Chapter 2

But now, the countdown above Sebastian's head had vanished.

With nothing left to say, I could only lower my head and silently wait for my punishment. That way, I might be spared the worst of it. That was something I had learned the hard way.

The bodyguards who came with Kayla were taken aback by how meek I was and exchanged glances.

Some even began whispering among themselves.

"Is this really the same Mr. Reed? He used to be so charming and such a chatterbox."

"Why does he seem completely different now?"

"Oh, well. Serves him right for running his mouth and jinxing Mr. Miller."

As Kayla listened to them gossip, her gaze toward me grew even colder.

I immediately started groveling at their feet. I slammed my forehead hard against the wall. Even though I was dizzy and bleeding, I didn't dare stop.

If I wanted freedom, begging Kayla was my only chance.

The dull thud of my forehead hitting the floor echoed through the living room, over and over again. This was my last chance.

"That's enough!" Kayla finally exclaimed coldly.

I immediately stopped and looked at her timidly.

Kayla let out a scoff. "Isaac, you've finally learned how to behave, haven't you? If you'd been like this from the start, you wouldn't have ended up this way."

I crawled across the floor, gesturing that I was sorry and that I had messed up, silently begging her to let me go.

Kayla seemed to have understood what I was trying to say and curled her lips into a mocking smile. "Hmph! That's more like it.

"Since you've finally learned how to behave, I'd be happy to let you go. Of course, that's only if Sebastian's willing to forgive you."

The moment she said that, I immediately started begging Sebastian to forgive me.

Sebastian quickly stopped me, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Isaac, you don't have to do that. I've already forgiven you. If you want to leave, be my guest. But my shoes are a little filthy…"

He deliberately stuck one foot out and tapped it against the floor, looking at me with a teasing smile.

I understood what he meant. Without hesitation, I crawled over to his feet. Just as I was about to wipe his shoes with my clothes, he pulled his foot away.

"These shoes are made from genuine Fatorian leather. You'll have to use your face to wipe them clean."

I froze. As I looked up, I met his mocking gaze. That was when I realized he wanted me to use my face to clean his shoes.

But I had no choice. Leaving this place was my only chance of getting revenge.

And so, I didn't hesitate at all. I crawled over and did as I was told.

The moment I finished cleaning his shoes, he suddenly took them off and set his feet on my neck. The lingering smell and warmth of his feet filled my senses as he pressed my head down.

Still, I closed my eyes and accepted it without putting up a fight.

I had put up with this kind of humiliation countless times, and I had already made a vow to myself. As long as I didn't die, everything I had been through would fuel my revenge.

Seeing that I didn't resist, Sebastian finally seemed satisfied with the outcome. He kicked me aside before putting his shoes back on.

"Yes. Looks like he finally knows his place."

Seeing that, Kayla shrugged and casually leaned against him. "In that case, you can come with us."

Still at their feet, I thanked them over and over again.

Kayla waved it off. "Go upstairs and pack your things. I want you to be just as obedient over the next few days."

I nodded frantically and slowly backed away.

With every step I took up the stairs, I did everything I could to contain my excitement.

I was finally getting out. I could finally leave this villa. As long as I made it out of here, I would have a chance to get my revenge.

As I went upstairs, I caught a glimpse of Kayla leaning against Sebastian's shoulder. Then I suddenly noticed a bright red "1" floating above her head.

My heart lurched as I put two and two together—Kayla only had one day left to live.

Something suddenly occurred to me.

Three months ago, Sebastian had a countdown above his head, yet he was perfectly fine now. And Kayla, who had been fine back then, had only one day left to live.

Could this have something to do with Sebastian?

Even though I didn't understand what was going on, none of that mattered for now. What mattered was that today was the day Kayla was going to die.

If someone had altered Sebastian's lifespan, then Kayla might not survive this time.