You were the one who abandoned me, why do you regret it?

Our parents and Bradyn were all there, their faces lighting up with joy when they saw Bradyn holding my hand.

"Oh, look at that, Giana and Bradyn are still as close as ever!"

"They grew up as childhood sweethearts. Of course, they are close."

"They're all grown up now. Maybe we should start planning the wedding for next year?"

"I saw a beautiful wedding dress in Milan recently. I'll have it custom-made for Giana in a few days."

What were they talking about? Were they really talking about me and Bradyn? How could that be possible? He had made it painfully clear through his actions that I shouldn't have any illusions. If I dared to hope, he'd only break me further, leaving me even filthier and more shattered.

I couldn't endure his punishment again!

I suddenly felt a cold, venomous gaze slide over my skin like a slimy snake.

It was Kelsie. She was here, in the Ruiz's house!

Bradyn had actually brought her into his home!

She stood there with her chestnut curls cascading over her swan-like neck, the sapphire earrings dangling from her ears sparkling like treasures. They were expensive.

Perhaps due to her miscarriage, her face looked a bit pale, but her fragile appearance only made her seem more delicate and endearing.

Her sharp business attire only accentuated her charm as a sophisticated city woman.

The contrast was irresistible. No man could resist her allure.

As I glanced toward her, Kelsie quickly dropped her sinister expression, replacing it with a fake smile as she linked her arm through mine.

I wanted to pull away so badly, but Bradyn's hand pinched my palm fiercely.

Suppressing the chill in my heart, I lowered my head and let them manipulate me, obedient like I had been in the mental hospital.

How could I dare to disobey?

If I ever went against Aron's wishes, he would find new ways to torment me.

On my third day there, I couldn't take it anymore and tried to escape by jumping out of the window, but they caught me.

They ripped out my toenails and injected saltwater into the wounds with needles...

When Kelsie saw that I didn't resist, her smile grew more smug.

Right in front of me, she tilted her head up, her eyes glistening with deep affection as she exchanged flirtatious glances with Bradyn.

But since I was the main focus of this family gathering, she didn't dare go too far in front of my parents.

Kelsie pushed me a little closer to Bradyn and teased me.

"Ms. Miranda has finally decided to come back! You were angry with Bradyn for so many days and even snuck off! He was so worried. As a girl, staying away for two months by yourself isn't safe at all."