Chapter 3

Jared's eyes were red.

Like a madman, he demanded, "Where did you hide Melody?!"

I stared at him in confusion, but before I could speak, his hand clamped around my throat. "Rosalia, have I spoiled you so much over the years that you think you can do whatever you want? That you won't even spare a life?"

I couldn't breathe. Only when I was on the brink of suffocation did he finally loosen his grip.

Gasping for air, I looked at him helplessly. "I didn't do anything!"

His anger only deepened. "If you didn't do it, then who?! I was only gone for a moment, and it was just the two of you at home! Why is Melody the one missing? You pretended to be someone considerate, but in reality, you're just jealous that she's carrying my child. Rosalia, when did you become so spiteful?"

I couldn't hold back my tears anymore; they started rolling down my cheeks uncontrollably. Something flickered in Jared's eyes—he used to hate seeing me cry. He was about to reach out to comfort me when his phone rang.

After listening to the voice on the other end, his eyes turned even colder. Hanging up, he yanked me forward.

"You're so good at playing the victim! I almost believed you! If anything happens to Melody or the baby today, I'll never forgive you!"

I didn't even have my shoes on as he dragged me away. On the stairs, I tripped and fell, my knee slamming hard against the step corners. The sharp pain made me cry out, but Jared acted like he didn't notice, still gripping my wrist and pulling me along.

By the time I was shoved into the car, my legs were a bloody, mangled mess.

The car sped down the highway. Aside from the time I had been injured saving him, I had never seen him so frantic. Soon, we reached a small island.

A few of his men rushed over. "Boss, Melody is right over there!"

Following their gaze, I saw Melody hanging unconscious from a rusty iron frame, bound with rope.

"I've already checked. The kidnappers ran off just before you arrived," they added, looking at me with unreadable expressions.

Melody was quickly freed. She clutched her belly weakly and looked up at Jared. "Jared, I knew you'd come for me!"

Then she turned her teary eyes toward me. "Rosalia, if you really can't accept me, I can leave. But why must you hurt my baby?"

I shook my head wildly. "It wasn't me! I didn't do anything…"

Before I could finish, Jared's palm struck my face hard. He scooped Melody into his arms and looked down at me, high and mighty.

"Rosalia, you've gone too far this time. Stay here and think about what you've done."

With that, he carried Melody away. Over his shoulder, she shot me a smug look. The sea breeze howled at me, chilling me to the bone.

The island was completely desolate. Being left here was a death sentence.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed in my head. "Five days until you exit this world."

A bitter smile touched my lips. Maybe this was for the best. I was going to disappear anyway… Slipping away quietly like this might just be easier!

I didn't know how much time had passed. Just as I was on the brink of death, Jared appeared. He cupped my face with a look of deep concern.

"Rosalia, what am I supposed to do with you?"

I gazed at him weakly.

Yet no matter how I looked, I couldn't read him at all.