Chapter 45

Without thinking, she rushed down the stairs to help. "Luca, let me help you," she said, taking Ryan's other arm.

"Thanks, Iris," Luca said, relief evident in his voice. Together, they managed to get Ryan to his room, every step feeling like a thousand steps for Ryan. His head was spinning, and his whole body reeked of alcohol.

They laid him on the bed, and Iris thanked Luca as he left. She looked down at Ryan, her mind swirling with a mix of frustration, anger, and pity.

What had she done to deserve this?She began to take off his shoes, then his shirt and vest. As she was about to remove his wristwatch, Ryan suddenly vomited a pool of alcohol all over her.

Hot tears streamed down her face as frustration and pain consumed her. Was this really what marriage was supposed to be? Was Ryan deliberately hurting her, making her suffer?

She stood up and headed to the bathroom, stripping off her soiled clothes and wrapping a white towel around her body.

She filled a bowl with warm water and