Chapter 6

Sophia's POV

When I woke again, I was in my bedroom at home.

I opened my eyes, not fully conscious yet.

Ethan sat by the bed, looking somewhat tired.

I was startled, not expecting him to be there.

Seeing me wake, Ethan's expression softened slightly. "You're awake? You have superficial injuries. The doctor has already bandaged them."

In my mind, I kept seeing how Ethan had rushed toward Isabella without hesitation before I fainted.

I lowered my eyes and said softly, "Sorry for worrying you. I'm fine."

My tone was polite.

Ethan's face froze again.

He continued, "You're my wife. Such a major incident at the banquet. Not only did you hurt yourself, you nearly hurt other guests. Do you understand what you did wrong?"

My heart ached dully. The guest he meant was Isabella. He was blaming me for hurting Isabella.

I'd seen clearly that Isabella had deliberately pulled the tablecloth.

If this were before, I definitely would have defended myself and explained what happened.

But I remembered how he'd rushed toward Isabella, how he'd protected her in his arms.

Even if I said something, would he believe me?

He wouldn't believe me.

The one who isn't favored, whatever they say is just excuses.

The more I said, the more unreasonable I would seem, and I'd only cause myself more trouble.

I lowered my head. "Yes, I was wrong. Tomorrow I'll accept my punishment."

Ethan paused.

Before, I would act cute to avoid punishment.

So in five years, he'd never actually punished me.

This time I didn't want to act cute. I wanted to completely sever ties with him.

Ethan's face also grew cold.

"Good. You ruined Richard's banquet. You should be punished. Don't come to the office tomorrow. Stay home under house arrest."

After speaking, he stood up in anger and strode out.

I watched his departing back and closed my eyes.

The next day, Ethan really did send someone.

I didn't recognize the man who came. I'd never seen him. His face looked somewhat fierce. As soon as he entered, he told me to kneel.

So the punishment he mentioned also involved being beaten.

I knelt quietly on the living room floor without a word.

The man with the rod raised his hand and struck me hard.

My injuries from yesterday hadn't healed yet. After the first strike, my whole body swayed.

After the third strike, I had no strength left to support myself and collapsed on the floor.

Grace couldn't help stepping forward. "Sir, Mrs. Carter still has injuries. Could you be gentler? At this rate, she'll die!"

The man glanced at Grace and sneered coldly. "Who do you think you are? Mrs. Carter is accepting punishment. Is it your place to speak? Say one more word and you'll be punished too!"

Afraid Grace would be implicated, I forced myself to raise my hand. "Grace, go."

Grace wiped her tears and backed out, turning back with every step.

The rod continued to fall.

I bit my lip to keep from making a sound.

I thought, so Ethan really could actually go through with this.

I remembered the lakeside eight years ago, the scarf he'd handed me.

So from that moment until now, he'd never truly seen me.

The man I'd loved for over eight years wouldn't even let me walk through these last few days in peace.

My vision darkened inch by inch.

When the last blow fell, I heard something inside me shatter and something else fall into place.

I finally closed my eyes and lost consciousness.