Chapter 2

2

A moment later, a woman stepped out from the shadows of the hallway.

Beckett untied himself, stood up, and pulled her into a cozy embrace.

Vivian Vance looked at me with pure disdain. "Lyra, you're an embarrassment to our gender. I've never seen a more pathetic simp than you."

The men who had looked so threatening a moment ago burst into laughter.

"Nice job training your dog, Beckett!" one of them shouted.

The blood drained from my face. I clenched my fists, finally understanding everything.

My genuine terror and love were nothing more than a hilarious show to them.

The group turned and headed deeper into the club's private suites.

I followed them like a shadow because Beckett hadn't told me I could leave yet.

Waves of pain radiated from my stomach.

"Vivian, do you want some mango?" Beckett asked softly as soon as they sat down.

Vivian shrugged. "Sure, but they're such a pain to peel."

Beckett paused, then suddenly pointed at me.

"You. Get over here and peel these for Vivian."

My body began to shake. "Beckett, I'm allergic to mangoes..."

He leaned back, draping an arm over Vivian's shoulder, his eyes flashing with annoyance.

"If you won't do it, then get the hell out. Don't use such a pathetic excuse."

The noisy room went silent. Everyone was watching to see if the devoted wife would finally walk away.

I stood there, stiff as a board.

After a few seconds, I moved. I walked to the table, picked up a mango, and began to peel it, bit by bit.

Despite the malicious stares from everyone in the room, I kept my face blank.

"Damn, Beckett, you've got her well-behaved!"

"I wish I had a pet this loyal. If Beckett told her to jump off a cliff, she probably wouldn't even blink."

Beckett glanced at me, a hint of smugness in his eyes.

I kept my head down, working like a mindless puppet.

Only I knew that my heart was breaking so hard I could barely breathe.

My arms began to turn bright red, covered in itchy, burning hives.

I couldn't help but scratch, trying to suppress the agony.

But Beckett noticed.

He cursed under his breath and kicked me away, the look of disgust in his eyes piercing my soul.

"That's disgusting! Get that mango away from here!"

"Let's not eat it, Vivian. Who knows what kind of nasty disease she might give you."

My fingers trembled. It felt like a giant hand was squeezing my heart.

Forgetting my dignity, I crawled to his feet, grabbing his trousers.

"Beckett, please... take me to the hospital. I think I'm dying..."

"Such a drama queen," Vivian sneered, standing up to leave.

The flicker of hesitation in Beckett's eyes vanished. He looked down at me with nothing but loathing.

"It's just a little allergy. I'll come back tomorrow to see if you're actually dead."

"Beckett, no, please..."

I reached out, trying to grab onto a final shred of hope.

But I could only watch as the heavy door slammed shut in my face.

The last light in my world shattered.

I lay on the floor, defeated. I closed my eyes, waiting for the cold embrace of death in total despair.