Chapter 2

2

A younger ranch hand looked at me with a hint of worry.

"Is she actually hurt? Maybe we should check on her."

The leader just chewed on some sunflower seeds, looking bored.

"She's fine. The real Mrs. Lennox told me she'd handle any fallout."

"She's just a good actress. A total home-wrecker!"

I dragged my exhausted, trembling body back to the shed, where Xena's breathing was becoming dangerously faint.

In the shadows of the massive animals, my tiny daughter was almost invisible.

I ignored the searing pain in my limbs and the burns on my skin.

I forced myself to climb over the electric fence, desperate for help.

I walked for miles before a passing motorist finally stopped.

The moment I got my hands on a phone, I called Xavier.

He picked up, his voice low and professional. "Hello?"

"Xavier, Xena is sick! It's bad, she's dying! You have to come get her!"

The moment he realized it was me, his tone turned into ice.

"Rosalie, sending you to the ranch was just a formality to appease the family."

"I already told the staff to give you the best rooms. Stop acting out. I'll pick you up in a month."

I screamed into the phone, "No! They're torturing us! Please, send someone!"

Xavier didn't believe a word. "That's impossible. I know you miss me, but I'm busy right now."

Before he hung up, I heard Sienna's voice in the background.

"Xavier, you're so good to me. Won't Rosalie be jealous?"

Xavier's reply was dismissive. "My wife is good for only one thing―being as obedient as a dog."

"Now, try this meal I prepared specifically for your pregnancy."

The line went dead, and my heart shattered.

My years of devotion and patience meant nothing more to him than the loyalty of a pet.

Back at the penthouse, Xavier felt a flicker of unease.

Rosalie's voice had sounded so raw, so terrified.

Sienna noticed his distraction and immediately moved to play her part.

"This tastes wonderful, but I'm sad I won't get to eat your cooking forever."

Xavier snapped out of it and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"I'll cook for you whenever you want."

"Once the baby is born, I'll be the husband you deserve."

"I promise I will always protect you."

Sienna leaned into his chest, hiding a triumphant smirk.

Xavier considered the situation for a moment but pushed his doubts aside.

He rubbed her back gently, trying to convince himself.

"The ranch owner is a friend of yours, Sienna. Nothing bad could happen."

"Rosalie claimed they were being mistreated. That's ridiculous, right?"

Sienna turned slightly pale but recovered instantly.

"Rosalie is out there breathing fresh air and eating organic food. It's a vacation."

"She's probably just lonely and jealous that you're taking care of me."

Xavier nodded, deciding that his wife was simply being dramatic again.

Back at the ranch, when they tried to tie Xena to the back of a bull again, I fought back.

"This is Xavier Lennox's daughter! If he finds out what you're doing, he'll destroy you!"

The leader laughed in my face. "Mr. Lennox doesn't have a daughter. He only has the son currently growing in the real Mrs. Lennox's womb!"

She pulled out a red cloth and tied it over the bull's eyes.

The animal went wild, thrashing and charging blindly.

A heavy hoof slammed into my stomach, and I was dragged across the concrete.

Blood began to seep through my clothes, staining the ground.

It felt as though a part of my very soul was being ripped away.

"I'm pregnant! Please, stop! Have mercy!"

"Nice try, lady. Even if you were, that kid would just be a shameful bastard."

"We're doing the world a favor by getting rid of it for you!"