nor

ed only by the meager rations of stale bread and murky water pushed through a slot in the door. My body was a tapestry of ac

ce. Joshua stood there, his silhouette framed by the dim light of

leanor?" His voice echoed in the

my children are mere commodities? That my love was a weakness to be exploited?" My voice w

s. Not this cold, quiet defiance. "Don't play games with me, Eleanor. You

theft of my future? Is that acceptable, Joshua?" I met hi

eanor. But I'm willing to overlook it, for now." He paused, his gaze sweeping over my emaciated form. "You still have a purpose. Benjamin is

facade?" I asked, a faint, bitter smile touching my

will be released. You will have a comfortable life. A life without... complications." He g

essly destroyed me. He was truly a monster, devoid of conscience. But I was no lon

iant. "I will do whatever you ask. I will be the per

ce was breathtaking. "Good. You'll join me at the annual Hunt family charit

My voice was

rushing my cheek. I flinched, but he didn't seem to notice. He was already lost

me. But I didn't pull away. I endured i

tly. "My love? Is everything alright?" He listened for a moment, his voice softening further. "Of course, darling. I'll be right there. D

door clanging shut behind him,

was not despair. It was a ca

nce dull and lifeless, now burned with a cold, terrifying fire. The "

lly. Mentally. I was untethered from the chains o

culated move to buy me time, to let me heal, and to plan my next steps. The water pris

going back. No more Eleanor Wheeler, the loving wife, the gr

of my old self. Let them think I was brok

regret the day the

to my cell creaked open again. But this time, it wasn't Joshua. It was Benjamin's me

"Your new identity. Your new life. You will be taken to a secure location wher

e – all were incinerated. I was a phoenix rising from the ashes

ost of Eleanor Wheeler, a woman broken and betrayed. Th

late Hunt Corp water prison, as instructed, to collect me. He was surprised

ery eager to see you. He'll be meeting us at the ga

ll be thrilled." I climbed into the back s

was Harlow. A photo. She was in Joshua's arms, her head nestled against his chest, both s

He'll be all yours for a very short time. Then, with a decisive flick of my wrist, I pulled ou

ecial delivery. A gift for Joshua. It must be delivered to the main sta

"But, Mrs. Hunt, Mr. Hunt

y voice tinged with steel. "Or

quickly. "Yes, Mrs.

he perfect stage. The perfect audience. Joshua, my former husband, had no idea what was c

n was abou