Ceaseless pain kept penetrating every cell in my body as my tears continued descending, begging him to stop. His countenance turned vicious again, his eyes filled with fury as he stared at me. My arms tightly embraced my body as I struggled to hold back my tears.
"Please... Blaine stop. I-I just want to eat. What am I supposed to do? I'm hungry. My stomach hurts." I glanced at him, hoping his rage would subside. But all I could see was his fury until he took off his black belt and began beating me mercilessly as if what I did was a horrendous crime punishable by death.
"You, fucking bitch! How many times do I have to tell you, do not eat anything! The grand party will commence tomorrow night, and you must be the most alluring and gorgeous woman! Eating will make you fat and ugly!" He hollered with his eyes burning with anger. He shoved me to the counter table made of white marble, with steak and french fries stacked high on it. "Look! What you see there is trash! You can't gain more calories, Adeleine! Do you understand?!"
"What do you want me to do? I'm hungry. This food will not make me fat. Look at my body! I'm losing weight!" My hand shivered in fear as I stated those words. He grabbed my hair roughly and pushed my face into the table, and I winced from both physical and emotional agony. "Stop! Please... it hurts, Blaine..."
"You have no liberty to talk to me like that! I married you not to be tactless but to serve me and do whatever I ask you! Now, clean up, and tomorrow, make sure you are the most expensive woman!"
The last words perplexed me. "W-What did you say? An expensive... woman?"
"You heard me, Adeleine. You're not deaf." He sneered as if a wicked intention lies within. "More than five wealthy investors will join the party. One of them has an interest in you. His name is Chris."
"W-What are you implying?"
"He offered me ten thousand dollars. In return, you have to be with him for three nights."
"Are you dead-ass serious? I'm your wife! You can do that to me!"
"Shut the fuck your mouth! I don't love you!" He screamed, making me even more exhausted as I recollected what really brought me into this toxic relationship. "We are married for the sake of your father's business, remember? Don't expect too much from me. Now, go back to your room and prepare yourself for tomorrow."
"No!" I dissented with courage. "I spent four years with you, enduring this toxic relationship, but not this time, Blaine. You can hit, abuse, or leave me out here to rot, but I'm not going to the party! I'm not a damn floozy for you to sell!"
"What did you say?!" He became even more furious, propelling him to slap me violently across the cheek. "You're mine! If I say so, you must obey!"
He choked me, pushing me until I bumped into the wall.
"S-Stop—"
He punched my stomach, making me wince in pain until I tumbled to the floor. The excruciating agony caused me to cry out for mercy again. And before I could defend myself, he threw a glass bottle over the floor on my nearest side, shattering it. He knelt, took the broken bottle, and pointed it toward me, inducing me to shut my mouth with utmost fear.
"You see this? I won't hesitate to cut your beautiful face if you ever transgress me again." He threatened me.
I'm used to it. I let him physically, verbally, and emotionally abuse me for four years. But inside those four years of hell of enduring this tortured life, I never once dared to defy him. He wanted me to be perfect in all aspects, which is impossible. This is why even my eating routine had been controlled by him. No matter how hard he beat me, I could do nothing to protect myself or prevent him from abusing me. I have been destroyed, starved, raped, and tortured, yet never once had I fought back because Blaine is not just an ordinary man but also an affluent and notorious with numerous contributions to several companies.
But today is the apogee of my suffering. And I will end it.
I grabbed a piece of a broken bottle beside me and stabbed it to his arm, enough to draw a wound and blood.
It was his turn to whimper in pain. "Fuck! Screw you!"
I smirked inwardly when I saw his expression, but the satisfaction only lasted a couple of seconds when I witnessed his face morph into a mask of rage.
I quickly stood up with all my strength and ran away from him toward the exit door. I don't know where to go since I'm unfamiliar with this place. We are in the Los Monterio Subdivision and moved here last month. I never had a chance to wander around because my husband forbade me to go out without him.
My parents betrothed me to Blaine Harrison to save our company from financial doom. They didn't even ask for my consent, and even if I had a chance to voice out my verdict, I knew they would never hear my words, not even my sentiments. And that's how my life began, to be stuck in a man I don't love, to be his slave, his prisoner, his toy who does whatever he wants without any protest, without any hope of escape.
My thought was interrupted by the voice behind me calling out my name. It's Blaine. I could feel the anger for every shout he made until my body quivered again in fear. He's chasing me now!
I've no exact destination, and I'm stuck between relinquishing and bearing another grave punishment or running until my feet cannot move anymore, maybe even dying of exhaustion.
Suddenly, I caught a luxury house nearby; it was too big compared to our house. It's made entirely of stone; its exterior is embellished with gold and crystal chandeliers. In short, I've found a temporary hideout, although I'm uncertain if it's safe.
Without reluctance, I ran outside and beelined to the right corner where there was a giant tree and bushes; I hid underneath the large branch and took a deep breath, my breathing still heavy from running. But Blaine's voice became even closer, which compelled me to enter the house's main door.
