PresentDominic stormed into Valerie's room, his eyes blazing with jealousy and accusation. "Maybe you prefer Arthur's company over mine," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.Valerie remained silent, her eyes wide with fear. She instinctively covered herself with the blanket, as if seeking protection from Dominic's intense gaze.Dominic's expression darkened, and with one swift motion, he snatched the blanket from Valerie, flinging it across the room. Valerie cowered, her body trembling with fear.Dominic loomed over her, his eyes blazing. "Does Arthur satisfy you better than me?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.Valerie's voice trembled. "Stop," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.Dominic's face twisted in anger. "I'll teach you a lesson," he snarled. "I saw how you held his hand—you're my wife, and yet you're holding another man's hand. You won't even take the time to sleep."Valerie sobbed uncontrollably. "I didn't do it with wrong intentions," she protested.
PastDominic's men had finally apprehended Victor's operative, the same man who had escaped earlier, and were brutally interrogating him in the mansion's garden. The sound of fists pounding flesh and muffled cries filled the night air as Dominic's men exacted their revenge.Dominic emerged from the shadows, his eyes cold and calculating, a gun gripped firmly in his hand. He walked towards the battered man, his footsteps deliberate and menacing.Unaware of the unfolding drama, Valerie slept peacefully in her room, oblivious to the violence below. However, the rising voices and commotion drifted up to her window, disturbing her slumber.Valerie's curiosity got the better of her, and she rose from bed, drawn to the balcony. She pushed aside the curtains and stepped out into the night, her gaze scanning the garden below. The scene unfolding before her was chaotic and unsettling.Valerie's eyes widened as she took in the sight of Dominic's men surrounding the battered operative. Dominic's
PresentValerie's fragile mental state unraveled as she revisited the traumatic memory of Dominic forcing her to undress. The recollection ignited a fury within her, prompting Valerie to demolish everything in the room. Vases shattered, furniture splintered, and glass scattered everywhere. Her rampage concluded, Valerie slumped in a corner, surrounded by the chaotic wreckage.Pieces of glass glinted menacingly around her. Valerie's vacant expression belied the turmoil brewing inside. She mechanically picked up a shard, its jagged edge glinting.Valerie rose, her movements robotic, and walked to the bathroom. Time suspended as she vanished from view. Minutes ticked by, heavy with foreboding.Valerie reappeared, her face impassive, devoid of emotion. The shard was gone, replaced by a crimson stain spreading down her leg. Blood trickled, unchecked, yet Valerie's expression remained frozen.This haunting scene was the culmination of three days of catatonia. Valerie had spent seventy-two h
PastValerie's eyes fluttered open, jolting her awake from the haunting nightmare. The same scene replayed in her mind—the brutal torture of the man by Dominic, the gunshot, and the lifeless body drenched in sweat. She couldn't shake off the vivid images, now etched in her memory.As she stirred, a sharp pain stabbed through her abdomen. Valerie's gaze fell upon the bed, where bloodstains marred the sheets. Panic set in.With great effort, Valerie summoned Dominic and her head maid. Her phone lay out of reach.Gathering her strength, Valerie edged off the bed, her movements labored. Agonizing pain coursed through her lower abdomen.A sticky fluid trickled down her thighs. Fear gripped Valerie.Summoning courage, Valerie tentatively touched the area, her hands coming away blood-soaked.Horrified, Valerie struggled to descend the stairs, her legs trembling. Blood streamed down her legs, causing her feet to slip.Valerie's world darkened, her vision fading to black as she collapsed.Arth
PresentDominic approached Valerie's room with measured steps, his footsteps echoing softly down the corridor. Arthur, seated on a nearby bench, rose as Dominic neared. His expression betrayed a deep sadness, a reflection of the turmoil brewing within. Dominic's gaze met Arthur's, but he remained silent, his eyes conveying a mix of emotions. With a subtle nod, Dominic entered Valerie's room, leaving Arthur standing vigil outside.Valerie lay serenely on the bed, her slender form enveloped in a tranquil slumber. Dominic's eyes lingered on her peaceful face, memories flooding his mind. He recalled the vibrant laughter, the infectious smile, and the effortless charm that once radiated from her. Valerie's innocence had transformed his world, softening the hardened edges of those accustomed to violence.Dominic's fingers intertwined with Valerie's, his touch gentle. His voice barely above a whisper, he poured out his heart."Valerie, my love, I'm consumed by regret. I failed to protect you
Past...Valerie waited beside Dominic, sinking into the plush leather of his private jet as it rose into crystal skies. Outside, wispy clouds swathed the horizon."Where are we going?" Valerie asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.His smile was suggestive of secrets. "My private sanctuary."Brows perked up: "A surprise?"Dominic held her gaze while nodding.The jet cruised calmly, with attentive flight attendants passing out discreet champagne and canapes.The hours crawled by while underneath them stretched the vast ocean.Valerie stretched and stirred. "How long until we land?"Dominic looked down at his watch. "Descending soon."Touching down quietly on an airstrip, tropical gardens surrounded the empty runway. "Paradise," Valerie said, speechless."Serenity Island," Dominic replied, smiling.A large, luxurious SUV whisked them through blooming hibiscus and plumier, arriving at a stunning villa."Welcome home," Dominic said and swept open the doors."It's beautiful," gasped Val
