Chapter 2

From behind came a deep, menacing growl. I saw the Mastiff moving closer.

I gripped the door with all my strength, unwilling to let go. My face was streaked with tears of terror.

"Let me out! Let me out! You have no right to do this!"

Daniel stepped forward and kicked me to the ground. The hard tip of his shoe drove down on my fingers, sending waves of pain through them. Tears ran freely from my eyes.

I bit my lip hard, refusing to lower my head. From above came words that were harsh and unrelenting.

"Louise, have I been too lenient with you? I gave you a chance to back down. Why are you still playing games? Do you honestly think I'll show you mercy? If so, think again.

"You live off Taco's scraps every single day. Can't you see? You don't even measure up to Callie's and my dog. You'd better take good care of Taco."

As the cage door crept shut before my eyes, I backed away in terror. At that very moment, something cold pressed against my back.

Taco lunged at me. Before I could react, it ripped a piece of flesh from my leg.

A harsh laugh rang out from beyond the cage.

"Go, Taco! Show your strength!"

"Dan, this show is incredible! I'm completely thrilled!"

"If it's worth watching, I'll make sure you get a front-row seat next time."

I wailed in torment. I had always been thankful for the one time Daniel had saved my life. No matter how often he caused me pain, I endured it all.

Yet now, their lively chatter was quietly fueling my hatred for him.

Sensing my terror, Taco began tearing at my clothes as if it were a game.

Overwhelmed by fear and pain, my body shook uncontrollably. I felt cold sweat sliding down my temples. Each drop burned sharply as it hit my eyes.

My garments were slowly being ripped apart. Every so often, my skin ached from being pulled and torn.

Within moments, every inch of my skin was left raw and exposed. With my teeth clenched, I sank into the corner, hugging the folder to my chest.

The voices outside the cage carried on relentlessly.

"Dan, it's clear that your wife is utterly devoted to you. They're just a few sheets of paper with your signature. I can't believe she'd rather get hurt than let them go."

Daniel sneered. "If that's the kind of pathetic love you're looking for, be my guest. I don't need it!"

"Dan, there's so much blood. I'm scared."

"Don't be afraid. I'll protect you."

Perhaps Taco had grown tired of playing; its eyes now burned with a feral hunger. I bit my bloodied lips and silently lifted its food bowl.

As the dog lunged at me with its gaping jaws, I slammed the bowl hard onto its head. It let out a painful whine and collapsed to the ground.

I finally caught my breath, but in the next second, I was kicked to the floor.

Daniel's voice exploded with fury. "How dare you hurt Taco!"

Callie held Taco tightly, and tears were streaming down her face. "Dan… I'm terrified! Is Taco going to die? We've had him for eight years. I can't lose him! Please, save him! I'm begging you!"

Visibly shaken, Callie turned to me and snapped, "Louise, Taco was only playing with you. How could you be so cruel to him?"

Cradling Callie, Daniel fixed me with a cold, piercing stare. "Louise, protecting papers bearing my signature doesn't give you the right to harm Taco. If anything happens to him, I'll throw you in a cage with a feral dog!"

With that, they left, taking Taco along with them.

I wiped the tears from my eyes and forced my broken body upright. Grabbing a coat, I drove straight to the hospital for treatment.

My body was covered in countless wounds, and blood dripped steadily from my right leg.

Upon seeing me, the doctor couldn't help but ask what had happened. I gave a curt explanation and turned to leave.

Reaching for my phone, I typed and sent a message: "The divorce papers have been signed, but I left them at the Savoy residence. I'm going home now. Come pick me up at my place."