The extreme apprehension inside me as I stepped in was too strong, but I didn't have another choice aside from hiding. I locked the door and was about to run again when I suddenly bumped into someone's chest. When I looked up and realized it was a man, I froze. The man standing before me had platinum blonde hair with gray roots and blue eyes, which seemed cold yet beautiful. His chiseled features looked almost ethereal. He glanced at me from head to toe, with an obvious shock on his face.
"Who the fuck are you?" He queried, surveying my entire appearance. "Why are you here in my house?"
"Please.... please, hide me..." My tears started anew as I pleaded for help, hoping he would hear my entreaty. "I'm gonna repay you after this. Just please... please help me. I need you to let me stay here until he gets away."
I was so desperate, and I didn't notice I clutched his black coat tightly until he took my hand and immediately dragged me into the left corner. We went inside the room, and I finally glimpsed an emotion from him— a worry.
"Thank you for helping me, I swear—"
"Hush now, woman." His baritone voice halted me as he put his finger against my lips to muffle my words. "Don't say a word. Just stay here."
With that reassurance, I felt relieved. For the first time in my life, someone has the courage to protect me despite being strangers.
The man closed the door. I scanned the entire surrounding until I caught a huge CCTV monitoring screen with audio, enough to watch and hear what was ensuing in every corner of this house. My concentration was locked on the view of the living room, and I gasped to see the man slowly approaching Blaine.
"Excuse me? I'm looking for a girl wearing a white dress. Maybe she passes by here." Blaine wore controllable fury; I could sense it by just standing here. "Have you seen her?"
The man tossed him a frigid yet intimidating stare as he crossed his arm. "Let me clarify two things. First, entering a place without the owner's consent is trespassing. Second, you entered the wrong place."
"But I saw her enter this house!" Blaine's expression darkened.
"Why would I let a stranger in my house?" The man responded coldly.
"Are you trying to say that I'm lying?"
"Kind of."
I swallowed hard as I watched the scenario, especially when Blaine ambled closer to the man with a smug look, the typical expression he used to carry over someone.
"Helping her will make your life hell. She's none of your concern, and you should know that." Blaine tossed him an evil stare, but the man didn't flinch at his words. And I swear he's the most collected man I've ever seen, as if he held robust power, and whoever stood against him would regret it.
"You should know your boundaries when stepping into my house." The man's voice turned stern, and his aura became threatening. "I told you, no woman entered my house."
"If she's not here, allow me to inspect your house. Don't dare to stop me if you're telling the truth." Blaine sneered, then he walked passed the man.
I swallowed the bubble of trepidation building inside me. Blaine is going to find me now. But then I was completely wrong because the next thing that happened stunned me. The man effortlessly took off a gun from his side and pointed it at Blaine's back head. "One more move, and I'll implant a bullet directly into your head." He walked in front of Blaine, pointing out the gun on his forehead. "If I said you entered the wrong place, the best response is to vamoose immediately, not unless you wanna die."
I covered my mouth with my hands in disbelief. That sufficed my curiosity. What kind of man is he?
My heart thumped aggressively while the words he articulated kept reiterating in my head.
Now I'm starting to wonder if I will be stuck again with another cruel man who will abuse me unceasingly after owing a debt of gratitude. But I hope he's contrary to my mind.
After a transient contemplation, the door burst open, revealing the man now glaring at me solemnly.He crumpled his brows, making me nervous. "Who are you? Why did you break into my house? And why did you run away from your husband?"I panicked when his voice augmented with intensity, and he looked intently at me. I strode toward him nervously with my heavy breath. "Shhh. Don't shout, please... Please, I'm begging you. He might hear us and come back. I can't take it anymore."My whole body quivered as I silently wished he would hear me. But then he crossed his arms over his chest and continued to watch me carefully as if reading my intention. "Speak and explain. You're in my house, so you will answer anything I ask.""Just let me stay here... and do not tell him if you see him again outside." I swallowed hard. "I promise I'll be gone later. I just... I just need a place to hide now. Don't worry, I'm not a stripper, and I'm not a thief."His face morphed into something indescribable. I
Without uttering any word, Courtney grasped my hand, hauling me out the door until we scurried outside the house. "Hey, Courtney! Where are we going? And... why are we running away?" I questioned, uneasy and baffled as to why we needed to run. A sudden blast of gunfire resonated again from our behind, and it was too squawking enough to frighten the entire atom of my being. My apprehension kept revving up the more we ran because the thought of getting shot was just too much for me! I didn't even dare to glance back at the bullets' origin. "What is going on?!" I asked again, catching my breath, but he never slowed down or gave me an answer. "Why do you keep ignoring me?! Where are we going? Where do you plan to take me?!"Despite my numerous questions, he didn't answer any of them. And the only thing I noticed was the annoyance written on his countenance whenever I questioned him. His brows were furrowed deep as if he was aggravated by my constant pestering, which I did just for assu
