When She Blooms, They All Wither

"Sofia!"

A violent force slammed into me, throwing me hard against the railing. Sharp pain exploded along my spine, and half my body went numb in an instant.

By the time I could process the agony, Marco's gaze was locked onto me. It was a look I had never seen in five years together—cold, furious, full of lethal rage.

"Marco, Anna only hurt me because she lost Luca once," Sofia said. "She was scared I'd take you away again, but I'm fine. I know she just cares too much about you. Don't be mad, okay?"

Her words barely left her mouth before she gasped, clutching her wrist, as if she was experiencing some agonizing pain.

Marco's face darkened instantly. He looked at me and spoke calmly, but his words carried a suffocating weight. "Anna, apologize to her."

I bit my lip so hard it hurt, tears threatening to spill. Red-eyed, I shot back, "Apologize? Aren't you going to at least ask what she did to me first?"

His expression turned colder. "No matter what she did, it's not an excuse for hurting someone. If I hadn't gotten here in time, would you have killed her? I never knew you could be so cruel, Anna. I'll ask you one last time—will you apologize?"

My heart felt like it had been stabbed through with a blade. Five years together, and he knew me better than anyone. I was kind, innocent, and never once hurt anyone—not even a small animal.

He always worried someone else might take advantage of me, but now, just the mention of Sofia was enough for him to accuse me without checking the facts.

I fought back the tears and stared stubbornly at him. "No. I did nothing wrong, so I'm not going to apologize, Marco. She's the one who did wrong. She tried to—"

Sofia cut me off suddenly, crying. "Marco, don't fight with her because of me. It's my fault. I shouldn't have been in Anna's way. Even if she hurt me, I deserve it. Please, just stop arguing."

Marco held her tightly, brushing her hair gently with soft kisses to calm her. Then, she turned to me, expression blank, and gave an eerie smile.

"I'm taking her to the hospital. Anna, you should head home first."

With that, he scooped her up in his arms and left without looking back.

I collapsed at the foot of the stairs, the pain and fear in my body unbearable. I hung my head and let the tears fall. When I had cried enough, I hobbled away, each step stabbing through me like needles.

When I got home, I took a long, hot shower and wrapped myself tightly in the blankets. While half asleep, I felt someone sit beside me and gently brush along my arm.

I jolted awake.

For a split second, Marco's figure overlapped with the man who had assaulted me earlier. The terror hit me all over again. I screamed, but Marco's hand clamped over my mouth.

"I spoiled you too much, Anna… But you need to understand one thing. In this family, when you do wrong, you pay the price…"

He leaned closer to my face, ignoring the fear shaking through me. Then, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

"It's alright. You don't have to apologize. But you broke Sofia's right hand, so you'll have to give her one of yours. Don't worry, our wedding will carry on as planned. I'll take care of you and won't mind your broken hand."

With that, he lifted the hammer and aimed it at my wrist…