Chapter 1

Julian's POV

When my wife, Monica Jackson, said those words, I finally raised my head to look at her.

We'd dated for four years and been married for five. We'd shared the best years of our youth. I never expected that things between us would end up like this.

I curled my lips into a bitter smile. But Monica, acting as if she didn't see it, asked darkly, "I'll give you one last chance. Where is Billy?"

I wanted to sneer at her. But my one moment of willfulness had already dragged my entire family down with me.

"Let my parents go, and I'll tell you."

Monica nodded. She walked toward me slowly, and before I could react, she grabbed me by the neck, forcing me to lower my head and look at her.

"Julian Hargitay, don't take my patience for granted. It's only a matter of time before I find Billy. Who do you think you are to bargain with me?"

The crushing pressure made me gag instinctively. My face turned red, and the veins on my neck bulged. I gritted my teeth, and the sudden wave of fear and despair made my blood run cold…

Even so, I used every last bit of my strength to shout, my voice hoarse, "And so you made my father get down on his knees to beg you? That's my dad!"

Monica merely continued gripping my neck expressionlessly. Her hold was shockingly strong.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared into her dark, almost mad eyes. I didn't doubt for a second that she would strangle me to death for another man.

Just as I was about to pass out from lack of oxygen, she finally pulled her hand away.

I gasped violently, my body trembling with lingering fear as I slumped onto the couch.

In that instant, countless memories flashed through my mind. I couldn't hold it in any longer, and tears fell from my eyes. I was crying for the past that we could never return to, for this hopeless marriage, and most of all, for the pathetic person I had become.

Monica stood before me coldly, completely unmoved. She didn't even let me catch my breath before she grabbed my chin again, her voice sinister and icy.

"I'll ask you one last time. Where did you send Billy?"

…

Monica left.

The moment she received the information from me, she ran out of the room. I clearly saw the look of relief and joy on her face in that moment.

My wife had already lost her mind over another man.

I wiped my tears and immediately called my parents, preparing to move that very night. I thought Dad would scold me, but he only comforted me.

His worn, aging voice carried a sob. "You've suffered enough, Julian. I don't blame you. We'll just leave."

After hanging up, despair and self-blame swallowed me.

Monica and I had fallen in love in college and married right after graduation.

The Jackson family was wealthy and powerful. Having ties to them was something Dad never even dreamed of. He had his concerns too—he worried I wouldn't be treated well. Our family didn't have any social standing, and there might not be anyone to stand up for me.

Back then, I swore to Dad that Monica loved me too much to ever let me be wronged.