Adam stepped forward, gently wiping a tear from Lola's cheek before glaring at me. "She wasn't watching where she was going. It's not your fault."

I bit my lip until I tasted iron. Silently, I limped after them into the store.

Adam was at the counter, card in hand, ready to buy Lola whatever she desired.

Glass shattered.

A man in a black mask crashed through the display window, wielding an axe. Before anyone could react, he lunged forward and pressed the blade against Lola's neck.

"Hand over a hundred million! Now! Or I carve her up right here!"

Behind him, several thugs circled, greedy eyes locking onto Adam's watch and wallet.

Lola screamed. "Adam! Save me!"

Adam's face went pale. He raised his hands, emptying his pockets, tossing his wallet onto the counter. "There's ninety million on those cards! Take it! Just let her go—I'll get the rest from the bank!"

The leader spat. "You think we're stupid? Let you go, cops show up in five minutes."

His gaze shifted. Landed on me. A predatory grin spread beneath his mask.

"Wait. This one's your wife, isn't she? The dignified Mrs. James." He licked his lips. "Always wondered what high-society women taste like."

The gang erupted into coarse laughter.

Adam looked at the axe against Lola's throat. Then at me.

Silence.

Then, without hesitation:

"Fine. Let Lola go. Take my wife. Do whatever you want with her."

My blood turned to ice.

Memories flashed—years ago, when Adam and I were nobodies running a street stall. We'd encountered thugs back then too. Adam had thrown himself in front of me, taking countless blows. Afterward, holding me with bloodshot eyes, he'd sworn an oath.

"I will never let anyone bully you in this lifetime."

The irony was bitter. Now, to save his mistress, he was feeding me to the wolves.

Before I could process the betrayal, Adam shoved me toward the criminals. Lola let out a theatrical sob, burrowing into his chest.

Rough hands grabbed me. Greasy palms roamed my skin.

"Adam!" I screamed, struggling. "Help me!"

He didn't look back. He was already walking away, shielding Lola while leaving me to hell.

Fabric ripped. My clothes were being torn to shreds.

Panic surged, but instinct took over. I clamped my teeth onto one man's forearm. He howled, his grip loosening.

I scrambled up and sprinted into the darkness, screaming for help. My old wounds tore open, blood soaking my skin, but I couldn't stop.

"Get her!"