Chapter 2

02

I packed my things and moved out that very night.

The next morning, news broke that Everett was throwing a massive sixth birthday bash for Noah.

The elite socialites of New York started blowing up my phone.

Some were genuinely concerned, while others were just looking for drama.

Everett really couldn't wait to show him off.

I replied to every single message with the same words: "He's Everett's bastard."

If he was bold enough to do it, I was bold enough to say it.

Before noon, Everett stormed into the apartment, looking like he wanted to kill someone.

Lydia and Noah were trailing behind him, both in tears.

I was sitting at the table, calmly eating my lunch.

Everett flipped the table over in a fit of rage.

Food and broken glass flew everywhere.

A shard of glass sliced into my calf, and I turned pale from the sting.

Everett didn't even glance at my injury.

I forced myself to ignore the pain and stared back at him defiantly.

"Stop acting like a victim, Vivian," Everett sneered.

"How can you be so cruel? It's Noah's birthday, and you told everyone he's a bastard!"

Lydia sobbed while holding the resentful boy.

"Mrs. Sterling, I know you hate me, but Noah is Everett's only flesh and blood. He's just a child! Do you have any idea how much these rumors hurt him?"

I looked at her coldly.

"I only spoke the truth. Noah is a bastard. A child with an unknown father until yesterday!"

Everett's hand moved faster than I could see.

He slapped me so hard that my lip split open.

Blood dripped down my chin.

I looked up at him through tears, but his eyes were cold and empty.

"Apologize to Noah and Lydia. Now."

I spat back at him. "Why should I apologize to a little brat?"

Lydia wailed louder.

"Everett, he isn't a bastard. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have brought him here to be insulted like this!"

Her words fueled Everett's rage even further.

He grabbed me by the arm and dragged me toward the basement.

I struggled with everything I had, terror coursing through my veins.

"Vivian, I've been too soft on you. You've forgotten who's in charge!"

He shoved me into the pitch-black wine cellar.

I looked at him with pure desperation.

He locked the heavy door without blinking.

"You can come out when you've learned how to behave," he said coldly.

The darkness closed in on me, and I screamed in agony.

He knew. He knew I was terrified of the dark.

He knew that as a child, my father would lock me in dark rooms whenever I disobeyed.

It was my lifelong nightmare.

Everett used to hold me for hours, promising he would never let me suffer again.

Yet, for the sake of Lydia and her son, he threw me back into my personal hell.

I threw my body against the door, my fingernails bleeding as I clawed at the wood.

"I was wrong! I won't say it again!" I shrieked.

"I'm sorry, Everett! Please, I won't disobey you anymore! Just let me out!"

I screamed until my voice was gone and my strength failed.

No one opened the door.

Eventually, I heard Lydia's voice from the other side.

"You look so pathetic, Vivian," she giggled.

"Too bad Everett gave me the keys. You'll have to make me happy if you want to leave."

I broke down and begged her. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please, just let me out!"

Lydia didn't stop. She laughed and demanded I keep apologizing.

Then, her phone rang.

"Everett," she said, her voice turning sweet and fragile.

"She still won't admit she's wrong. She's calling me names and insulting Noah again."

"Yes, I'll keep her here until she learns some respect."

She hung up, sounding incredibly satisfied with herself.

"Mrs. Sterling, you finally fell into my hands. You used your tricks to keep Everett from me years ago. Now, it's my turn."

Her footsteps faded away.

I collapsed on the floor, my throat raw.

The silence and darkness began to swallow me whole.

In a fit of panic, I bit down on my own wrist until I drew blood.

I felt the warm liquid flowing out, and the lightheadedness of blood loss took over.

Memories began to flash before my eyes like a movie.

I saw the Everett who knelt in the rain for three days just to marry me.

I saw the Everett who was covered in blood after protecting me from my abusive father.

I saw the Everett who promised me forever on our wedding day.

But all those versions of him faded into the man who locked me in this cellar.

The beautiful past had become a jagged blade.

It shredded every good memory I had left.

The floor was stained with my blood, and my consciousness slowly slipped away.