Chapter 3

They fell dead silent.

Sighing softly, I turned and headed straight to the guest bedroom.

Before bed, Carter knocked on my door.

I was out on the balcony having a cigarette. Without looking back, I said, "Come in."

Carter saw my silhouette through the haze of smoke and instantly scolded me:

"When did you pick up smoking?"

"It’s a disgusting habit. I don’t like it. Quit, immediately."

I didn't argue. I turned around, exhaling a slow ring of smoke.

"Do you need something?"

Carter set a tray on the nightstand. "I brought you some warm milk."

"Thanks. You can leave now."

I turned back toward the dark night outside.

Silence hung in the room for a moment before his voice sounded again:

"Evelyn, are you blaming me?"

"I had my reasons. Your parents were getting old, Hailey is timid, and Hayes Enterprises couldn’t survive without me. When push came to shove, you were the only one we could afford to leave behind. Besides, aren't you back now, safe and sound?"

I said nothing, taking another slow drag of nicotine to numb my frayed nerves.

Frustrated by my indifference, Carter marched over and stood right in front of me:

"Evelyn, I know I shouldn’t have married Hailey without telling you. But my hands were tied! Hayes Enterprises has no international connections—I had no way to mount a rescue. Meanwhile, the corporate merger was urgent. I still have feelings for you, but what choice did I have?"

He paused, taking my cold hand into his.

"Give it some time. Once things settle down, I’ll divorce Hailey and give you the wedding we were supposed to have."

I stubbed out the cigarette and finally looked at him.

In the dim moonlight, Carter's face radiated a smug, self-righteous display of devotion.

I laughed softly. "I don’t want it. I don’t love you anymore."

Carter froze, clearly thinking I was just being petty.

"You don't want me? Who else would want you?"

"Everyone in high society knows you spent five years in the hands of brutal cartel thugs! We all know what happens to a woman in a place like that! I'm the only man who won't hold your ruined past against you, the only one willing to make you Mrs. Hayes. Isn't that enough compensation for you?"

I ripped my hand from his grip, utterly repulsed.

"I’m getting married."

"No, you're not. I can’t marry you right this second." Carter frowned, completely failing to process my words.

I clarified, "I'm not marrying you."

Carter scoffed, consumed by his own delusions, his temper flaring:

"Who else could you possibly marry? Some cartel warlord? I know you might have had to sell your body to survive and get released, but now that you're home, stop saying such disgusting lies just to get under my skin!"

"Tomorrow morning, I'm telling your parents about the divorce. Think about what you really want!"

He slammed the door on his way out.

The next morning when I walked downstairs, quiet sobs echoed through the living room.

Carter stood up as I entered, his face stern.

"It’s settled. Later today, Hailey and I will file the divorce paperwork. Be on your best behavior from now on, and I'll marry you."

"Consider it... my compensation for these past five years."

My parents nodded along.

"We're already putting poor Hailey through so much for you. You better drop this cold attitude."

"You need to treat Hailey like a sister."

Hailey stood up, bravely dabbing her tears, and took a step toward me.

I opened my mouth to reject them, but out of the corner of my eye, I spotted movement.

The moment Hailey stood, the bodyguard who had been standing behind her with his head down suddenly moved.

In the blink of an eye, he pulled a hunting knife and locked his arm around Hailey’s neck.

The blade bit into her pale skin, instantly drawing a thin line of blood.

"Nobody move! Give me three million dollars right now, or she dies!" the man roared, his eyes wild with fury.

My mother screamed in terror.

Carter’s pupils shrank. He threw his hands into the air, his voice trembling:

"Calm down! Please, don't hurt Hailey! Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you!"