All Chapters of Biting the Hand That Fed Him: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

I lifted my bloodied face, the mix of blood and cream making for a horrifying sight.I was utterly wretched.I, Cynthia Quinn, was nearly maimed by my boyfriend on my 26th birthday.A crimson haze clouded my vision.In my fading consciousness, the last thing I heard was Xander stammering, "I'm sorry, I really am… I didn't mean to… It wasn't Natasha's fault; I just wanted to tease Cynthia a bit. I never thought—""That's enough!" Mia shoved Xander aside. "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you really still making excuses at a time like this? Shouldn't you be worried about Cynthia's safety? What? Does dragging it out and making things worse make you feel better?"With that, she helped me up and sped me to the hospital.When I woke up, Xander wasn't there.The anesthesia hadn't worn off yet. The pungent smell of disinfectant filled my nose, and my vision was still blurry due to blood pooling around my optic nerve.The doctor's angry voice not far away echoed."What kind of fri

"Isn't that Mr. Loewe from Quinn Group?""Oh my gosh, they look perfect together!""I've seen them online! Mr. Loewe once spent millions on matching watches for his wife!""So sweet! I'm totally rooting for them!"Xander, who had been featured in local news and newspapers, quickly became the center of attention.Mistaking them for a newly engaged couple, the staff eagerly invited them to participate in the store's anniversary activity.The challenge involved holding opposite ends of a cookie between their lips. They would win if the cookie didn't fall to the ground after ten minutes.The crowd cheered enthusiastically, "Mr. Loewe, join in! Join in!"I stood among the spectators, silently watching as if I were observing a stranger entirely unrelated to me.Natasha noticed me out of the corner of her eye.Xander's supposed "noble intellectual" raised her eyebrows mockingly.She was provoking me.I found it laughable."Xander, take a good look," I thought. "Who's the childish

I almost forgot that I blocked his phone number.Xander's urgent voice sounded through the phone."Cynthia, I saw your comment. It's not what you think. Please let me explain. I didn't come to Bodalie Island for a vacation; I'm on a business trip. I'm working on the company's project."Cynthia, Natasha was diagnosed with depression, and I only took her there to help her relax. If you're upset, I'll come back right away and stay with you, okay? You—"In the past, he would never have bothered explaining to me. This time, though, something was different. He was desperately trying to make it right.I guessed he realized he might be losing me.But late declarations of love were as worthless as dirt."Mr. Loewe," I interrupted him. "There's really no need for you to explain. We've already broken up.""I didn't agree to break up!" He begged, "Being in a relationship is a two-person matter. I can't accept a one-sided breakup! Cynthia, I know you're still angry with me. Please wait for

I replied expressionlessly, "I don't know any Xander. You have the wrong number." And then, I blocked all those numbers that called me to collect the money. To be loved brought life and warmth, but losing love stripped away one's light.By the eighth month after we separated, the young man who once climbed his way up step by step with my help had completely hit rock bottom.One day, during a business entertainment outing, I accompanied a client to the city's largest club. A casual glance and my eyes met a familiar gaze.Under the dim, intimate purple lights, Xander was dressed in a cheap, revealing leather outfit as he entertained an older man.That old man clearly had peculiar tastes. His lecherous eyes were glued to Xander as if ready to take him by force at any moment.Probing and sardonic gazes continuously fell upon him from nearby.At that moment, Xander was nothing more than a commodity awaiting appraisal and purchase.Beneath his forced smile lay deep disgust and fea