Escape from the Loveless Zone

"What’s the fuss? It’s just kneeling; it won’t kill you!"

Vivienne gritted her teeth, feeling the sharp throb of her jaw from the pressure of clenching it so tightly.

"Vivienne, are you seriously refusing to kneel and apologize to Freya?"

Sensing the growing danger, Vivienne backed away, trying to escape the escalating situation. "I won’t."

"I already said I’d do my best to make up for it! What else do you want?!"

Freya’s crying intensified and she whimpered to Cassian, her voice cracking. "A proposal… it only happens once…"

Cassian’s expression turned stormy, his patience slipping. He gently comforted Freya before giving the command, "Fine! Grab her!"

Cassian’s bodyguards, followed by the venue’s security, rushed forward in unison.

Despite her frantic struggles, Vivienne was no match for the men’s combined strength and soon found herself restrained.

With a mocking smile, Freya watched as Cassian yanked a fistful of Vivienne’s hair, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

The pain surged through her scalp and tears streamed down her face, leaving her completely humiliated.

When Vivienne thought her scalp might tear, Cassian finally released her with a sharp tug.

Breathless, she thought it was over until his cold voice sliced through the air. "Strip her wedding dress off.”

"What kind of person dares to act out in front of me?"

At Cassian’s command, the bodyguards moved in without hesitation.

Vivienne screamed, her body thrashing as she kicked and punched, trying to break free. But her struggles were in vain.

With a loud tear, the delicate lace of her wedding dress was ripped apart, exposing her skin to the cold night air.

As the fabric fell away, Vivienne finally crumbled, sobbing uncontrollably, curling into herself. But the bodyguards held her firm, forcing her to remain exposed as they stripped her down to her undergarments.

Standing close by, Cassian cradled Freya in his arms, murmuring soothing words to calm her. "Freya, stop crying. I’ve punished her."

"A lowly woman like her doesn’t deserve to wear a wedding dress in front of you."

"She deserves this. I’ll make sure she learns her lesson later."

With a glance of disdain, Cassian looked down at Vivienne. "Don’t try any more tricks with me. There won’t be a next time."

At his signal, the bodyguards released her. She immediately collapsed to the ground, hugging herself tightly as if trying to shield her dignity.

With a mockingly satisfied smile, Cassian wrapped his arm around Freya’s waist and walked away, leaving her broken and exposed.

One of the venue security guards leered at Vivienne, his gaze lingering on her with clear intent.

"Leaving already, Miss Waverly?" he sneered. "Or perhaps you'd like to have some fun with us?"

Vivienne’s face drained of color as she slowly rose to her feet, her legs unsteady. She turned and began to walk toward the exit.

The vast venue loomed dark and silent behind her, the only sound the soft patter of rain starting to fall. Drenched in the downpour, Vivienne felt a lump form in her throat, but she forced herself to keep walking.

Her phone was gone and she wandered aimlessly, trying to block out the hushed whispers and judgmental glances from the few remaining bystanders.

A wave of shame washed over her, but just as it seemed unbearable, a kind cleaning lady approached, offering her a coat to shield her from the cold. She also handed Vivienne her phone to help her find her way home. Vivienne didn’t know how she would have managed without the woman's kindness.