," I whispered, the words barely audible. The shock was a cold wave, washing over me, momenta

replaced by a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Did you really think a man like Adrien would be captivated by a

hates liars, Daphne. He hates deception more than anyth

bsessed. He thinks I'm his peace, his salvation. He thinks I'm pure." Her smile widened, a cruel, triump

p. The child he had taken from me, he had given to her. The in

lled. He couldn't stop touching me, whispering about our future, our little family." Her eyes met mine again, radiating a toxic triump

nds clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms, trying to ground myself,

ly as he discarded me. He's a master of projecting his own insecurities onto others. He hates powerful women, so he loved my 'mad

rich girl whose trauma makes her a liability. I'm clean. Pure. And I know how to keep a man satisfied. Something

g in front of my eyes. The composure I had so carefully maintained shattered like fragile glass. My hand shot out, not to

lying to her cheek, her triumph r

ice a low, dangerous growl, barely recognizable, a

ed face, the red mark blooming on her cheek. His eyes, colder than I had ever seen them, landed on me. "What did you do now

e... she hit me, Adrien," she sobbed, her voice trembling, a perfect

him to see the truth, to break free from her insidious web. "She's

lost it, Eleanor," he said, his voice laced with pity, a pity that felt worse

ake her speak, Adrien! Make her tell you the truth!" I lun

what appeared to be uncontrollable sobs. Please, Adrien. Don't let her hurt

avy porcelain sink, tearing it from the wall with a superhuman strength born of pure rage. It shattered against the tiled floor, sending

nged, fixed on Daphne. "She will speak, Adrien," I rasped, my voice raw, bleeding. "Or I will make sure she never speaks again

lass. Her lips trembled. I... I can't, Eleanor. She mouthed the words

e a fake! Tell him why you're silent now, when it matters most!" I slammed the mirror fragment against the wall, a sickening crunch, then br

to tremble violently. Then, with a desperate, guttural cry, she snatched the mirror f

cream of horror. He lunged forward, his f

e skin. She whimpered, her body shaking, her eyes still fixed on me, a desperate, terrifying challenge. Adrien caught her then, p