tightened, a brutal reminder of his power. Chloe stood behind him, a single, perfect

ility washed over me. Arguing was pointless. He had already chosen his si

t hear you," Liam said. "

n, louder this time, my

s because of you. She needs peace and quiet. You, on the other hand, clearly have too much ene

the large, ornate greenhouse he had built for me on my last birthday. It had been my sanctuary, a place filled with ex

glass structure. It was the middle of a heatwave, and even at night, the air inside the greenhou

at radiating up through the stone, and curled into a ball. This place, once a symbol of his love, was now a tool for his cruelty. The beautiful, vibrant flowers seemed to moc

ng despair. Before he had dragged me out, I had managed to grab the small vial from my pocket. I fumbled for it now, my fingers clumsy. I dry-swallowed the second dose. The liquid

time in the late morning, Liam finally unlocked the door. He stood there, silho

d your lesson?"

to answer, just

have." He looked me over, a flicker of something-maybe suspicion-in his eyes. "And don't thi

knocking. She was already dressed in a stunning, form-fitting gown that subtly highlight

ded on a simple, elegant ring. It was a sapphire, surrounded by small diamonds, a family heirloom that had belonged to Liam'

this one," Chloe

ice sharp. "Not tha

st appeared in the doorway. "Liam, Ava w

't even look at me. He turned to Chloe and took her hand

said, his voice full of the tenderness he

y replacing me. The humiliation was absolute, a cold, sharp pain that cut deeper than any physical punishment. I stood there, mute