That time, I had nearly died. I couldn't take it anymore and went to Sinead Powell.

All she did was pin me to the bed and apply medicine to my wounds. With a frown on her face, she said, "Wesley White will eventually be my husband. He has the right to decide everything in the Powell family, including what happens to you."

Tears streamed down my face, but I didn't dare make a sound. I only clenched my fists and swallowed my pain once again.

Then, I heard a helpless sigh behind me. Sinead carefully avoided my wounds and nestled against me, stroking my cheek like she was soothing a child.

Finally, to my utter astonishment, she placed a light kiss on my lips. "For my sake, endure it all."

Her kiss was so gentle, yet so overwhelming. I couldn't tell whether she really meant it.

The next morning, when I woke up, the space beside me was empty. All I received was an order.

"Ms. Powell says you crossed the line last night. Starting now, you'll kneel outside the door. You are not to get up without her permission."

Crossed the line… Those words had defined my ten years in the Powell estate. I had gotten tired of kneeling all the time.

Once again, I went to Sinead's grandfather, Gregory Powell, and pleaded with him. "The Powell family never makes light of its promises. There are only seven days left in our ten-year agreement. Please grant me permission to leave."

Gregory was furious, but then, something seemed to occur to him. He sneered, "Fine. Leave, and don't ever come back."

Relief washed over me. He had agreed to my request. I rose and bowed respectfully before walking away on my aching legs.

But the moment I stepped through the front gate, a figure came hurtling toward me. I instinctively dodged, but I still ended up sprawled on the ground.

"Lucky!"

At the sound of a man's voice, the dog that had barreled into me turned and raced back. My body, however, went rigid. I quickly pushed myself to my feet and got down on my knee.

That was a rule Wesley had imposed on me. Every time I saw him, I had to kneel in greeting.

Wesley shot me a contemptuous glance before bending down to pet Lucky. Then, he narrowed his eyes and scolded, "You've got some nerve! How dare you damage the outfit I had custom-made for Lucky?"

My heart lurched. I looked up at his hand and saw him pluck a loose thread from the silk outfit the dog was wearing.

I lowered my gaze to my own hands. They were covered in thick calluses and scars. With hands like mine, it seemed inevitable that I'd damage something as delicate as silk.

Before I could react, he slapped me across the face. My ears rang, drowning out everything around me.

Just then, a woman's voice broke through the ringing. "What's the matter, Wesley?"

Wesley immediately changed his demeanor. He shook his head with an air of refined elegance and showed a hint of wounded innocence in his eyes.

He replied, "Sinead, I know Mr. Storie has never liked me, but that doesn't give him the right to deliberately ruin Lucky's clothes…"

Knowing this was going to end badly, I hurried to explain. "I didn't…"

But before I could finish, a cold voice cut me off. "Who gave you permission to speak?"

Bitterness filled my heart. I raised my head and met Sinead's cold gaze. Then, I lowered my head again, preparing to endure whatever punishment came next.

But I never expected Wesley would make things infinitely worse for me.

He said, "You must be punished. You dared lay a hand on Lucky today. What's to stop you from doing the same to me tomorrow? Your ten years in the Powell family have gone to your head, and you've forgotten your place. You're nothing but a dog the Powell family took in."

Then, in a casual, almost careless tone, he added, "Guards, take Mr. Storie to the battle arena. I want him to know that even among dogs, some are worth more than others."

I jerked my head up and stared at Wesley in disbelief.

The battle arena was an exclusive entertainment venue for the heirs of the wealthy families. The beasts they held captive there were vicious and bloodthirsty. Anyone sent into the arena would either die or leave severely injured.

I clenched my fists. I knew begging Wesley would be useless, so I couldn't help turning to Sinead once more.

But she merely gazed at Wesley tenderly and nodded. "Do anything you want if it makes you happy."