PresentValerie's anguished mind replayed the traumatic events that led her to this breaking point. She stood amidst the ravaged room, her anger and frustration still simmering."Why must I suffer?" Valerie lamented, tears streaming. "I don't deserve this. Death would be a welcome escape."She clutched a shattered glass fragment, resolve etched on her face, and stepped into the bathroom. Today, she would free herself from this endless agony.Valerie raised the glass shard, poised to end her suffering. Trembling hands faltered, memories of her mother's last words echoing:"Fight for yourself, Valerie. You're not weak."Valerie's gaze fell upon her reflection. "Mother, you taught me strength, yet succumbed to despair. I won't surrender."Dominic's cruel actions flooded her mind, triggering haunting screams. Valerie covered her ears, but the echoes persisted.Stumbling out, she slumped against a wall, visions of happier times with Alastair flickering:Alastair's gentle kiss on her forehe
PastAlastair's anxious eyes surveyed the bruises that covered Valerie's face."What has happened to you, Valerie? Why do you have these bruises?" Alastair asked sweetly.Valerie felt her eyes brimming with tears."My father and stepdaughter made me... thing," Valerie said, whispering.Alastair tightened his jaw."Your old man's a beast," Alastair said. He tortured your mother; now his new family continues that," he claimed."They're little hands that Valerie held in Alastair's grip."I know I'll be in your shadow, right?" asked Valerie.The assurance was brought by a smile from Alastair."I'll be your shadow, Valerie. Forever by your side," pledged Alastair.Valerie's eyes searched for hope."When will I escape this nightmare?" asked Valerie.Alastair's determination grew."I'll marry you once I'm grown, and we will leave this hell behind," Alastair promised.Valerie was sparked into curiosity."And... what's marriage?" asked the inquisitive Valerie.That dream came from the way Alas
It had been a month since Valarie left Dominic, and the man had been a shadow of his former self. He spent most of his days locked away in his office, staring blankly at the walls as the weight of his mistakes crushed him.He couldn't shake the feeling that he had lost everything that truly mattered to him. Rose, the woman he had loved and lost, and now Valarie, the woman who had loved him despite his flaws. He had hurt them both, and now he was paying the price.Dominic's thoughts were a jumble of regret and self-loathing as he sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on some point in front of him. He knew that he had made wrong decision after wrong decision, and that those mistakes had led him down a path of destruction.Just as he was starting to think that things couldn't get any worse, the door to his office opened and a man walked in. He was tall and imposing, with a stern expression on his face."I am Julian St. Clair," the man said, his voice firm and authoritative. "I am Valarie's
Valerie burst into the room, her voice ringing out as she shouted, "STOP IT!!!" Dominic's head snapped towards her, his eyes narrowing in anger."What the fuck are you doing here?" he growled, taking a step towards her.But Valerie didn't listen. She ran towards Arthur, her eyes fixed on his battered face. She reached out and gently touched his cheek, her gaze flicking up to Max, who looked down, shamefaced.Valerie turned back to Dominic, her voice trembling with rage. "What is your problem, Dominic? How can you be so cruel? I thought you had changed, but I was wrong."Dominic's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "I said worrying about other men is not your concern," he snarled. "I will kill him."Valerie's eyes blazed with defiance. "Kill, kill everyone, kill me too. What else can you do? What do you know other than killing people? I hate myself for loving you, Dominic."Dominic's face went white with rage. "What did you say?" he spat. "I promised you that I would not hurt
Just as Dominic was about to continue his brutal beating of Arthur, Carter finally spoke up, his voice trembling with fear. "Dominic, please... you need to know the truth."Dominic's eyes narrowed, his grip on Arthur's hair tightening. "What truth?" he spat.Carter took a deep breath before continuing. "Arthur and Valerie... they've known each other since childhood. They love each other, Dominic. Arthur has always loved her, but he never said anything because... because you married her."Dominic's face turned beet red with rage as he processed Carter's words. His eyes blazed with fury as he stood over Arthur, who was lying on the ground, beaten and bruised by Dominic's guards."You knew her before, and you never told me," Dominic spat, his voice venomous. "She loved you, and I made you her bodyguard. Tell me the truth: Did you two ever do anything behind my back?"Arthur winced in pain as he struggled to speak. "You are misunderstanding me; I am loyal to you," he protested. "It is not