Thirty minutes have gone since we had a stranger-kind argument. We halted in front of the abandoned building made out of concrete and brick as if it were left after decades of destruction. I scrutinized it with curiosity. The outside was sheathed in graffiti, making me wonder if there was a gang inside that made this place their home base. We stepped out of the car, allowing me to inspect further the surroundings. There were two doors from a building on the left side that didn't match the other door on the right, which was slightly ajar, revealing a staircase going up and down to unknown destinations, and there were no windows on any of its walls. But why Courtney would be coming here?I didn't notice him staring at me until he cleared his throat. "Watch your step when we enter the building. Just ignore whatever you see. Understand?"Baffled by his words, I crumpled one of my brows. "Why? And what kind of place is this?""Quit asking." He stepped forward, his mesmerizing gaze never
Almost thirty minutes have gone by since I ordered Oliver to assist Adeleine. That woman is unbelievable. The fact she entrusted her life to me is the most unforeseen thing I've ever encountered. Now I'm fucking accountable for her safety. I must admit that the moment I first looked at her, I glimmered something unfathomable. She's just so damn beautiful. Her beauty is different than all the other women I've known. However, judging the scenario earlier proved her life in the hands of her husband was in dire straits. Unfortunately, I knew our encounter would soon end because my life was not a game. I have a cruel fate, and someone like her doesn't deserve to be part of it. I need to send her to a safe place as soon as possible to ensure she will not be involved in any danger.For now, I have a grave job, and this is paramount.I was standing in front of the man who murdered the former president of Viasco Corporation, Macario Alejo— the man who has done so many good things for me and t
Back to Adeleine's POV No words escaped my mouth as I gazed at the man in front of me incredulously. It was the man that Courtney had been torturing ever since he decreed Oliver to assist me. I was just curious to see him, but I never expected it was the man who once abused me. I don't remember his surname, but I am perfectly certain his first name is Fredrin. Aside from my husband, this man is one of the evils who wrecked me, and I will never forget his face. "How could you manage to be so elusive?!" I yelled until our eyes met. My mind couldn't process the view that I was seeing. "I know my husband helped you escape. Admit it!" My hands quivered in both pain and rage as I glared at him with so much abhor. The memories of those hell nights were still vivid in my mind, and it was so depressing that I could still feel them on my skin. He looked terrible, badly injured by a couple of bullets and all the physical abuse he'd gone through. His clothes were covered in blood, and his
Morning finally came, and I woke up feeling woozy with the hangover. It took me a few moments to realize what I did last night.Holy shit!My hands moved to my mouth to cover it up when the scenario began playing in my head like a movie. I was so drunk that I lost control and kissed Courtney without his consent. How am I ever going to explain to Courtney about this? I even recalled how he kissed me back, and that thought alone made my cheeks turn red. But no! I have to act like it was nothing, that my action was unintentional.I tried to regain my composure as I sat down on my bed. There are three paper bags on the floor beside the bed. I checked out each one, and they were full of clothes for me. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I imagined Courtney buying these clothes, which only proved how caring and considerate he was. That thought lasted for a few seconds when I glimpsed the clock and realized it was already ten o'clock in the morning.I stood up and took a bath to get
Courtney glanced at me with incredulity, probably assuming my words were hogwash. But those solemn stares of his evanesce into a quizzical one. "Be careful of your words." He took a few steps and halted before me. He lifted my chin and stared deep into the depths of my eyes. "Remember, it takes strength to give in. And your misery won't decide it for you." His grip on me loosened, and he stepped away. I was stunned for a moment until he walked out of the room. It took more seconds before I decided to follow him outside. "Courtney, wait!" I called him out, but my words seemed to have no effect on him. He didn't stop or slow down. Instead, he just kept walking. The hallways are wide and spacious, so I had little trouble keeping up with him. He was going way too fast for me, and it's not as if his feet moved in rhythm. But I am persistent 'cause I followed him upstairs with no further thought until we reached the room where our quarrel started. "I've given up already. Whatever consequ
Back to Adeleine's POV It's been one week, and my recovery was much more rapid than I thought possible. Even though Courtney urged me to use the knife and prove my words, I'm not blaming him despite the upshot. To be frank, I'm grateful because I was able to experience the feeling of being taken care of by someone genuinely. It's hard to describe how liberating that feeling is, but I'm happy it lessened my burden. That's one good thing about this treacherous life I'm in. Two diligent doctors, each specializing in different aspects of my well-being. While one meticulously tended to my physical health, the other delved into my psychological well-being. During their meticulous care, Courtney never failed to make sure I was okay. Through his soothing voice over the phone or reassuring visits, he ensured I never felt alone in my journey toward recovery. Words aren't enough to elucidate his kindness, and even without many words from him, the genuineness could still be felt by his actions.