Chapter 136

Evelyn's entire body trembled with terror, her complexion turning ghostly pale. She desperately wanted to flee, but Alexander's iron grip trapped her against the wall.

His fingers dug into her chin, forcing her to meet his stormy gaze. "Look at me," he commanded.

"No! Alexander, stop this!" She thrashed violently, her voice breaking. "Don't touch me! Let me go!"

His lips curled into a cruel smirk. "You melted in Nathaniel's arms, yet you recoil from my touch?" The contrast between her reactions fueled his rage.

Evelyn's panicked eyes darted around the room, searching for escape. Alexander's expression darkened, his icy stare piercing through her.

"Remember who owns you, Evelyn," he growled against her ear before sinking his teeth into her shoulder.

Her protests turned to whimpers. "Please... I can't..."

But Alexander was beyond reason. Fabric tore as he stripped away her defenses, claiming her with brutal possession.

Exhaustion finally claimed her. In her dreams, she relived happier days - before the betrayal, before the pain.

Dawn brought no relief. The cold reality pressed down on her as she found herself still imprisoned, Alexander's sleeping form beside her. Moonlight painted silver streaks across her hollow expression.

'How did loving you become my greatest sin?' The unspoken question hung heavy in the air.

'Why must you destroy what little remains of me?'

'Alexander... what more do you want from my broken soul?'

When she woke again, the bed stood empty. Not even his warmth lingered on the sheets.

Every movement sent fresh aches through her battered body. The shower scalded her skin, yet couldn't wash away his scent, his touch, his violation.

Dressing mechanically, she stumbled into the streets like a ghost. The city's noise faded beneath the screaming memories of last night.

Her feet carried her home on autopilot. The splintered door frame stopped her cold.

Inside, Victoria lounged on the sofa like a queen holding court, flanked by two hulking guards. Evelyn's orderly apartment lay ransacked.

"What are you doing here?" Evelyn's voice cracked.

Victoria's smile turned predatory. "You know why I came." She snapped her fingers. "Hand it over."

The missing earring. Of course. 'Alexander protected his precious Victoria well.'

Evelyn laughed bitterly. "Too late. The police have it now."

Victoria's mask slipped. "You lying bitch!" She backhanded Evelyn hard enough to make her ears ring.

The guards seized Evelyn's arms as Victoria hissed, "You've signed your death warrant. Take her!"

Struggling proved useless. A sharp pain exploded at the base of Evelyn's skull, plunging her into darkness.

Icy water shocked her back to consciousness, dripping from her hair as she gasped for air. The real nightmare was just beginning.