Dominic's voice was calm, but it sent a shiver down Arthur's spine. "Arthur!" he called out, his eyes never leaving the pair.Valarie's grip on Arthur's arm tightened, but Dominic's next words had her releasing him. "Separate them," he instructed, his voice still calm.Valarie's eyes widened in fear as Dominic's guards moved to take Arthur away. She looked up at Dominic, her eyes searching for any sign of mercy. But Dominic's expression was calm, and a calm Dominic was more dangerous than an angry one."D...Dominic," Valarie stuttered, trying to appeal to whatever humanity was left in him.Dominic took a step closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Calm down. I promised you I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm a man of my word, so don't be afraid," he said, his voice low and soothing.But Valarie knew better than to trust him. She watched in horror as Dominic signaled to his guards, and they dragged Arthur away."What are you going to do with him?" Valarie asked, her voice shaking with fe
Arthur stood outside Valarie's room, his heart racing with anticipation. It had taken him weeks to come to this decision, to gather the courage to take this step. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and then slowly raised his hand to knock on the door."Come in," Valarie's voice called out from inside.Arthur's hand trembled slightly as he turned the handle and pushed open the door. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Valarie. She looked up at him, a hint of surprise flickering across her face.Arthur's gaze dropped, his eyes fixed on the floor as he struggled to find the words he wanted to say. Valarie's voice cut through the silence, her tone firm but with a hint of sadness."What do you want, Arthur?" she asked.Arthur's eyes slowly rose, meeting Valarie's gaze. He took a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to say something to you," he said.Valarie's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "There's nothing t
Dominic led Lily to the backyard, where a beautiful treehouse sat perched on a sturdy branch. Lily's eyes widened with excitement as she gazed up at the treehouse."Wow, Dominic! You built this for me?" She asked, her voice trembling with delight.Dominic smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "I did, sweetheart. I wanted to make sure you had a special place all your own."Lily squealed with excitement, racing towards the treehouse with Dominic following close behind. As they climbed up into the treehouse, Lily's eyes grew wide with wonder. The treehouse was filled with all sorts of toys and games, and Lily couldn't wait to explore.But as she made her way deeper into the treehouse, Lily's expression turned serious. She looked around the cozy space, her eyes shining with a mix of sadness and determination."Can I put a picture of my mom here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "This house will be hers, too."Dominic's heart went out to the little girl. He sat down on the floor
They kissed, and Dominic's hands roamed over Valarie's body, his fingers tracing the curves of her waist and hips. Valarie's hands slid up his chest, her fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck.The kiss deepened, their lips moving in perfect sync. Dominic's tongue swept into Valarie's mouth, sending shivers down her spine. She felt herself melting into his arms, her body surrendering to the passion that threatened to consume her.Dominic's arms wrapped around Valarie, pulling her close as he lifted her off the ground. She felt weightless, suspended in midair as Dominic's lips devoured hers.As they broke apart for air, Dominic's eyes locked onto Valarie's. He saw the love and adoration shining in her eyes, and his heart swelled with emotion.Without a word, Dominic swept Valarie into his arms, carrying her towards the bed. Valarie's arms wrapped around his neck, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered his name.Dominic's heart pounded in his chest as he laid Va
Valerie's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Dominic's past. She couldn't imagine the pain and betrayal he had endured. John, who had been standing quietly by, finally spoke up."People aren't born heartless; they become that way for a reason," he said, his voice low and contemplative. He glanced away, his eyes clouding over. "Dominic is really sorry for what he did. He regrets it every day."Valerie's gaze snapped back to John, her eyes searching for answers. John continued, his voice filled with a deep understanding."When you first miscarried, Dominic didn't show his emotions, but he broke down in private. He's a master at hiding his pain, but it's there, simmering just below the surface. And the second time you both lost a child...his pain was triggered, and he couldn't tolerate it."John's eyes locked onto Valerie's, his expression somber. "I know he made mistakes. He should have understood you and been there for you. But he's regretting it now. Don't you think he's suff
Rose's voice trembled as she spoke, "Dominic, please..."But Dominic's eyes were ablaze with anger, his face twisted in a scowl. "Are you scared?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.Rose took a step back, her eyes wide with fear. "Dominic, I'm sorry," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.But Dominic was beyond consolation. "You betrayed me," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Twice. You think a simple apology will suffice?"Rose shook her head, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I know I made a mistake, but please, give me a chance to explain..."Dominic's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Explain? You think you can explain away the fact that you aborted my child?"Rose's eyes widened in horror as Dominic's face darkened with rage. "You thought I'd never know, didn't you?" He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.Rose flinched, her eyes welling up with tears. "Dominic, please..."But Dominic was beyond reason. "Shut up!" he bellowed, his hand raised as if to st