My Husband Gave His Mistress My Skin and Freedom

Before I could fathom the implications of taking it back, a blade sliced through my skin with ruthless precision, etching the tattoo of a ring into me. The sting hit me hard, and blood flowed freely. Startled, I jerked my hand away, staring at him in disbelief as cold sweat drenched me.

Just as I began to brace against the sharp pain, Karla Reed interrupted with an offhand remark, "Ugh, why don’t you cover that up? All this blood—it’s such bad luck!"

“The fortune teller warned me against seeing blood. Are you trying to bring misfortune upon me and Carmelo’s child deliberately?!”

Karla was furious, while Carmelo calmed her with exaggerated patience. “Don't worry, darling; I won’t let anything happen to you or the baby. Adelaide, leave the locket behind as a charm to ward off bad luck for Karla.”

The locket had been with me since birth, the only keepsake from my parents before their tragic accident. I loathed giving it away, but as my trembling eyes met Carmelo’s intimidating gaze, I realized I had no choice.

The last time I defied him—refusing to attend the grand Thanksgiving ball for Karla’s amusement—I was sent to the boxing gym that very night, forced to serve as a sparring partner for three grueling days. When I finally emerged, black and blue, I spent a month in recovery.

With a forced smile, I removed the locket and handed it to Karla. “If Miss Reed desires it, I’ll give it to her. Please don’t get upset—it’s not good for the baby.”

My words appeared sincere enough to momentarily catch Carmelo off guard, an unusual expression flickering across his face.

Then, abruptly, Karla tossed the locket aside dismissively. I tried to catch it, but she stomped on it.

“Look at it now, all covered in blood. What a waste, it’s filthy.”

“Forget it, forget it. I don’t want this dirty trinket anymore. Go get me a cup of hot coffee.”

Her taunt was unmistakable in her gaze, but I maintained my composure despite the pain, my nails digging into my palm. Nodding, I fetched a cup of hot coffee and handed it to Karla.

I thought I might finally be allowed to leave, but as I turned to go, there was a loud crash. The mug shattered on the floor, breaking into countless shards.

In an instant, I felt a powerful shove against my back, losing my balance and crashing to the ground. The sharp glass tore into my skin, blood rapidly soaking through my white clothes.

Carmelo didn’t even glance at me, rushing to ensure Karla was uninjured. When he finally turned back, there was fury blazing in his eyes.

“Adelaide Weaver, apologize right now!”