Chapter 2

###Chapter 2

Didn't Oliver think Louise was the purest, most innocent woman in the world?

Fine. I'd make him see for himself what kind of person his precious little childhood sweetheart really was.

[Compile everything you found on Louise into a single file and send it to me. I've transferred the payment to your account.]

I sent the message to the private investigation agency.

It wasn't long before an email arrived containing a compressed file that was over a hundred gigabytes in size.

After wiping away my tears, I walked out of the club. The moment I stepped onto the street, countless stares and pointing fingers pierced me like needles.

"Isn't that the slut who's trending online?"

"Unbelievable. She's about to get married, and she's already cheating on her future husband. You should've seen those positions in the video. She sure knows how to put on a show."

Then, to make matters worse, a greasy-looking middle-aged man suddenly grabbed me, licking his lips lecherously.

"Wanna have some fun? How much for one round?"

I screamed and wrenched myself free before scrambling into a passing taxi.

Shame and terror crashed over me like a tidal wave. I curled up in the seat, hugging my knees as my entire body trembled.

Suddenly my phone rang.

The caller ID showed my mother's name. I sniffled and answered the call.

"Come home, Alessia. We've seen everything online. Your father and I will protect you."

Her gentle reassurance shattered the last bit of my composure. I broke down completely, sobbing so violently that I could barely catch my breath.

"Mom... you were right. It was all Oliver. He did all of this. He isn't worth loving..."

As I tearfully recounted everything that had happened, my father's furious voice came through the phone.

"That heartless bastard! Sweetheart, don't worry. Your father will make sure you get justice."

When I finally made it home, I stumbled around in a daze, quickly packed my belongings, and headed straight for the bathroom.

As I sank into the bathtub, I remembered how Oliver had once held me in his arms amid the rippling water and swore that he would give me a lifetime of happiness.

For five whole years, I'd believed every word.

I had never imagined that behind all his sweet promises lay nothing but carefully crafted lies.

I scrubbed my skin as if I could wash away every trace of him. I didn't stop until my skin was raw, as though I could erase the very fact that he'd ever touched me.

When I finally opened the bathroom door, Louise was standing in my bedroom wearing a nearly transparent nightdress.

"Alessia, there's a leak at my place, so Oliver said I could stay here for a while. Is that okay?"

My gaze fell on the conspicuous curves beneath her nightdress. I couldn't help the cold smile that tugged at my lips.

"Alessia has already forgiven you. Go ahead and make yourself at home."

Oliver walked in, wrapped his arms around me, and spoke in a soothing voice.

"Baby, I saw the videos online. Don't worry. Your husband believes you. No matter what anyone else says, nothing will ever change how much I love you."

You love me?

If you really loved me, how could you be the one to push me straight into hell?!

"I know you're upset, so let me make you feel better tonight, hmm?"

Oliver slipped an arm around my waist and tried to carry me to the bed.

But looking into those familiar, tender eyes only reminded me of what one of his friends had asked as I'd fled the club.

"Can we get an early preview tonight, Oliver? Let us feast our eyes on the show first!"

Oliver had frowned in irritation and replied, "You're always making a fuss over nothing."

But he hadn't refused.

The hypocrisy on his face made my stomach turn. I shoved him away.

"Not tonight. I don't want to."

Oliver said nothing. He simply left the bedroom with Louise.

A short while later, he returned with a glass of milk.

"Milk helps you relax. Drink it and get a good night's sleep. By tomorrow morning, you'll have forgotten all about this unpleasant business."

I turned my face away, refusing to look at the glass. "I don't want it."

After being rejected repeatedly, Oliver's expression began to stiffen. Still, he forced himself to maintain a patient tone.

"I'm only doing this for your own good. Come on, be good. Your husband would never hurt you."

Before I could protest, he forcibly poured the milk into my mouth.

Within moments, my entire body went limp, and I collapsed against his chest.

As my consciousness grew hazy, I felt Oliver carry me to the bed.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the following morning. Every inch of my body ached as though I'd been broken apart.

I couldn't afford to worry about that now.

Staggering out of bed, I hurried toward the cabinet in the corner of the room.