Chapter 4

Seraphina's POV

Ashton's voice came from the end of the hallway.

He strode over quickly, pulling Vivian behind him and completely shielding her with his body. His gaze fell on me like a frozen pond.

"Seraphina, know your place. Don't bully people."

Anger simmered in his eyes.

"Do I need to remind you how you were publicly drenched in alcohol at that party years ago? How people bullied you and said those horrible things?"

Something squeezed my heart viciously.

That party years ago. He was the one who came to my rescue, stomping on that man and forcing him to apologize to me.

But now, this same person was digging up my most shameful past.

He once pulled me out of that humiliating situation. Now he was laying it bare before everyone.

Ashton's tone was harsh.

"It seems I've spoiled and indulged you too much all these years. You've forgotten that you're just the Hart family's fallen-from-grace fake heiress who once endured endless bullying and ridicule from others."

"Go home."

He commanded, brooking no argument.

"Go home and accept your punishment."

I couldn't believe it. I pointed at Vivian, whom he was protecting behind him.

"You want me to accept punishment for this woman?"

"I just want you to understand. Don't forget what you went through. And don't think that sitting in the position of Mrs. Blackwood means you can abuse your power and do whatever you want."

Nearby, Vivian tugged at his sleeve, her voice fragile and uncertain.

"Mr. Blackwood, forget it. Punishment is too severe. Please don't fight with Mrs. Blackwood because of me. I'm fine already... See, my face doesn't even hurt anymore."

"She must accept this punishment."

Looking back at me, his expression grew dark and oppressive again.

"As Mrs. Blackwood, you should be tolerant, generous, and dignified. Not run to the company like a madwoman and hit people."

I'm like a madwoman?

I was so shocked I almost laughed.

I pressed my lips together.

"What if I refuse to accept this punishment?"

His presence was intimidating.

"Seraphina Hart, I'm not negotiating with you."

The atmosphere was nearly frozen.

Just as we reached a stalemate, suddenly Vivian let out a weak moan. Her body swayed and she fell backward softly.

"Vivian!"

Ashton's expression changed. He reached out to catch her.

Vivian leaned in his arms, unconscious.

Ashton swept her up into his arms. When he looked at me again, his eyes were filled with barely suppressed fury.

"You'd better pray nothing's wrong with her. Otherwise, I won't forgive you."

He didn't spare me another glance. Carrying Vivian, he strode quickly toward the elevator.

I stood there, feeling eyes on me from all directions. My heart felt like it had been stabbed and twisted repeatedly with a knife. The last bit of light in my heart went out.

I took the elevator downstairs. As soon as I walked out of the company entrance, two bodyguards in black suits grabbed me from either side.

"Mrs. Blackwood, our apologies. Mr. Blackwood ordered us to take you to the basement for punishment."

I struggled, but it was futile.

I was shoved into a car. The car drove toward the suburbs, finally stopping in front of the Blackwood family estate.

The bodyguards dragged me out and pushed me into the basement.

"Accept it, Mrs. Blackwood."

I straightened my spine.

"I did nothing wrong. I won't kneel!"

The two bodyguards exchanged a glance. Then one of them kicked the back of my knee directly.

Caught off guard, my legs gave out and I crashed heavily to my knees.

Searing pain shot through my kneecaps.

I gasped.

I struggled to stand, but the two bodyguards pressed down hard on my shoulders, forcing me back down.

"Mr. Blackwood ordered that you must kneel for a full twenty-four hours before you can get up."

The Blackwood family's punishment. Kneeling in the basement, atoning for a full twenty-four hours.

But on our wedding night, Ashton held me in his arms and said he'd never let me suffer this kind of humiliation.

Ashton, your words truly can't be trusted. Not a single one.

But I was too foolish before. I believed him again and again.

I'll never love him again.