Chapter 7

(Flashback)

Anastasia recoiled, the force of it almost cracking the muscles of her face, as a glass shattered against the floor, crimson wine gushing forth and saturating the cursed red carpet.

Ivan’s wrath knew no bounds as he sent delicate crockery hurtling from the dining table, their demise echoing off the walls, sending her flinching once again.

Tears welled up, threatening to spill forth, but she held them back, clenching her fists tightly and digging her sharp nails into her skin. She refused to let her vulnerability show.

Ivan turned abruptly, fixing her with a scorching glare. Despite the frigid air outside, his brow was drenched in sweat, his skin glistening under the light, and his dark eyes reflecting the madness of his anger.

“Was that necessary?” she managed to ask, her words a fragile plea for understanding.

“It was,” he retorted sternly, striding past her. But before he left her side, he leaned in close, his voice laced with menace as he whispered into her ear. “Until