APOLLO’s P.O.V."Stop hurting my wife!" I snarled.As they witnessed Beatrix being torn apart, left only in her underwear, they began to whip her.God..."Hit me instead," I said.Dad looked at me, unsure if I was truly confident in my request.I repeated, "Hit me instead of her. I will be her shield."Dad approached me, walking closer. "You're skinny. Will you be able to endure my lashes?" he asked.With unwavering confidence, I stared directly into his eyes."Yes, I can. Just don't harm my wife," I asserted.Dad chuckled, a mocking laugh escaping him."Stop pretending already. I've caught you, alright?"I simply nodded, urging him to stop spewing nonsense and start striking me. I tightly embraced Beatrix."No... I can handle—" she attempted to protest."Shhh," I interrupted, gently running my fingers over her lips. "I'll protect you.""Oh, no, no, no!" Dad exclaimed. "You must remove your clothes as well, Apollo. How can I fully enjoy seeing you in pain?"Without uttering a word, I

RIX’s P.O.V.I covered my mouth as I looked at him.I shook my head, closing and opening my eyes repeatedly.But no matter how much I denied it, this was a different person. I was certain it was Apollo.But how?Was I forgetting something? I’m sure we had clearly settled our relationship and agreed on our boundaries.I approached him, examining him closely, and the more I looked, the more convinced I became.As I went closer, I can see how aggressively he kissed that woman. He was intentionally doing this, purposefully making sure I saw.I’m sure because we were in a hidden alley and no one would bother to look at this.I gulped.It was a cruel act, hidden away where no one would bother to look because it was in the suburbs.I swallowed hard, wiping the tears streaming from my eyes."What are you doing, Apollo?" I asked.He still hadn't detached his lips from the other girl.Then, I forcefully pushed the girl away from him and faced Apollo.It might seem like I was becoming obsessive

RIX’s P.O.V.Even in the happiest moments of my life, when I see this man before my eyes, I can't help but feel useless again.These overwhelming emotions flood my mind without any warning.What the hell did I do to deserve this?"Why are you with Harold?" he asked, his voice cracking.Maybe it won't be so bad if I let him believe what he wants. After all, he shattered me into pieces years ago. It won't hurt to hurt him a little.I didn't respond and turned my gaze back to Adonis."Mom, I'm fine! Don't worry. Mr. Handsome here already helped me!" Adonis exclaimed, instantly easing my mind.Harold furrowed his brows, narrowing his eyes. "What did I tell you to call me, Donny?" Harold asked.Donny acted as if he was thinking, then raised his fingers and said, "AHA! I remember. You told me to call you dad instead of uncle.""D-dad?" I heard Apollo whisper behind me.What was he doing here in the first place?"Yes! That's correct, Donny! Now don't you ever forget that, okay?" Harold said,

RIX’s P.O.V.I could feel myself breaking down as I made my decision in front of everyone watching me on the app during my lowest point.Do you watch me stand up on my own when the world tries to knock me down?Apparently, I wasn't alone when facing the most challenging moment of my life because my friends were here, witnessing my growth.They offered their help, but I kept refusing it.And if I said I don't feel anything for Apollo anymore, I would be lying. BECAUSE I STILL DO!Honestly, I would like to give it another try.Perhaps my initial decision was influenced by the overwhelming number of eyes watching me.Humans can be foolish.Friends often advise their hurt loved ones to stay away, but those same friends act as if they're listening while secretly still engaging with the person who hurt them— going back to the same place that hurts them.I wanted to avoid falling into that pattern.I'm only human. I'm not a superhuman capable of controlling my emotions to the point of making

3rd P.O.V.Papers were flying around the room, and Mr. Cartier was seething with anger over the report detailing the downfall of his company since Apollo's resignation. He was desperate to do whatever it took to win back his son and bring him back to the company to boost sales.The situation was particularly challenging because Mr. Cartier's company was outdated and struggling to stay afloat. The scattered papers covered the floor as a visual representation of his frustration and disappointment.In his rage, he called for his assistant to fetch him a cup of coffee and urgently contact his wife. He needed her support and presence at that moment.Harold, one of the individuals Mr. Cartier had entrusted with the company's operations, had been a letdown. Despite his frequent travels, including visits to the rural city where Beatrix resided, all Harold seemed to care about was possessing her. He hoped that by achieving this, he could claim victory over Apollo in at least one aspect.Mr.