beneath the dining table, her

talk. Don'

ht beside her, his hand resting on the table, every movement deliberate and commanding. He was th

?" Eleanor Thorne's voice cut t

staring at her untouched plate of fo

rip firm and cold. He leaned in, his breath brushing

th humiliation and fears. She wasn't a person to him but a display pi

into the night air. The garden was quiet, lit only by strings of wa

ll. She didn't know why he cared or what he meant. But something about his

, Mrs. Thorne," a voice

emerged, holding a half-empty glass of w

rted, but he h

need to listen carefully, Ava. You've ma

What are you t

de. "Damien Thorne isn't just ruthless. He's dangerous person. Ask yourself

he word secretary

ut of kindness? No, Ava. Men like Damien never give without taking somethi

"What do you mean? Wh

ell her everything but couldn't yet. "We'll

warning me?"

ve seen too many women suffer trying to survive i

en door opened. Damien stepped out

olly, "what are y

- I just need

w tightening. "And you? Do you enjoy

x, Damien. I was just congratulating your w

to Ava's lower back in a possessive grip

men like electricity. It was clear - Damien

ngerous than shouting. He kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other tapping th

amien finally spoke. His tone was

you stay aw

ned. "F

ed. "Gray. I saw the way he looked at

k to me," she said softl

s? He wants to use you to get to me. But let me be clear

't own me. But the words died on her

whispered, "I

oo

n a glass cage. Every day with Damien felt heavier, like her spirit was being crushed one cruel word at a time.

wers and also

e her early. He tossed a sle

ness event at noon," he sa

ed. "Anot

my wife, Ava, you're going to do it properly. No mistakes. No hesitation. If yo

stopped.

t tes

m. She wanted to break free. But every time s

and influential men and women, all dressed like they ruled the world. Damien introduced her as his wife, smi

watching her again.But this t

un

p on Ava's waist and leaned down,

side. If you take one step away, I'