If death came, it might almost feel like mercy.
She had just stepped out of the bathroom when one of Soren’s bodyguards blocked her path, pressing a gun to her waist.
“Tonight’s auction is important,” he said flatly. “Don’t try anything—unless you want your mother in the asylum to suffer something… unimaginable.”
Her heart clenched.
Five years ago, he had spent 200 million dollars on their wedding, the city awash with rumors of his devotion. No one knew that behind closed doors, it had been the start of her nightmare.
Remembering her father’s broken body, Linnea’s fists curled, nails biting into her palms.
The bodyguards escorted her to a dim private room—where Elowen Vale, her closest friend and her parents’ beloved goddaughter, straddled Soren’s lap. One manicured hand rested low on his waist, and her soft moan filled the air.
Soren had once seemed untouchable, aloof from the women who chased him. On the day of his proposal, he had sworn on live broadcast: “Linnea, I will love you for life. A lifetime.”
But after the wedding, he surrounded himself only with women Linnea loved and trusted—her relatives, her dearest friends—seducing each of them until she was forced to witness every betrayal.
Once, she had even handed him the condom.
Every vow had been a lie, spun solely to destroy her.
She had learned to meet his cruelty with silence, her heartbreak cooling into numb resignation. But seeing Elowen here still cut like a blade to the ribs.
The pain stole her breath.
Only when Elowen was panting from the exertion of her performance did Soren glance up at Linnea.
“I gave you three minutes,” he said coldly. “You’re late.”
Her body trembled.
He didn’t need to say more. She knelt without protest, moving toward him on her knees.
He ignored her, tossing a whip to Elowen.
“You wanted that last piece of jewelry from the auction, didn’t you? Each strike earns you one item.”
Elowen’s smile was cruel. She swung.
The chili-oil-soaked lash bit deep. Linnea gasped, her tears spilling fast.
Once, she had promised this girl, “Elowen, don’t be afraid. From today, I’m your sister. My parents are your parents.”
Now that same girl struck her with glee.
Eighteen lashes later, Linnea lay shivering on the floor while Elowen crowed over her prize.
But Soren’s smile vanished as he snapped, “You’re just as stupid as Linnea.”
Bodyguards dragged Elowen away. Moments later, her screams echoed through the door.
...